October is the month of sales par excellence Major design brands open the doors of their warehouses and showrooms to host outlet days: days of sales where you can buy design furniture at special prices Fuorisalone.it® is a project by Studiolabo S.r.l Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better use of the website The long pathway of research and innovation forming the identity of a company that is now one of the world’s leading players in the field of Italian design worldwide It is possible that in 1934, when he opened the woodworking shop that was the start of it all, Piero Boffi already had a visionary project in mind, to create a company that would symbolize a “way of living” in the world, getting beyond the mere sum of “beautiful” products. Be that as it may, at a distance of 90 years Boffi is a prestigious brand an ambassador of high-end design capable of offering an extremely versatile range of proposals bringing together selected brands that share a taste for refined elegance This mission has been pursued through a long process based on the impact of the grand tradition of design The first breakthrough in the Boffi adventure came with the Piero’s three sons It was Dino who convinced the family to work with architects on the design of kitchen cabinets Boffi has collaborated with great masters of design: in the 1970s Luigi Massoni arrived Then came Piero Lissoni – hired by Paolo in the 1980s after the premature death of Dino – as well as Marcel Wanders Precisely this roster highlights the vocation of design and manufacturing but also the Olivettian idea of “unity in diversity,” namely products characterized by a unified idea of what they are what they look like; together with a focus on sustainability and an enlightened vision of the role of the entrepreneur The 1980s brought further evolution: in 1986 the position of creative director was assigned to the very young Piero Lissoni three years after the entry in the management of Roberto Gavazzi relying on his experiences with Saint-Gobain and Olivetti: Gavazzi was in search of an industrial company to develop through his entrepreneurial vision while Paolo Boffi sought someone who would not just be an investor but would also share in his passion for innovation The partnership led to the original concept of “architecture for food preparation and socializing”: not just furniture but also a collection of products ready to be “mixed” and personalized Experimentation was conducted on deconstructed kitchens essential settings with work areas based on industrial models as the result of exceptionally rigorous design Latina and Food Center (1992) models by Lissoni Boffi continued in a phase of international expansion that was already beginning with a series of points of sale on five continents This commercial growth was sustained by the art direction of Lissoni The 2000s brought the development of synergies with networks of suppliers making it possible to design standardized components for various models as in the case of the K2 and K14 kitchen blocks by the German designer Norbert Wangen (2003) Gavazzi thought of an ulterior step: the expansion into the field of wellness in products for the bathroom sharing Lissoni’s definition of a “place of personal gratification.” This is the period of collaborations with Wanders followed by initiatives with the tap producer Fantini for the Aboutwater Boffi Fantini line Boffi expanded its offerings to include the production of closets completing the already variegated catalogue for the kitchen and the bathroom: obviously these were not conventional cabinets but an organization of domestic spaces with walk-in closets Gavazzi’s goal from the outset has been to transform Boffi into a group capable of addressing all the spaces of the home whose move to Via Santa Cecilia has a symbolic value in perfect harmony with Boffi’s vision: in a secluded loft the location has been conceived as a domestic environment that reveals itself along an emotional pathway The focus is on projects rather than products The acquisitions continued in the years to follow: in 2017 Ma/U Studio shelving and light bookcases; and in 2019 ADL of Massimo Luca with outstanding know-how in open/close systems Gavazzi is driven by a desire for “cultural sharing,” as in the recent Time & Style ēdition and Everyday Life by Paul Smith + De Padova collections respectively created with Ryutaro Yoshida founder of the Japanese brand Time & Style both are based on deep respect for craftsmanship with high standards of aesthetics and quality aspects also found in the exclusive collaborations with Bonacina 1889 In this phase particular importance is assumed by the figure of Chiara Tombari at the helm of an updated managerial team in charge of the design of stores It is in this moment that a strong focus on communication emerges Boffi chose to “showcase” its mission outside the customary venues of display of design in Milano Design Week setting up spectacular installations in its showrooms or in dramatic spaces in the city like the (deconsecrated) church of San Paolo Converso the former aeronautical factors of Caproni and the abandoned depots of the railway station of Porta Genova Novelties that bordered on the provocative at the time today such events are very popular with the design community generating “dislocations” that have helped to forcefully define and communicate the identity of the company and its products The high point came with the celebration of the brand’s 90th anniversary 90 years of Boffi: The Banquet installation design and created by Paola Moretti An evening of music and socializing at Rotonda della Besana one of the most beautiful late Baroque monuments in the city: a large green space with a former church at its center a multimedia installation designed and created by Paola Moretti Gavazzi has brought a personal vision of the role of the entrepreneur: “It is about the social responsibility of our mission to leave a lasting mark and to promote quality in the creation of value beyond the mere search for corporate success,” he says always and in any case seeing “the forest and not just the trees” inside this constantly evolving contemporary domestic landscape The largest diffusion magazine in the luxury & design world Like many other countries across the continent where you will need to pay to drive on them This guide looks at what you will need to be prepared for your Italian journey If this is the first time that you are driving in the country, the guide on travelling across Italy is a great place to start From the roads through the Alps in the north to the sun-baked seaside towns in the south to the sprawling cities filled with history and culture – Italy has a lot to offer on your next holiday or travel across the border in your own vehicle make sure that you have these important items and documents with you then you will need to have a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle GB stickers are no longer used when driving on the