Illulian, historic and prestigious rug company brand, internationally renowned in the field of design and luxury custom handmade rugs, has never stopped evolving in its over 65 years of activity through a process of uninterrupted growth, participating in great projects and collaborating with prestigious figures in the world of architecture, design, and fashion.
Interview with Bendis Ronchetti and Davis Ronchetti, Owners of Illulian
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Bendis Ronchetti & Davis Ronchetti: Illulian was founded in 1959 by our grandfather, Massoud Illulian, who opened a store in Milan specializing in the sale of antique rugs from around the world. Today, we are internationally recognized for creating luxury rugs that embody a perfect balance between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Each rug is handmade in Nepal by master artisans, using premium materials such as Himalayan wool, pure silk, and vegetable dyes, adhering to centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.
A pivotal moment in our history was the launch, in 2008, of the Limited Edition Collection, a selection of rugs designed in collaboration with some of the world’s most renowned design studios, fashion designers, and artists. To date, this collection has allowed us to work with a lot of visionary and creative minds – including Zaha Hadid Architects, Studio Fuksas, Karim Rashid, and Naoto Fukasawa – expanding our knowledge and further elevating our prestige in the textile industry.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
B.R & D.R: Ten years ago, we launched our contract division. The first project we completed was in collaboration with St. Regis Florence, a hotel in the heart of the city with a strong connection to Italian Renaissance elements. Since then, this division has experienced exponential growth, now accounting for 50% of our business. We collaborate with some of the most prestigious hotel chains, including Belmond, The Edition, Hotel De Russie bringing our expertise to exclusive contexts.
What’s the news about new products/services?
B.R & D.R: We are focusing on the Limited Edition Collection and customizations. The Limited Edition serves as a creative laboratory that allows us to explore new aesthetic horizons and collaborate with visionary talents. Customizations, on the other hand, enable us to create bespoke pieces tailored to the specific needs of our most sophisticated clients – true one-of-a-kind items. It’s a delicate yet “magical” process! We connect with our clients, learn their personal stories, and craft rugs with a strong emotional component.
What are the ranges of products/services?
B.R & D.R: We focus on our main collections – Limited Edition, Design Collection, Essential Collection, Palace Collection, and Marina Collection – and dedicate ourselves to the restoration of antique rugs, sourced from around the world and from different eras, which constantly remind us of the origins of this fascinating world.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
We work extensively with foreign markets, with a strong presence in Asia. In recent years, we have been strengthening our network in the Middle East and the United States by opening various channels, participating in industry fairs, and collaborating with local designers.
What can you tell us about market trends?
B.R & D.R: This year, industry trends have leaned towards a combination of minimalism and bold decorative details. Rugs with innovative textures, combined materials, and asymmetric shapes are particularly appreciated. Additionally, there is a growing interest in designs that evoke nature, its colours, or even distant cultures. Attention to the quality of raw materials and artisanal care remain fundamental pillars to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning, aware, and ever-evolving market.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
B.R & D.R: Among the innovations, rugs incorporating different textures or even entirely new, surprising materials stand out. These products are rich in wonder, perfect not only as tapestries but also as functional objects. Here again, customisation works particularly well for us. It is a process that places no limits on creativity: each rug can be customised in colour, material, shape, even on the basis of a customer design.
What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2025?
B.R & D.R: 2025 promises to be an exciting year filled with challenges. Our flagship event will be Milan Design Week, where we will present new collaborations with internationally renowned designers that we have been working on for several months. At the same time, we will continue to focus on consolidating our core markets and expanding into emerging ones, seizing and seeking new opportunities for our company.