Design Holding Rebrands High-end Lighting-maker Flos

MILAN — Just two weeks after its chief executive officer Roberta Silva stepped down, Flos‘ parent company Design Holding said it has decided to rebrand the firm, and from today forward it will be known as Flos B&B Italia Group. With this announcement, the Italy-based company that is home to a galaxy of furniture, lighting and kitchen brands said it has the foundations for more growth and acquisitions.

“The group has grown significantly, establishing itself as a key player in the high-end design sector,” said Daniel Lalonde, CEO of Design Holding and interim CEO of Flos B&B Italia Group in a statement Thursday. “This steadfast commitment to excellence positions us to continue leading in the high-end design industry and creating value, laying a strong foundation for future growth and acquisitions.”

Design Holding also said the new name signifies an alignment with the historic Italian furniture-maker B&B Italia, with which Flos shares similar brand values. B&B Italia was founded in 1966 and is based in Novedrate Italy, south of Lake Como.

“Flos and B&B Italia, each representing the pinnacle of design excellence in lighting, furniture and accessories respectively, have been cornerstones of the group since its inception in November 2018,” the statement said, adding that the alignment also means Flos B&B Italia Group will deepen its direct-to-consumer connections, benefiting from B&B Italia’s broader network of directly operated stores, targeting growth in Europe and in key markets including North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Design Holding also aims to solidify the lighting firm’s presence in the high-end contract business by delivering bespoke furniture and lighting across residential, public and hospitality sectors.

Upon Silva’s resignation, Design Holding said Lalonde would assume the position of interim CEO, and Matteo Luoni will take on the role of deputy CEO, maintaining his role as director of group strategy. Design Holding also comprises Danish lighting-maker Louis Poulsen, Lumens, Arclinea, Maxalto, Azucena and Audo Copenhagen and produces Fendi Casa through a joint venture with the Roman fashion house. The group closed 2022 with revenues of 867.6 million euros, up 25.8 percent on the previous year.

B&B Italia has also undergone a reshuffle. Last year, furniture business veteran Demetrio Apolloni succeeded Gilberto Negrini as CEO of B&B Italia Group.

Claudia D’Arpizio, a Bain & Co. partner and global head of fashion and luxury, told WWD that the luxury furniture sector, including bath and kitchens, was valued at between 46 billion and 48 billion euros in 2023, which could have been either a drop of 3 percent on the lower end or a 1 percent rise on the higher end.

Flos, which was founded in Merano, Italy, in 1962 boasts an extensive catalogue of iconic lamps created by legendary design names — Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, Ron Gilad, Michael Anastassiades and Vincent Van Duysen, among them.