Description
The distinctive characteristic and inspiration behind the Belt family, designed in the all-fabric or leather versions, is the idea of a belt that draws the profile of the body, encircling it, then breaking off and fastening on the front of the seat.
In particular, in the leather version, the strip is sewn onto a piece of bonded leather to lend support and ensure a consistent thickness: it is applied to the covering as a belt is applied to a dress and an ultra-sophisticated crafting process is required to follow the curved shape of the seat and keep the visible seams perfectly straight and even.
With its classic shape, the foam body designs a shell-like, enveloping backrest that welcomes and protects.
The seat rests on a die-cast aluminium base with a polished Brandy-coloured anti-touch varnished finish, which enhances the armchair and, in its leather version, recalls the metal finishes of exquisite leather bags.
The family consists of a sofa, an armchair, a bergère with footstool, a smaller lounge armchair, and a dining little armchair also available with legs in Dark Brown stained Canaletto walnut or lacquered open-pore Black ash.
Designer
Rodolfo Dordoni
The strategic collaboration between Minotti and Rodolfo Dordoni, architect and designer from Milan, began back in 1997.
Rationalist architect and professional with a multi-faceted personality, Rodolfo Dordoni met Renato and Roberto Minotti towards the end of the nineties. The Minotti brothers immediately considered Rodolfo Dordoni’s cultural background, professional experience and sensitivity as an interior decorator the ideal basis for forging a strong relationship. The challenge that faced them was to create a new vision of the company.
So, in 1997, Rodolfo Dordoni presented his first collection of seats, tables and coffee tables, including Suitcase, the iconic cubic armchair freely inspired by the world of fashion and luggage-making. A successful design, rigorous and non-conventional, which marked the beginning of a consolidated relationship that has spanned more than twenty years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The next year, in 1998, he was nominated Art Director and coordinator of all the company’s collections. This marked a turning point that launched him on a pathway of continuous research, guided by the values of coherence, determination, passion and enthusiasm. Over the years, it led to the definition of a full range for the home, designed for both indoor and outdoor environments and for Hospitality spaces, fully interpreting the concept of “collection” and “lifestyle”.
Year after year, collection after collection, this collaboration has played a part in reinforcing the brand identity and in giving the collections a feel of exclusivity, carrying a strong message of quality and fine Italian craftsmanship all round the world, by innovating and creating continuity.
The collaboration has also extended to designing the stands for the various editions of the Salone del Mobile in Milan and Shanghai and the fair in Cologne, as well as the creation of spaces such as the Minotti New York flagship store, opened in 2010, and the company showroom installed in the headquarters in Meda in 2012.
His many iconic indoor and outdoor furniture designs created since he began working with the company over 20 years ago have recently been joined by some new additions - the Connery and Blazer indoor and the Sunray outdoor seating systems - all characterised by pure volumes, sharp geometries and a haute couture approach to sartorial craftsmanship - along with a myriad of furnishing solutions, small furniture and accessories.