Meet the Showroom: Laskasas
Flying the flag for Portuguese craftsmanship, Porto-based Laskasas is known for its customisable approach – materials, finishes and sizes can all be adjusted to meet a brief. To mark the opening a new showroom in Design Centre East, founder and CEO Celso Lascasas introduces the brand here and explains more about its ethos for “slow furniture”.
What brought Laskasas to Design, Centre, Chelsea Harbour?
Since we started to export our products, the British market has been one of our main focuses, due to its interior design culture: we recognise that some of the best designers can be found here, as well as great furniture suppliers, so it made a lot of sense to open a showroom here. At the Design Centre we will have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other brands, which will be a great thing to see.
What should we expect from the showroom?
People will be able to find designs from the new collection – never seen in person before – and some of our most iconic pieces: the ‘Norman’ TV cabinet [pictured above], ‘Biel’ bookcase, the ‘Pit’ tea cart, and more are part of the 2022 collection, and while the ‘Dale’ chairs, ‘Wellington’ sofa and ‘Ambrose’ armchairs are not new, they’re people-pleasers, so they’re perfect to complement them. There’s an area for meeting our customers – you can make an appointment or just walk in – with brochures and a sample box so people have the tools they need to specify customised pieces. You can also open a trade account in person here, which before was only available online.
Why should customers visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online?
We believe in the quality of our products, and in person, it’s easier to understand high-quality materials, clean lines and, of course, size. Before, people were only able to see our products at trade shows: now they can come in, see them, identify their needs and customise them.
What’s your brand’s design philosophy?
Slow furniture. Our slogan is “designing purposeful connections” and we believe that furniture should not just be appreciated but experienced. The way we see it, furniture is an extension of ourselves – a full expression of our personalities, needs and desires.
Is there a ‘hero’ product that you feel sums up your brand, or that’s been a long-standing bestseller?
The ‘Dale’ chair [pictured above] is probably one of our biggest icons. I think its success relies on its curved design, high-end materials and comfort.
What craftsmanship and innovation goes into Laskasas’ products?
It starts with a notebook and a pencil, where the magic happens. It matures into a gorgeous selection of materials, where our clients’ needs and wishes then become our focal point. From then, the craftsmanship is applied. We do everything in Portugal, in our factory. From deep buttoning to wood crafts, we are very lucky to have amazing artisans working with us, whose years of experience can assure the quality of each piece.
Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre community to know about your brand?
We would like to be recognised as a reference for Portuguese design, but we are not only furniture suppliers: one of our strengths is also the connections we build with our clients and partners. As a result, they can experience our furniture, our processes and, hopefully, relate to the brand year on year.
