Italian entrepreneurs and American designers came together to share personal stories, highlighting the deep bond between the two countries. The event underscored how family legacies have helped shape the identity of Italian design. Italian brands continue to serve as key benchmarks for high-end projects in the U.S., across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors. The discussion also looked ahead, exploring what the future holds for this long-standing partnership.
Eleonore Cavalli shared the evolution of the brand—from a family-run business to a company backed by strategic investments—while staying deeply rooted in Italian craftsmanship. She highlighted Visionnaire’s transformation into a benefit corporation, committed to generating shared value and preserving artisanal know-how.
The brand’s current strategy centers on 15 “hero products” that capture its design philosophy and global outlook. Cavalli also pointed to the growing appreciation for Italian design in the U.S. market, referencing bespoke projects in Malibu, Sunny Isles, and Arte Surfside as standout examples of successful cross-cultural collaborations.
The festival is an initiative by FLA Plus, the sustainability program of FederlegnoArredo, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Launched in 2020, FLA Plus was created to support design industry companies as they navigate environmental, energy, social, and economic transitions.
The event offered a meaningful opportunity to delve into the intersection of design and sustainability, emphasizing that “truly understanding what sustainability means calls for diverse perspectives and active listening—part of an ongoing process of growth and transformation.”
Green Design Days 2025 provided a valuable platform to discuss sustainability within the design industry. Eleonore Cavalli opened her talk by reaffirming the brand’s long-standing commitment to the Salone del Mobile and its collaboration with industry associations. She outlined Visionnaire’s ethical and sustainable journey, supported by a network of 40 artisan hubs across Italy and a catalog of over 2,000 products.
At the heart of this evolution are the artisans themselves—true guardians of Italian craftsmanship. Visionnaire also backs its commitment with certifications and publishes sustainability reports, offering transparent proof of its efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Photo credits: courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy in New York – Ilaria Zennaro / Joyride International, courtesy of FLA Plus.
Marco Bizzarri, Chairman of Visionnaire, was honored with the Sustainable Made in Italy Award 2025 during the sixth edition of the Phygital Sustainability Expo, held at the Markets of Trajan – Museum of the Imperial Forums in Rome. The award, presented by Italy’s Minister for Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to the country’s industrial identity through social impact, ethical responsibility, and a forward-looking competitive vision.
The accolade was also awarded to Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Chief Strategy Officer at EssilorLuxottica, and Renzo Rosso, founder and president of Diesel.
Speaking at the Vogue Business Global Summit, Marco Bizzarri emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks and staying true to a brand’s core values, rather than playing it too safe or mimicking competitors. He noted that recent shifts in creative leadership offer a chance to rethink business models, pricing strategies, and product offerings—without losing sight of brand identity.
Bizzarri also stressed the value of empowering sales teams and protecting creativity through strong investments in both production and distribution, asserting that true innovation only leads to real growth when it’s fully supported across the entire value chain.
Photo credits: Daniele Venturelli