Looking back one can easily understand that the key to the success of the brand is the working method and the strong specialization. Working closely with luxury hotel Interior Designers has allowed us to understand which were the needs of our common customers. Our culture of lighting allowed us to respond to these needs with innovative, functional and, above all, beautiful products. A couple of examples.

In 1986, when the lamp technology provides us with the miniaturized low-power halogen lamps, MLE develops the first reading lamp with adjustable arm. The new device makes light and can be oriented without burning. MLE arises then a new concept of illumination which is then subsequently developed with the introduction of the LEDs together with L.Bellini (Opera, 2003).

In 1988 MLE launched Carlton, with PY Rochon. The first bathroom lamp with degree of protection from water IP44. Only later the European legislators did realize that in wet areas is necessary to protect the client of the hotel and then enact regulations.

The specialization of the MLE is a market specialization. Market specialization means to focus on the needs of all the actors involved in the project and in the management of the hotel. The answers to these needs have to be included into the product range thanks to a well based Company Culture.

We have been based in Florence for over 20 years. It is a fantastic territory for its vocation to art, beauty, balance of shapes and colors. But the territory has also a very important industrial and artisan network which has led many local companies to excel in the world market, each in its own sector. Within a radius of 40 kilometers from the site we have selected about 400 suppliers who make up about 90% of the components of our products.

The first companies of the Tuscan district of leather were born in the second half of 1800. One of the pioneers was Guccio Gucci who, in the Twenties, decides to open a laboratory specialized in leather goods, luggage and saddlery, along with a shop in Florence. The operations remain purely on artisanal scale.

All the stages of the production process are performed within the laboratories, providing a quality product. The craftsman works “on order”, designing and manufacturing customized products. The skills start to grow, especially in the treatment of particular materials, such as crocodile hides and lizard. Thanks to these roots Florence and Tuscany are now in first place in the world for the production of luxury and high quality leather goods. From this year MLE introduces this immense wealth of knowledge in its products, entering the skin as a new finish on historical products and creating new products to enhance their value.