On Friday afternoon, architects, designers, and selected journalists gathered at Palais Harrach for a very special occasion: Designer Francesco Rota, along with Anna Lenti and Bernhard Kramer, presented in Vienna the anniversary edition of the iconic, award-winning products Linea and Wave.

In addition to these significant milestones in their 25-year collaboration, other iconic collections such as “Ami,” “Float,” “Move,” and “Harbour” are part of the remarkable body of work that Francesco Rota has created for Paola Lenti. A noteworthy topic of discussion during the engaging conversation was the daring venture into the outdoor world 20 years ago, a journey embarked upon with Francesco Rota. They also talked about material research and personal highlights from the company’s shared history. Rota’s design influence can be seen in nearly 100 projects over the past 25 years, with most of them being realized, making him a key contributor to Paola Lenti’s successful collections.

Naturally, the conversation revolved around their collaboration, which has been nurtured by a long-lasting friendship. “My longest relationship with a woman,” Rota jokingly remarked. Anna Lenti mentioned the delightful back-and-forth in product development and shared the beginnings of their research on textiles and fabrics, which led to the distinctive color palette of Paola Lenti’s products.
A brief retrospective: Paola Lenti and Francesco Rota met in the late 1990s through mutual friends. The company was still small at that time, but it already had a strong inclination to experiment with materials. They were particularly focused on researching yarns and fabrics to create new weaves, shapes, and color combinations. Paola Lenti wished to give dimension to felt, a dense and solid material still used today for their carpets. In Francesco Rota, she found the ideal intellectual partner who not only contributed with his ability to shape the material but also shared a common vision characterized by openness, curiosity, and humility.

We hope there will be many more opportunities to celebrate iconic design.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us!
And don’t miss the two exclusive chaise lounges “Linea” and “Wave” at the Paola Lenti Store in Vienna!

Paola Lenti Wien, Kramer and Kramer

ph. © Erick Knight