The history of furniture design cannot overlook the legacy of an institution as significant as the Consorzio La Permanente Mobili, founded in 1893 through the initiative of a group of highly skilled artisans from Cantù.

Their goal was to join forces to showcase their work to the public—primarily in Milan at the time—within a single, grand exhibition space. This allowed for a comprehensive presentation of Cantù’s furniture production, facilitating sales while also serving a broader purpose.

Beyond commerce, the consortium has always been a vital hub for its members, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of expertise. Over the years, this continuous sharing of knowledge and craftsmanship has played a key role in establishing Cantù furniture as a symbol of excellence worldwide.
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Quinta Selettiva, 1963. The jury members Paul Reilly, Finn Juhl, Franco Albini, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni - Photo by Gianni Paini
For over a century, La Permanente Mobili di Cantù has given voice to visionary designers, transforming their groundbreaking ideas into timeless icons of design. Today, with the re-edition of our collection, “Selettiva for All”, we open a new dialogue between the past and the present — celebrating the artistry and creativity that have always shaped our legacy.

As Marcel Proust once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Inspired by this idea, the collection invites you on a journey — not to uncharted lands, but to a rediscovery of what already exists, seen through a fresh lens. Each piece is a tribute to the designers who shaped our heritage, now reinterpreted with modern sensibility. The result is a delicate balance of past and present, where every product reveals surprising forms and details that resonate today.

Selettiva for All is not about mere reproduction, but about evolution. It is a collection where memory and innovation meet, where design’s rich legacy lives on, constantly transforming and adapting. Every detail tells a story — of craftsmanship, experience, and an enduring passion for Italian artisanal excellence.
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For over a century, La Permanente Mobili di Cantù has been the meeting point between visionary design and the excellence of Italian craftsmanship. Today, strengthened by its history and the network of expertise that the consortium represents, it looks toward the future with the goal of reinforcing its presence in the furniture market, both in Italy and internationally.

Our mission is clear: to bring the value of Cantù furniture to the world, preserving the tradition of artisanal quality while embracing new forms of design and collaboration.

La Permanente Mobili di Cantù is not just a name in the history of furniture—it is a laboratory of ideas, an ecosystem of excellence that looks ahead. With a vision set on the future, we will continue to transform designers’ creativity into timeless creations, carrying the quality and savoir-faire of Cantù across the world.
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Fondazione La Permanente Cantù 1893 Ets

The Foundation is the culmination of a history spanning over 130 years and represents, for the Consortium from which it originates, a confident outlook towards the future and a commitment to achieving new milestones in various forms—first and foremost, the promotion of the material culture and craftsmanship of Cantù’s artisanal producers.

As a non-profit organization, the Foundation is dedicated solely to civic, solidarity-based, and socially beneficial purposes. Its mission is to promote initiatives in the cultural, artistic, and educational fields, with the aim of enhancing the art and design heritage rooted in the high-quality craftsmanship of Cantù and the Brianza region.

The Foundation aims to carry out activities of general interest, such as the creation of a public archive to preserve the historical heritage of drawings and documents from the International Furniture Competition known as “La Selettiva.”

This initiative is complemented by the Consortium’s project “Selettiva for All,” a faithful reissue of selected award-winning pieces from past editions of “La Selettiva.” It fosters a dialogue across eras, celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity that have always shaped our history.

Selettiva For All Collection