The Faro lamp by Donghia.
Donghia president and CEO Andrea Favaretto Rubelli came to Washington last month to visit his company’s light-filled new showroom in Cady’s Alley. With views of the Potomac, it’s a far cry from its former windowless home in the Washington Design Center.
Rubelli feels that Cady’s Alley is a perfect fit for the high-end, to-the-trade purveyor. “I’m from Europe so I’m used to design districts like we have in Paris and Milan,” he says. “Being in a dynamic location is a priority.”
Rubelli splits his time between New York and Venice, Italy, where his family has run a textile company for five generations. Rubelli S.p.A. acquired Donghia in 2005 in what Andrea Rubelli calls a “perfect marriage.” In addition to the Donghia and Rubelli lines, Donghia represents a number of luxury brands, including Armani Casa, Porta Romana lighting, Maya Romanoff wallcoverings and Bergamo fabrics.
When the Washington Design Center building was sold, there was no question that Donghia would remain in the District. Says Rubelli, “In DC, people want beautiful homes and understand great product. There’s an elevated community of interior designers and clients here. They get it.” 3334 Cady’s Alley, NW; 202-479-2724. donghia.com