The arrival of Casa Bugatti at @home signals more than just a new product launch — it’s the meeting of two worlds. Italian artistry, refined over the course of a century, now intersects with South Africa’s design-savvy lifestyle.
“Bugatti’s fusion of striking design and intelligent performance aligns perfectly with our mission,” says Chris Swart, Managing Director at @home. “It’s about elevating how South Africans live.” This exclusive collaboration introduces a curated range of premium appliances that turn daily rituals into moments of beauty, setting a new benchmark for luxury living on the continent.
Here, the brand’s fourth-generation custodian, Clemente Bugatti, reflects on how South Africans’ rituals inspired Casa Bugatti’s approach and why “habits of love” are central to the brand’s philosophy.
YLA: How did the partnership with @home come about?
Clemente: For many years, people approached us about representing Bugatti, but we didn’t find the right fit. Service is at the heart of our brand — I would say more than 60 per cent of the business. When we met the @home team, what struck us was not only their reputation but how people truly enjoyed the in-store experience. It was about more than the product; it was about the relationship. That human connection made us feel this was the right partnership.
YLA: What convinced you that South Africa was the right market for Bugatti?
Clemente: Timing is everything. Fifteen years ago, Bugatti was in South Africa, but it was prohibitively expensive; the market wasn’t ready. Today, the landscape has changed, and South African consumers are increasingly design-savvy. They appreciate exclusivity but also value authenticity. With @home, we found the right partner to present Bugatti at a price point that makes sense — exclusive but accessible.
YLA: Your designs are often described as timeless. Can you talk about the philosophy of “less is more”?
Clemente: Many of our products, like our coffee machines, are designed with simplicity in mind — sometimes distilled into just nine lines on paper. “Less is more” is not only an aesthetic choice but also about a sustainable one. Using fewer materials allows us to focus on longevity. A product must endure; otherwise, it’s not truly sustainable. We want people to buy a Bugatti product and enjoy it for decades, much like a heritage piece of furniture. That is what sets us apart.
“We found the right partner to present Bugatti at a price point that makes sense – exclusive but accessible”
YLA: South African design has its own heritage. Did you see influences or connections with Bugatti’s work?
Clemente: Absolutely. When I visited South Africa, I noticed similarities in form — the roundness of traditional architecture, the calabash vessels, and the circular patterns of Zulu culture. These resonated with the circular motifs in some of our designs. It shows how design speaks across cultures, reflecting both identity and universality. You can see it in the new Casa Bugatti range, now available exclusively from @home.
YLA: You’ve spoken about “habits of love.” What do you mean by that?
Clemente: It’s a phrase very close to my heart. People who choose Bugatti don’t only love beautiful objects; they love sharing those objects and experiences with others. A kettle, for example, is not just a kettle — it’s a moment of joy in the morning, a ritual shared with family or friends. Those small habits of love are what inspire us to design. We don’t just sell appliances; we create opportunities for beauty to transform everyday life. Our aim is to be part of those moments — where performance and beauty come together to inspire life at home.
