INTERVIEW: PHILIPP SELVA

Italian company “Selva” is one of the most prestigious manufacturers of high quality furniture...

It has been present in the market for over 50 years, and today it operates in nearly all the countries of the world. It has gathered more than 3000 employees driven by the same idea: to serve their customers with quality, comfort and design. Their furniture is in the house of Medvedev, Barack Obama, Roman Abramovich... Interiors of hotels such as Sheraton, Hilton, Kempinski and Hyatt are all decorated with pieces of furniture from Philip Selva’s collection. During a pleasant conversation with Mr. Selva on the world’s largest design fair in Milan we tried to find out the secret of his success.

1. What’s the key of your successful design?

I try to follow trends and accept influences from all over the world. The key to success is a compromise between the desires of customers, designer’s wishes and knowing how, which is based on the tradition of furniture longer than 40 years. Quality must always be on top, and there shouldn't be any compromises. A lot of attention is focused on the processing of wood, which is of the highest quality. We have special techniques of coloring and everything is hand made.

2. Who are your customers?

Our products are primarily designed for people who are hedonists, who enjoy life, who are sophisticated, who travel a lot, those who have had the opportunity to see many things and that’s why they recognize the quality and appreciate the design of our quality. People from all industries are buying it. Our furniture is the bridge of our generation, DNA that is conveyed from generation to generation and still remains modern and attractive.

3. Have any famous people bought your furniture?

Company Selva operates in almost all countries of the world. We have equipped with furniture many hotel chains such as Sheraton, Hilton, Hyatt, Kempinski, Marriott, Meridian and others. It’s hard for me to single out just one because all of our customers deserve special attention. Our furniture is at the home of Medvedev, and Michelle Obama is also our customer. We have completely equipped a villa of Roman Abramovich in Sardinia, as well as the residence of Yasser Arafat…

4. With which brand would you identify Selva brand?

I do not see myself as a Mercedes, not even as the Audi. If I have to be identified with a brand from the auto industry I think it would be Aston Martin, or if I would be compared with a brand of watches it would be YWC or Breitling.

5. We have noticed that the horses are often present in your design…

I love horses. They represent beauty, power, and strength. I think that horse is the only animal beside dog that is a man’s best friend. Thirty years ago out of love I started to breed Arab horses. They have a special place in my home.

6. Have you been to Serbia?

Of course, I like Belgrade very much. The architecture is very interesting and some streets incredibly remind me of Budapest and Vienna. It has a very good energy and my impression is that people from Belgrade are very good people. I noticed that Belgrade is developing and has the potential of quickly becoming a strong platform in the region because it is at the crossroads of East and West. In the near future we are planning to open a representative salon in the capital of Serbia.

7. Your favorite corner is…?

Favorite corner in my house is the kitchen. For me it represents the center of life, because it brings a family together.

8. Where do you find inspiration?

I enjoy life every day. I find inspiration everywhere, in my work, satisfied customers, my employees, friend and family. They fill me with positive energy and make me happy. I always keep my eyes open and observe in which direction the world is moving. I try to find answers to my curiosity and look really far ahead.

9. What is your favorite wine?

I enjoy red wines, although I think that in future white is going to be more popular. My favorite is the Pinot Noir, as well as the French wines. Privately, I began to produce Selva wines but we’ll talk about that some other time.

10. What do you think of our magazine?

I like it very much. I’m thrilled by the presentation and style.