Happenings - Zanotta SpA

FOCUSHappeningsno.2/09 p.5Fabrics inthe limelightManufacturing qualityfurniture has always beenthe focus of Zanotta’s workand design philosophy.Starting from the selectionand processing phases offabrics for upholsterySome rolls offabric inZanotta’s NovaMilaneseproduction facility.From the very beginning Zanottadecided to control the entireproduction line, ranging from thechoice of materials andcomponents, to finishes, and after-salescustomer service, creating products thatstand out for high design standards,workmanship and functionality. It is no merechance that fabrics play a key role in winningappreciation and success with quality thatcan be personally experienced, and whichhas been confirmed over the years as aguarantee of comfort, duration and safety.These parameters can be scientifically testedby technical regulations applied and updatedby the company throughout its entireindustrial production cycle.Fabric controls: testsconducted by ZanottaColour fastness:mechanical washingwashing with soap at 40°Cdry cleaningdry rubbingartificial lightShrinking and sagging:mechanical washinghand washingdry cleaningPhysical and mechanical resistance:tearingpillingscrapingOVERALL QUALITYFabric upholstery is Zanotta’s pride inthe company’s quality quest. Thetechnical, aesthetic and emotionalfeatures of selected collections makeevery product one of a kind, with ampleroom for customisation. Only materialsthat pass the strict resistance andduration controls and tests can step intoZanotta’s world. Fabrics are evaluated bya team of experts under the guidance ofEmilio Zanotta’s long-standingcompetence. This precise, ongoing taskis carried out only after keen researchconducted in specialist fairs to seek newfibres, yarns and colours presented bythe best producers. The process relieson close cooperation with habitualsuppliers. «Relations established withhistorical suppliers are of the utmostimportance, - says Mr Emilio - Wecooperate with the best textilecompanies in the world, and we knowtheir quality and reliability, just as theyhave learnt to know our philosophy andthe characteristics required of fabricschosen by Zanotta for its collections».The company especially works with highendItalian manufacturers, with whom itimplements common research projectsfocused on perfecting targeted productsfor a demanding public.QUALITY TAILORINGZanotta beds privilege natural fabrics toattire night with choice fibres obtainedfrom wool, cotton and linen. «Todaynatural fabrics meet the purchaser’sclear appreciation. The ultimatestabilising, anti-crease and anti-stainprocessing methods ensure satisfactionin terms of technical performance»,explains Emilio Zanotta. Concerningpadded items, priority is given tocomfortable, resistant fabrics withweaves and shades in tune with modernlifestyles. Fabrics in Zanotta collectionsundergo strict controls to ascertain theirexcellence: colour-fastness in artificiallight and to various washing modes andrubbing; shrinking or sagging afterwashing, and physical and mechanicalresistance to numberless conditions ofuse. The label sewn on all fabric coversindicates the composition of the fibre,and provides correct maintenanceinstructions. But a strong point is the“tailor-made” feature. As Mr Zanottasays: «The crucial moments of thetailoring phase are cutting and sewing.Concerning the first point, part of it isstill manually performed, and part isentrusted to modern electronicmachinery. Sewing is done with highprecision machines chosen to suit thetype of upholstery that will enhance theproduct with a finish that makes themost of it. Tailoring is an essentialmoment that enhances every elementwith added value. A good fabric, like agood product, would not be suchwithout perfect cutting and sewing».