continent Before you head off, make sure to check out RAC’s European Breakdown Cover which provides a wide range of benefits should you break down in Italy to ensure you stay safe To supplement this, RAC also offers travel insurance travellers in the country are required by law to carry the following items in their car and even crash helmets (if you are going to be using a motorbike or moped) With everything now prepared for your journey – it is important to know the rules of the road This guide to driving in Italy explains the keys to overtaking Finally, make sure that your car is packed for a European road trip – and enjoy your time in Italy Now that you are ready and raring to go – be prepared for Italy’s toll roads Below is a map showcasing all Italian toll roads in the country Many of them are run by different operating companies so checking your route before leaving and seeing if you will be using any of these motorways is important Here is the complete list of motorways that use toll booths: • Help to get home if your vehicle can't be fixed Italy has 35 motorways that use tolls – and they can vary in price depending on the region it costs a standard family car around €9 per 100 km travelled on a toll road Drivers are encouraged to check their official website ahead of the journey to get an exact amount before reaching the motorway Vehicles on Italian toll roads are split into 5 categories: you will need to look out for signs marked ‘Alt Stazione’ – this is where you make the payment at the toll booth All payments are made in Euros at either a manned or electronic booth – however they do accept debit cards from other countries The normal process for tolls in Italy involved getting a ticket at the start of the journey at one of the booths you can pay via a mobile app subscription or have an onboard/wireless unit that recognises when you pass through a toll This will be shown with a ‘Telepass’ sign – where you will need to slow to less than 30kmph for the camera to recognise your number plate Not paying will result in a fine that can rise to more than €300 you have up to two weeks to make the payment This figure can differ depending on the region you are driving in Another method of payment is through a pre-paid ‘Viacard’ which are available at many shops and gas stations across the country Most of these cars cost between €25 and €75 In 2025, Viacards have been discontinued they can be used until the credit is depleted up until 31/12/2029 Finally, there is an increasing number of subscription-based suppliers appearing across the continent – known as toll tags. These work in the same way as the on-board systems used in many countries, but saves you from sorting it out in each country, should you be on a European road trip keep an eye out for the signs that you could be entering a toll road and police roadblocks look almost identical They will be a red circle with a horizontal black line in the middle ‘Alt Stazione’ is used for toll stations and ‘Polizia’ appears before police roadblocks Read more: Italian road signs Many visitors to the country may be looking at the toll roads across Italy as a nuisance although it is possible to avoid them – these are the quickest Many of them surround the major cities and landmarks – meaning that to avoid them is actually a difficult task It is therefore advisable to take the toll roads if they are on your journey to your next destination Following months of issues with airports in the UK – and summer holidays ruined due to the ongoing cancelations – many holidaymakers are considering driving to their favourite European holiday destination With this in mind, many are looking at getting behind the wheel and driving to Italy from the UK There are many benefits to taking your vehicle on your next continental adventure With rising costs of air travel and disruption showing no signs of stopping – maybe you could take the family on a road trip through Europe to your Italian destination Before you set off, read our European checklist guide to be prepared for all eventualities. Driving in Europe has changed since Brexit so make sure you take your time and read up on what to expect Once you are in the country, check out the best road trips in Italy and see all that the nation has to offer Whether you drive through Europe or hire a vehicle once you arrive there are some important things to consider Once you have entered Italy, you will need to familiarise yourself with Italian road signs and be prepared for your journey across the country always follow the road signs for the right speed the general rule for built up areas is 50-70km/h and on motorways the speed limit is 130 km/h fines range for €41 to more than €5,000 you will likely have you licence revoked and even face time in prison Italian police are known for being very active on their roads and motorways – so respect the speed limits and make sure you have all the important paperwork to be driving in the country Read more: Italian speed limits before you reach your first toll road in the country we have put together some useful phrases that you can use at the toll booths We hope these can help you on your Italian adventure – have a great holiday Or maybe you have just come back from holiday where you have found an amazing place to visit Be prepared for your travels to Italy and across Europe with the extensive range of European driving accessories that we keep your vehicle road legal available at the RAC Shop.  reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down By clicking subscribe you are adhering to our terms and conditions. Please see our privacy policy for more details By clicking subscribe you are adhering to our terms and conditions. Please see our privacy policy for more details 18 Mar 2010 • 2m read • View Author Milan-Fair-Andreu-World-preview-and-invitation-1736093920.png Lievore Altherr Molina was created in 1991 by the merging of its three partners: Alberto Lievore, Jeannette Altherr and Manel Molina. Since its founding, the group has been devoted to product design. The studio has been recognised for its furniture design, its interior design projects, its products, and packaging. The studio has been awarded many national and international awards, including Spain’s National Design Award in 1999. Piergiorgio Cazzaniga was born in 1946 and after an illustrious career and numerous innovative creations, he set up his own practice in 1991 called “Piergiorgio Cazzaniga Design” in Lentate sul Seveso. His firm deals mainly with furnishing design, booth, shop and showroom design, art direction and consultancy. Fendi timber flooring's texture and finish bring designer's vision to life at luxury home Outdoor structures: An enhanced Olympic experience, a lasting legacy for residents BOSS Pedestal Planner: Take the guesswork out of pedestal estimation Anston’s brand rejuvenation consolidates architectural products, streamlines operations Sign up to our newsletter for the latest industry news, products and inspiration.