The new name in houseware is SOWDEN, a signature brand from Milan based designer George Sowden. He is using his experience, of more than three decades in this market, to develop a collection that meets a growing demand for new products which embody a contemporary idea of functionality.

Brand SOWDEN offers what is destined to become a benchmark for usefulness - as already seen with the development of the SoftBrew coffee maker - resulting from a creative collaboration between professionals in concepts, production, logistics and marketing. A network has been built that brings products from the manufacturer to SOWDEN partners located in Europe, Asia and USA.

“Industry has changed so much in the last two decades. Factories have moved, designers and product developers have been forced to establish key relationships with a scattered manufacturing base. We now need to reclaim that part of the supply chain that is product design and development – this is the part which creates the identity of the things we use and influences so much our daily life!”

Purpose

SOWDEN is interested in that particular moment at home which brings together family and friends through the shared daily activities of cooking, eating and drinking. By adding to this domestic setting products that are both practical and elegant - with functionality as an integral part - the SOWDEN collection combines excellence in craftsmanship with modern production technologies and materials. We use our knowledge of artisan skills and apply it to the manufacture of products developed in response to a changing mood in contemporary society.

“Product development will become part of a global shift of attitude towards manufactured goods. Consumers are now looking for strong elements of usefulness underlined by design thoughtfully representative of this change. I cannot think of any other period when society needed so much to slow down – consumer society has gone too far too quickly and lost its way… ”*

Strategy

For more than thirty years George Sowden has been a pioneer in the design world. He has led the way in forming relationships with manufacturers and skilled craftsmen around the world as well as collaborating with advanced technology industries. This experience puts SOWDEN at the forefront of latest developments focused by a good understanding of changing business philosophy.

A fundamental association has been made with a Chinese partner helping SOWDEN create headquarters and warehouse facilities in Guangdong province, collaborating on sourcing, production and logistics and also providing valuable support in research & development, quality control and packaging - this ensures clients a further guarantee of good results.

“Finding the right supplier has become a 21st century adventure, one leaves behind familiar organizations to look for alternatives which can only be found by forging relationships with manufacturers from different cultures. It is the same challenge as was sailing off into the unknown looking for something as yet undiscovered.”*

* George Sowden 2010

Founded in 1981 by George J Sowden, the SOWDEN brand headquarters and its conceptual and creative engine are within the SowdenDesign studio in Milan, Italy. Creativity and conceptually innovative designs by the Studio have been consistently at the forefront of emerging technology. SowdenDesign is recognised as one of the leaders of product design, with international awards and a unique story as pioneers in the post-modern design movement.

The SowdenDesign team has built up an insight and experience for products in the kitchen, on the table top, and equipment and appliances for coffee and tea. The professionalism and empathy for contemporary consumer needs has been forged through collaboration with international brands of houseware leaders; Alessi, Guzzini, Moulinex, Bodum, Tefal, and Rancilio.