A Brand Symphony

In the early 2000s, long before wellness became a buzzword in interiors, Casamia and Gessi found each other connected by a shared ethos: that the spaces we inhabit should move beyond function and nourish us on an emotional, sensory level. What began as a meeting of minds between Kader Mithani, CEO of Casamia, and Gian Luca Gessi, CEO of Gessi, has since evolved into one of the most enduring and meaningful partnerships in the industry. But beyond the strategic alignment, it is a bond deeply rooted in mutual respect, trust and a genuine friendship that has only deepened over time. From shared values to shared milestones, the two founders have grown closer not just as collaborators, but as extended family – championing each other’s successes and contributing to one another’s growth across the region in ways that go beyond business.

“From the beginning, there was a natural alignment in how we viewed the home – not as a place of function alone, but as a sanctuary of wellbeing,” shares Mithani, adding that Gessi’s approach to water as a design element, and how the brand elevates it into something sculptural and serene, resonated deeply with Casamia’s philosophy. “This partnership wasn’t born out of strategy; it was born out of a mutual desire to bring beauty, comfort and emotion into the heart of everyday living.”

“From the beginning, there was a natural alignment in how we viewed the home – not as a place of function alone, but as a sanctuary of wellbeing”

Kader Mithani, CEO of Casamia

Over the years, the collaboration has matured into something rooted in trust, shared purpose and an emotional approach to design. “At the core of both brands is a shared passion for creating spaces that feel as good as they look,” shares Mithani. Gessi agrees, noting Casamia’s role in translating their Italian design heritage through the region’s lens of bold luxury and multi-sensory culture. “They bring Gessi’s Italian heritage to life through their deep understanding of design and the region, thoughtfully presenting timeless forms and precise craftsmanship in ways that resonate with the region’s trends and lifestyle,” he shares.

That translation of values was instrumental in building awareness and resonance for Gessi in the Middle East. As its CEO recalls, “From the very beginning, Casamia fully embraced and shared Gessi’s philosophy, interpreting and enhancing it with authenticity, and playing a key role in increasing our brand awareness in the market.” He also commends Casamia’s ability to accompany and support Gessi through all of the brand’s stages of evolution, demonstrating vision and expertise in adapting to change and meeting new challenges. This synergy was further strengthened with the creation of Gessi’s presence in the Casamia Dubai showroom, a project that represents a major milestone and is a tangible symbol of the strength of this partnership. Over the years, the bond between the two companies’ owners has become increasingly close, built on shared values of trust, respect, and collaboration. “Today, we can proudly say that Casamia and Gessi are part of one big family,” Gessi shares.

“Today, we can proudly say that Casamia and Gessi are part of one big family”

Gian Luca Gessi, CEO of Gessi

Step into Casamia’s Dubai showroom and the synergy between the two brands becomes palpable. It’s a space that moves beyond display to become an experience. Within a series of immersive environments, Gessi’s creations are presented not as individual pieces but as part of a multi-sensory journey. Showers and fixtures activate with a quiet theatricality, blending light, texture and sound into a deeply emotional encounter. “It’s the moment a visitor steps into a curated sanctuary and senses the alchemy of design – encapsulating intuitive water features, tactile materials and immersive forms – that makes it so evocative,” shares Mithani. 

This mirrors Gessi’s belief that the bathroom should transcend its utilitarian roots and become a sanctuary of emotion and renewal. Continuous dialogue with artists, psychologists and anthropologists has led the brand to develop products that help transform the bathroom into an immersive and experiential environment. “Our company focuses on the emotional power of objects and their ability to best express the personality of those who choose them. In this way, the space takes on a strong symbolic value, dedicated to intimacy and self-care – qualities typically associated with water, an element that naturally provides instinctive comfort,” shares Gessi.

Both brands are driven by a design philosophy that bridges emotion and innovation. That outlook is evident in every curated touchpoint and in the materials Gessi continues to reach for new creative heights. The brand’s latest release, Titanio, pushes the boundaries of bathroom design, celebrating titanium’s duality of strength and lightness through sculptural forms that feel as much like contemporary art as they do functional design. Another standout is the Colonna collection, created in collaboration with David Rockwell, which fuses architecture and water into an atmospheric ritual of form and flow. 

A defining trait of Gessi’s innovation is its ability to balance avant-garde mastery with refined luxury; something made evident in its Haute Culture line, which channels the ethos of bespoke tailoring into wellness spaces. Pelle, featured on our cover, embodies this philosophy through its rich, warm hues and textured finishes that capture the depth and elegance of natural leather. This sophisticated surface is the result of innovative treatments that are designed to replicate leather’s natural texture and warmth while delivering exceptional durability. Technology is woven into this approach discreetly and effectively. Gessi’s designs now integrate sensor-driven interfaces, adaptive lighting and digital controls in ways that preserve emotional integrity while delivering modern functionality. “This fusion elevates each product into a collectable work of art for the home, marrying emotional resonance with cutting-edge functionality,” shares Gessi. What truly sets this partnership apart though, is its continuity. “Over the years, our partnership has been nurtured through genuine respect, shared dreams and a deep passion for creating meaningful, beautiful experiences,” shares Mithani. Casamia and Gessi have evolved side-by-side by anticipating shifts in the market, responding to cultural nuances and staying rooted in the principle that truly great design is about feeling.