The coronavirus pandemic will eventually lead to higher quality, more sustainable products, according to Italian design brands that were forced to temporarily close their factories this week.
Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte closed all factories that manufacture non-essential items on Saturday 21 March, meaning production lines for internationally renowned design brands fell silent. "We will slow down the country's productive engine, but we will not stop it," said Conte.
Covid-19 "causing us to re-evaluate what truly matters"
Italian brands have rallied, vowing to come back stronger than before. "Challenging situations spark human innovation," said Molteni&C head of marketing and communication Giulia Molteni. Founded in 1934, Molteni&C is a family-run business based in Milan that specialises in luxury furniture. "Despite all the challenges that this pandemic brings, it is also causing us to re-evaluate what truly matters," Molteni told Dezeen.
Coronavirus is "causing us to re-evaluate what truly matters" said Molteni&C
Molteni&C is one of several firms that spoke to Dezeen earlier this week, before speculation mounted that Milan's Salone del Mobile might be cancelled. The fair is due to confirm today whether or not it will go ahead.
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