The Italian wardrobes famous for creating a high-end aesthetic in commercial settings

When designing and building modern, high-end hotels and multi-dwelling residential buildings, gone are the days when wardrobes were simple standalone pieces of furniture thrown haphazardly in a corner. Nowadays, these kinds of developments have entire wardrobe ‘systems’ specified into the plans – often given their own room, complete with islands, drawers, cabinets and more.

This is where products like Molteni & C’s Gliss Master and Hector Night, distributed by Dawson & Co, wardrobe solutions shine. Both the Gliss Master and Hector Night systems were designed by renowned architect Vincent Van Duysen specifically for sprawling commercial spaces – but they’re also at home in high-end residences.

Both excel in versatility as well as looks – offering bespoke finishes, sizing and materials that can fit most commercial budgets. They can be configured both as a walk-in closet and a conventional wardrobe, with a host of benefits for each configuration. 

To learn more about the Gliss Master and Hector Night systems, ArchiPro spoke to Angus Dawson, Dawson & Co’s Sales Director, who discusses the benefits of high-end Italian wardrobe systems and their place in New Zealand’s hotels and multi-dwelling residences.

ArchiPro: Can you give me a brief overview of the Gliss Master system?

Angus Dawson: Gliss Master is a vast, multifaceted ecosystem of wardrobes, islands and drawer systems designed by Vincent Van Duysen to provide an exceptionally customisable wardrobe perfect for hotels and residential multi-dwelling environments. 

Designed around a series of wall-mounted supports, it comprises a collection of customisable shelves, drawers and accessories that appear to levitate via a hidden shelf support system removing the need for any vertical shelf supports that maximise the functional space for storage while providing an impactful, elegant aesthetic.   

The wardrobe showcases a distinctive artistic arrangement, blending horizontal and vertical elements that dance across the front in an enchanting design available in contrasting or tone-on-tone finishes. This innovative styling introduces a sophisticated visual appeal and a modern touch.

AP: How about the Hector Night system?

AD: Hector Night is an easily modifiable wall system designed to optimise and exploit every inch of storage space. The Hector Night systems works off a series of vertical poles from which a selection of shelves, drawers, lighting and accessories can be customised. 

It was designed as a modelled wall system that is easily modified and transformed. It allows for both floor-to-ceiling or wall-mounted items to be displayed, and features a double metal finish of pewter and bronze that contrasts with the chestnut veneered drawers and cabinets.

AP: Can you tell me more about Molteni & C for those who are unfamiliar? What can people expect from this brand?

AD: Many people know of Molteni & C as a luxury Italian residential furniture company – but this is far from their entire offering.

Through their contact division, they have carried out many tailor-made projects in leading hotel chains and residential apartment developments all over the world – and of course this includes wardrobe systems like Gliss Master and Hector Night.

Their production size and capability in northern Italy enable them to custom manufacturing to fulfil customer requirements from small boutique jobs through to large industrial quantities.

Molteni & C’s collaborations include Mandarin Oriental Palace, Park Hyatt, Four Seasons, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harrods and Gran Teatro “La Fenice” in Venice. The wardrobe systems' pricing varies extensively depending on features and finishes and is highly competitive with those custom-produced locally.

AD: Molteni & C has designed its wardrobe systems understanding that every space is different – all doors, drawers and cupboards can be made in custom sizes to ensure a fit to any customer requirements.

For those dedicating a separate room for their wardrobe systems, the walk-in closet is the way to go. It offers a new level of customisation and usability, sophisticated pull-out short racks, pull-out drawers and trays, shoe and tie rack, jewellery cases, freestanding islands to complement wall units and LED lighting are just some of the features of the walk-in closet offers.

Meanwhile, the Molteni & C wardrobes are standalone units that can fit into existing spaces, distinguished by their contemporary features that combine essential lines, harmonious proportions, and refined details. 

Both the walk-in closets and the wardrobes have over 50 finish options available for the shelving and drawer systems, including matte and glossy lacquers, melamine, wood, eco skin and metals.

AD: Molteni & C’s production facilities use highly automated, technologically advanced machinery to ensure every panel is cut perfectly to ensure the highest quality of product, free from defect and to minimise any on-site installation issues.

This automation also enables them to meet demands for large quantity runs for commercial jobs without impacting the lead time for all clients.

AD: Along with our Molteni & C boutique inside our Parnell gallery, we have a display apartment available for private viewings that showcases further wardrobe systems. To take the hassle out of projects, we have a full-time interior architect team who are available to assist our clients with 2D and 3D renderings for their projects. 

Learn more about Dawson & Co and its other products.