The Poltrona Frau Group, encompassing stalwart brands Cassina, Cappellini and its own Poltrona Frau, officially launched the collboration with Haworth at Chicago’s NeoCon in June.

In addition to antipasti and cannolis, guests were treated to a tasting of the carefully curated collection, which includes over 30 pieces from the three Italian design houses. Guests were also invited to schmooze among – and test drive – select pieces peppered throughout the venue’s front-of-house, including Jean-Marie Massaud‘s buttery-soft leather Archibald seat and Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand‘s iconic club chair.

The alignment of the Italian furniture group (which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012) with Haworth, a Michigan-based contract systems manufacturer, will enable the Milanese company to grow in the North American office design market. “It will help create a new landscape in the contract environment,” said guest of honour Giulio Cappellini, the owner of the Italian furniture design powerhouse that bears his name.

Watch our exclusive video interview with Giulio Cappellini.