(LEFT) Simone PITTELLA Managing Director & Charlotte PITTELLA Creative Director, (RIGHT) HASK Shower Head in Satin Bronze Finish
Pittella: A Legacy Forged in Brass
In the quiet corridors of architectural history, there are few stories that resonate with the elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship that define Pittella. Born from a family’s unwavering commitment to quality and design, the brand embodies the timeless allure of Italian artistry infused with Australian innovation. It is a narrative of pioneering spirit, cultural preservation, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection—woven through decades of evolution and dedication. From its humble beginnings in Italy to becoming a distinguished name in architectural fittings across Australia and beyond, Pittella’s journey is a testament to the power of tradition and innovation harmoniously intertwined. This is a story of passion, resilience, and a legacy that continues to shape spaces with quiet grandeur and enduring beauty.
(LEFT) Enjoying the best of Australia while opening Footscray store, (RIGHT) Ottavia PITTELLA Co-founder, 2025
The Beginning
A Heritage Forged in Brass
The story begins in the early 1950s, within the bustling workshops of Northern Italy. In the heart of Umbria, Ottavia’s father, Adelio Fedeli, established a small hardware store, Ferramenta Fedeli. His craft was rooted in Italy’s centuries-old metalworking traditions, sourcing brass from the renowned foundries of Brianza and Brescia, regions celebrated for their precision and innovation. The store quickly became known for its durable, elegant fittings and the artistry embedded in every detail.
Adelio’s philosophy extended beyond function; he believed craftsmanship carried moral value–that beauty and integrity were inseparable. This principle formed the foundation of a family ethos that would one day define Pittella’s identity.
By the late 1960s, Ottavia married Felice Pittella, a man who shared her devotion to craft and design. Their union symbolised the merging of two worlds: Italy’s artisanal mastery and a shared vision of elevating everyday hardware into an art form. Together, they envisioned a future where Italian excellence could transcend borders and find new expression in Australia. That vision would soon take form as Pittella Imports, a bridge between two continents, rooted in quality, artistry, and purpose.
“From the mountains of Italy to the warmth of Australia, Pittella reflects a legacy of family, craftsmanship, and timeless design.” Ottavia Pittella
(LEFT) HomeShow Melbourne 1985—1988, (RIGHT) Pittella Showroom, Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn 1990—1992
Evolution
Shaping the Future of Hardware
The 1980s and 1990s ushered in a period of innovation and growth. Pittella’s pioneering spirit led to the invention of the double ring rose and through-bolt fixing system in 1990–an innovation that elevated both form and functionality, setting a new industry benchmark.
The brand expanded into bathroom fittings, vanity basins, and furniture, reflecting a holistic approach to interiors that balanced practicality with artistry. Bespoke finishes such as Antique Bronze, natural aging, and satin brushing became the company’s hallmark–distinctive surfaces that told a story of handcraft and time.
National distribution soon followed, and by the late 1990s, Pittella launched an online catalogue–extending its reach to architects and designers across the world. With each milestone, the company reaffirmed its dedication to design excellence and the enduring beauty of craftsmanship.
(LEFT) Pittella Rosette detail Brescia, Italy, (RIGHT)Tumbling, Brescia, Italy
The Third Generation
All Our Yesterdays for Today
As the new century dawned, leadership passed to the third generation; Simone and Charlotte Pittella. Their stewardship ushered in a renewed focus on design, materiality, and heritage. They understood that innovation must be anchored in tradition, and that true modernity evolves, rather than replaces, what came before.
Under their direction, Pittella’s collections grew to encompass classical, post-modern, and contemporary designs–each executed with the same meticulous care that had defined the brand for decades. Collaborations with leading architects and interior designers flourished, reinforcing Pittella’s reputation as a trusted design partner.
Beyond product innovation, the family fostered a culture of loyalty, service, and integrity–values that continue to define every relationship Pittella forms.
Future Vision
The Story Continues
Today, Pittella’s legacy continues to evolve. Guided by the third generation, the brand has expanded into the realm of bathroom and kitchen design, integrating tapware, fixtures, and accessories into a unified visual language. Collections such as IOS, KEA, and collaborations with Treemme embody a dialogue between heritage and innovation–crafted in the brass foundries of Piedmont and Tuscany, where artisanal mastery meets contemporary form.
Each piece celebrates material honesty through textured “tumbled brass” finishes and sculptural silhouettes that transform daily rituals into moments of sensory refinement. This expansion reflects Pittella’s holistic design philosophy–where form, function, and emotion converge to create spaces of quiet luxury.
Rooted in collaboration and guided by craft, Pittella continues to reinterpret classical motifs with subtle modernity. Its story, more than seventy years in the making, remains one of endurance and evolution–a living expression of beauty, precision, and the timeless art of making.
