In a move guaranteed to thrill Hong Kong’s eco-friendly furniture lovers, a very special kind of furniture store has just opened on Central’s bustling Hollywood Road. The new shop, created from a partnership between eco-minded contemporary interior design boutique Nature Evolution and Riva 1920, Italy’s renowned luxury wood furniture specialist, is committed to offering only the finest sustainable designs. We interviewed Davide Riva, Owner and Product Director of Riva 1920, to find out more about the brand’s sustainably-sourced products and its partnership with Nature Evolution.

Tell us what Riva 1920 is all about.

Riva 1920 is a specialist in high-end solid wood furniture. It’s a family-run business first started by my grandfather in a small wood laboratory in Brianza, Italy back in 1920. For almost 100 years and across four generations, we have remained faithful to the philosophy of producing sustainable, 100 percent natural wooden furniture pieces of the most luxurious quality.

What sets Riva 1920 apart from other furniture brands?

We are extremely proud of our strict adherence to respecting Mother Nature and eschewing all chemical and artificial products – it’s ingrained in every step of our production methodology, from the original wood to the glues to the finishings. Our sustainable approach also sees us use recycled woods – such as ancient fallen Kauri trees from New Zealand or even the pier pikes from Venice’s famous lagoon – or buy trees from reforestation initiatives to make sure we preserve the world’s natural resources.

We’re also heavily invested in the future, and dedicate a sizable budget to attaining new technologies to reach even higher levels of quality. We are extremely proud of our ability to blend traditional Italian craftsmanship with innovative modern advances to give our customers only the very best in luxurious, eco-friendly furniture.

You are the third generation running Riva 1920. How did you get involved in the family business?

Well, it wasn’t something that I ever questioned. As far back as I can remember, I was walking around the family workshop and hearing my grandfather and father talk about wood. It all became formalised when I turned 15 and got my first official job. Now, my brother, sister and myself oversee the company’s operations, and the next generation is already involved as well. There’s a genuinely unique sense of ownership and pride that comes from running a family legacy like Riva 1920.

How did the partnership between Riva 1920 and Nature Evolution come about?

Actually the story first began when we encountered Nature Evolution at the Salone del Mobile Milano furniture fair a few years ago. After getting to know the brand a little better, we realised that our two companies share the same values, philosophies and dedication to delivering all-natural furniture to discerning high-end customers. From there, the step to becoming partners actually seemed like a rather natural progression. We were also looking to enter the Hong Kong market, and Nature Evolution’s local expertise made it a perfect match.

Why did Riva 1920 choose to launch in Hong Kong?

Well, our company had already been introduced to regions like Taiwan and Singapore, and we were looking for a new market to set up in. Hong Kong, for me, seemed like the perfect choice. It’s an extremely cosmopolitan city, but more than that, I find the people here really respect their environments and their spaces, both inside and outdoors. I believe there’s definitely an innate appetite for the kind of high-quality, all-natural wood furniture that Riva 1920 specialises in, and I’m so proud that we have opened a store here.

Thank you.

Visit the newly-opened Riva 1920 x Nature Evolution showroom at 218 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan to experience these innovative and beautifully hand-crafted designs.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup