PORRO 100 YEARS ANNIVERSARY: A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND DESIGN

Images courtesy of Porro

IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
First publication March 14, 2025

For a century, Porro has defined Italian design with innovation and craftsmanship. Rooted in Brianza, its journey has been shaped by a deep connection to its homeland and a network of creative minds. Driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Porro continues to evolve, blending high-tech solutions with timeless aesthetics.

A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE

Porro’s four generations have consistently pushed boundaries while staying true to their design philosophy: purity of form, technological advancement, and artisanal precision.

Cubovo by Bruno Munari

Shinto by Piero Lissoni

Ferro by Piero Lissoni

Load-it by Wolfgang Tolk

Modern by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro

Presented by Coulisse | INK

● The First Generation: 1925 – The Craftsmanship Era: Founders Giulio and Stefano Porro establish a woodworking workshop, producing bespoke furniture for Milan’s elite.

● The Second Generation: Post-WWII – Industrial Transformation: Carlo, Arturo, and Silvio modernize production, introducing bedroom collections and collaborating with visionaries like Bruno Munari.

● The Third Generation: 1970s – The Design Revolution: Lorenzo, Fabio, Giovanni, and Danilo Porro—transformed the company by introducing digitalization,and collaborated with designers like Piero Lissoni redefine Porro’s identity, merging form with function.

● The Fourth Generation: 2000s – A Global Vision & Global Player: Maria Porro leads the brand into the future with sustainable, just-in-time production and an architect-focused strategy.

ICONIC DESIGN MILESTONES

Piero Lissoni

Storage by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro

Linea by Alessandro Mendini

Romby by GamFratesi

Libris by Pierro Lissoni

Metallico by Piero Lissoni

● SHINTO (1992) – Piero Lissoni revolutionized bedroom design with a modular, adaptable sleeping system.

● FERRO (1994) – Piero Lissoni’s table inspired by an airplane wing, this table merges industrial craftsmanship with sculptural elegance.

● LOAD-IT (1995) – Wolfgang Tolk’s minimalist bookshelf creates an illusion of floating books, redefining storage.

● MODERN (1996) – Piero Lissoni + Porro Research Center, a modular system that seamlessly integrates into living spaces, born from an architectural mindset.

● STORAGE (2000) – Piero Lissoni + Porro Research Center, the first wardrobe system eliminating side panels for an open, customizable interior.

● METALLICO (2011) – Piero Lissoni, a fusion of technology and craftsmanship, this table exemplifies refined industrial design.

● EX-LIBRIS (2011) – Piero Lissoni, a glass showcase balancing transparency and structure, perfect for display and division.

● ROMBY (2020) – GamFratesi, a vintage-inspired chair with impeccable craftsmanship, embodying Porro’s design ethos.

● LINEA (2023) – Alessandro Mendini explores Porro’s mastery of materials, offering an extensive range of refined finishes. With an unparalleled selection of materials—19 wood essences, 31 lacquers, specialty glasses, and metals—Porro enables fully customized interiors, balancing tradition with contemporary vision.

Celebrating 100 years, Porro remains at the forefront of design, blending heritage with cutting-edge innovation to shape the future of living spaces.