I have no idea how this escaped my attention, but Meissen, the fabled German porcelain manufacturer, has now branched out into lifestyle – in a big way. As we learned from the Financial Times Luxury Conference this is clearly a trend for luxury brands worldwide!
I stumbled upon the beautiful new Meissen site and was amazed. Meissen is of course renowned for its tableware, but the company is now, with Meissen Home, moving into the entire house, with products including paint, lighting, furniture and textiles as well as bespoke design and architectural services.
The new flagship store on Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, which opened during Salone (the Milan home furnishings fair) in the spring, represents the first time that all of Meissen is displayed in one space. Clearly positioning itself to compete with other European luxury giants, Meissen’s niche seems to be “discrete European luxury with a nod towards its royal roots.”
Another lesson learned from the FT conference was the importance of focussing on the experience rather than merely product and this has clearly been the goal with Meissen Home.
Not unlike Ralph Lauren’s choice of the Rhinelander mansion in New York, Meissen deliberately chose a building, Casa Carcassola-Grandi, of major historic significance, one with the ambience to enhance the core values of their brand. The entrance, above, designed by legendary Italian architect Gio Ponti, literally and figuratively paves the way, merging old with new (note the subtle Meissen logo in the transom).
In addition to the consumer, they are hoping to attract international caliber designers who will want to engage their bespoke services for high end projects. They have already collaborated on the elegant Tokyo boutique for luxury German watch manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne, above and the chic boutique hotel JK Place Florence below.
Their branding video, shot at JK Place Capri, below, is right on target, incorporating luxurious lifestyle shots in spectacular settings.
With appealing aspirational scenes, they set the tone for the in-store experience.
As Meissen’s handsome CEO, Dr. Christian Kurtzke explained, “The difference between style and design is culture. Meissen has been writing cultural history over a period spanning four centuries. And when you step inside Villa Meissen, it is something you can feel. You may not be able to put your finger on it at first, but you definitely feel that something is different here – a sense of history that no one can take away from us.” Well put Doctor!
Take a look – I think you’ll enjoy your visit.
Ok when can I go!! Beautiful post, happy Sunday!
Beautiful post. I want to share this with a friend. Have a great day!
What a great post Thank you Just gorgeous line
JK Place Florence is now on my bucket list.
Out of my reach but what a gorgeous store to look into.
Enjoy your Sunday!
XX
Debra~
I am enthralled. Meissen, perhaps the oldest European porcelain manufacturer, has chosen to engage with the 21st century. This is what every single one of us needs to do in our own unique way–I can only catch small glimpses of what we would become culturally. Great post. Mary
Interesting. My mother has family Meissen that she cherishes. I have to say, the images above do not comport with the feel of mom’s old china. I’m curious as to what the brand wants to be now, because it seems a shift is underway.
That quote really sums it up ” the difference between style and design is culture”, I love that. How wonderful that they have embraced their history as they move into the future so beautifully. I was fortunate enough to inherit some dishes and pieces from Meissen, they are so beautiful.
Okay, the logo is so subtle, I can’t see it. Is their logo the crossed swords or is that just the mark on their china???
Thanks for keeping us up to date, as always.
Absolutely beautiful! I love the entrance floor design that mimics the door!! Stunning!
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So exciting! Ming Dragon is my all-time favorite china pattern : ) LOVE Meissen everything. xx