This article is featured in our Design special section, where we explore new interpretations of antique design styles. While tabloid newspapers and television dramas enjoy sensationalizing horror stories about family businesses, with Machiavellian parents manipulating their power-hungry children like pawns on a chessboard, the reality of passing authority to the younger generations is a challenge many design companies face. These heirs must confront a future that is digitally-driven, environmentally conscious, and globally interconnected in ways their ancestors could not have imagined.
Ligne Roset:
Antoine and Olivier Roset have recently been named co-chief executives of Roset SAS, the parent company of the French furniture brand Ligne Roset. Established in 1860 by Antoine Roset, Ligne Roset initially manufactured walking sticks and umbrellas. The current leaders, both first cousins and great-great-grandsons of the founder, Antoine and Olivier, have been working at the company’s headquarters in Briord, France since 2006. Antoine oversees Ligne Roset’s North American division while Olivier handles finance and general management.
Ligne Roset has a strong history of collaborating with emerging designers, and the Roset cousins believe that investing in equipment to support new designs is crucial for staying at the forefront of the industry. According to Antoine, it is essential for a manufacturer committed to design and development. Olivier adds that a company can only give visionary designers free rein if they have the technological capabilities to bring their ideas to life.
In partnership with California biotechnology company MycoWorks, the Rosets are currently working on creating a new type of vegan leather made from mushrooms. While other companies are experimenting with alternative materials, Ligne Roset aims to be the first to offer a sustainable vegan leather as a permanent part of their product line.
Simultaneously, the Rosets are revisiting iconic furniture pieces like Togo, a low, cocoon-like sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy 50 years ago. They even have a podcast dedicated to exploring its development.
Maison Leleu:
At just 38 years old, Alexia Leleu is determined to revive her family’s business, Maison Leleu, which abruptly closed 50 years ago. Founded in 1910 by her great-grandfather Jules Leleu, the renowned Paris design house was known for its limited-edition furniture, rugs, and lighting. Maison Leleu’s downfall came in 1973 when the shah of Iran, who commissioned the company to create an installation for the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, never paid the bill due to the brewing revolution in Iran. To avoid bankruptcy, the business had no choice but to shut down.
Six years ago, Alexia, who originally worked in the pharmaceutical industry, discovered a treasure trove of the company’s archives kept by a former secretary, Françoise Siriex. This discovery inspired Alexia to resurrect Maison Leleu. With a background in art and furniture history and a desire to honor her family’s legacy, Alexia decided to move beyond simply reissuing old pieces. While it wasn’t easy to secure the rights from 40 different holders, she financed the business herself and invited other family members to join in writing this new chapter.
To diversify, Alexia is studying to become an interior designer to offer a comprehensive design package. She has also launched her own line of furniture and rugs. Confident in her abilities and trusting her DNA, she believes she can bring Maison Leleu back to its former glory.
Loretta Caponi:
Guido Caponi, 35, serves as the chief operating officer of Loretta Caponi, an esteemed Florentine atelier named after his grandmother. Guido’s mother, Lucia Caponi, holds the position of chief executive. Since 1967, the company has crafted exquisite hand-embroidered household linens and lingerie. Guido pursued a law degree at the University of Florence but always intended to join the family business. He spent significant time exploring the company’s archives, captivated by its unique essence. Guido describes Loretta Caponi as having something special, a quality he wants others to experience.
Guido has ambitious plans for Loretta Caponi. He aims to expand its international presence, digitize internal operations, and increase production without compromising the quality and identity of the textiles. Although these plans will require more artisans, Guido ensures that they will all be located within a 50-mile radius of Florence, and the craftsmanship will remain entirely handmade. Currently, the company has over 50 dealers worldwide, with its first shop-in-shop opening at Harrods in London. Opening a store in the United States is the ultimate dream for Loretta Caponi, but Guido acknowledges that it will take time. In the meantime, the company is showcasing its linens on Abask, a new website by the founder of Matches fashion retailer.
Wengler:
Karen Wengler, 38, is breathing new life into her family’s rattan business in Copenhagen, which has been dormant for decades. The company was initially established in 1850 by her great-great-grandfather Robert Wengler and started as a seller of housewares. As the demand for backyard, beach, and resort furniture grew with the rise of leisure culture at the end of the 19th century, Robert Wengler seized the opportunity. The company gained recognition for producing high-quality wicker furniture and earned commissions from the Danish royal family and Czar Nicholas II of Russia. It also collaborated with renowned Danish modernists like Arne Jacobsen and Nanna Ditzel, creating iconic pieces such as the 1959 Egg chair. However, when Karen’s grandfather chose a medical career over taking over the family business, the company struggled to find a successor.
Karen combines her ancestor’s skills and has a master’s degree in business. She began her career in product development at pharmaceutical and medical technology companies. In collaboration with the Danish-American company Form, Karen has brought several Wengler pieces back to life, including a lounge chair from 1945 and a chaise from 1955 sold by CB2. More pieces from the archives will be available later this year through the Scandinavian lifestyle brand Dansk.
Etel:
Etel Carmona founded São Paulo-based company Etel in 1985, which has not only created innovative furniture designs but also played a significant role in preserving Brazilian cultural history. In 1995, Etel made a bold entrance into the design world by showcasing 50 unique pieces at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
Lissa Carmona, Etel’s daughter and currently the company’s chief executive, initially pursued a career in finance but later immersed herself in design. She assumed the leadership role in 2008. Etel’s collection now includes works by acclaimed designers such as Oscar Niemeyer, Oswaldo Bratke, and Jorge Zalszupin. In 2020, Lissa Carmona paid tribute to Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish-Brazilian designer and architect, by transforming his former residence in São Paulo into a museum dedicated to his work.
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