BURO Spotlights: Molteni&C Celebrates the Art of Living with Intention
Objects of obsession
Nowhere in the whole wide world can one be more utterly themselves than at home. It is a place where creativity isn’t measured by the standards of others. Self-expression isn’t merely a slogan repeated ad nauseam, but an unapologetic representation of who you are as a person. Home is where the art is. Celebrating this very notion, Molteni&C and BURO Malaysia co-hosted an elegant soirée at the premier design brand’s showroom at The Gardens Mall.
Setting the scene for what’s to come, Yoong Low, the brand director of Stanzo Italia, the exclusive dealer of Molteni&C in Malaysia, made the connection between interior designs and identity at present. “Spaces are becoming more emotional and intellectual at the same time,” he said in front of local art and design enthusiasts in attendance. “We see this through tactile materials, artisanal detailing, and objects that feel collected rather than decorated,” he added.
“A sofa is no longer simply a seat. A table is no longer merely a utility. These pieces are artefacts of craftsmanship—objects that carry narrative, heritage, and human touch,” he concluded to a thunderous applause. BURO’s editor-in-chief, Jason Lim, subsequently stepped up to deliver his speech before passing the microphone to architect Jason Sim and interior designer Alex Lee, who took turns reimagining contemporary living spaces through the lens of individuality.
“The most memorable architecture has always been emotional. When we visit places that truly move us, what stays with us is usually not the function of the space. It’s the feeling,” said Sim. “As architects, our responsibility today is not only to create visually attractive spaces. It is to create spaces that people can truly connect with emotionally,” he continued, stressing the importance of a place that encourages people to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.
“As designers, we need to learn to educate our clients that some walls are meant to be left to breathe,” Lee prefaced his speech, sharing the challenges in striking the right balance in the designer-client relationship. “It’s important to have a space for expansion or personalisation. Be it a piece of art, a family portrait, or a piece of furniture—a lounge chair to sit and read, to enjoy the view outside. That is where design gives purpose. It’s not just about storage space,” he added.
Further illustrating the theme of the evening, Molteni&C tapped Sareng to enliven the showroom with artworks by homegrown artists. The curation looked to the furniture’s architectural approach to design and its sensory and tactile qualities. Sabri Idrus’ triptych of textured abstract works, for starters, anchored the living area. Meanwhile, Aliff Danial’s landscape drawings with black frames mirrored the metal frameworks of the modular wall systems and wardrobes.
The attention then shifted to the stars of the event: the furniture. The brand put its latest collections on display, each of which is imbued with elements of Art Deco, not as a style but as a sensibility. The modular sofa system, Julian, especially turned heads. Inspired by the generous proportions of 1970s seating, it features layered double cushions, contrasting piping details, and gloss-lacquered armrests with oversized leather-covered trays.
Another section of the showroom that drew many was the bedroom. Here, the Vetra wardrobe island stole the show. Boasting a glass and the Ecoskin top as well as a lightweight aluminium frame, this sleek unit not only organises space with elegance but also clarity. It showcases refined finishes from the Gliss Master wardrobe collection and LED lighting in the lower compartment. Bringing the whole setup to life were the tailored ensembles from WJ & Co.
As the day wound down, guests tipped back the last of their champagne and began mapping out their next interior redesign while casting a final glance over the luxury furnishings. While they made a beeline for the exit, claiming a Diptyque scented candle as parting gift along the way, Low’s words once again entered the stream of consciousness: these design ingenuities deserve to be studied, appreciated, and revered for the artistry behind their creation.
Catch a glimpse of the event here:
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