The Man Behind Kulm’s Fabrics

Giovanni, you have worked at the Kulm for 14 years. What has this period meant to you?
For me, it was the pinnacle of my career. I have been an upholsterer all my life, but working at the Kulm takes everything to another level. A five-star hotel with so much history and high standards: knowing that guests from around the world experience these rooms every day fills me with pride. Despite its challenges, I truly loved this work from the heart.

What did your work at the Kulm involve?
So much. I renewed chairs and sofas, reupholstered walls, and repaired curtains and carpets. In a house with so many rooms and guests, there is always something to do. The beauty of this work is seeing the results immediately: a chair restored to its full splendour, a curtain falling perfectly, a wall shining anew. And working with fine, high-quality fabrics is a particular joy. It has always been deeply fulfilling for me.

How do your tasks differ during the season and off-season?
During the season, quick responses are essential: guests sometimes dance on chairs and leave marks, food or wine may be spilled, curtains can tear. All this must be fixed immediately, without guests noticing. In the off-season, the work is different. Then larger projects can be planned and carried out, such as redesigning entire rooms, reupholstering walls, or refurbishing furniture.

What has been a recurring task for you?
The chairs in the Grand Restaurant. We have around 400 of them! Their red fabric has become a signature of the Kulm. They have looked like this for decades, retaining their shape and presence. Often, it’s enough to renew the padding and reuse the fabric. Sometimes the fabric must be completely replaced, which we have specially reproduced to maintain the restaurant’s look. It is work that never ends, yet it is a beautiful ritual of preservation.

The Kulm has a vast fabric archive.
Yes, the archive is central to my work. Each wing of the hotel has its own unique fabrics, and we maintain a magazine filled with patterns and colours, precisely matched to every room, curtain, and chair. Without this archive, preserving the history and continuity of the house would be impossible.

How do you balance tradition with modern touches?
It is a delicate balance. Some fabrics and furniture are inseparable from the Kulm’s identity. At the same time, we constantly discuss with management where new fabrics can introduce fresh accents without altering the soul of the house. I particularly enjoy combining an old piece of furniture with a modern fabric, this contrast gives me great joy and keeps the house alive.

What are you most proud of?
Being part of Kulm’s more than 165-year history through fabrics and furniture. It is a wonderful feeling to know that guests sit on chairs, sleep in rooms, or draw curtains without realising how much work goes into it. Every room I have renewed carries a piece of my passion.

Is there a next generation for this craft?
Unfortunately, very little. When I trained in Samedan, there were over 30 apprentices. Today, the school no longer exists. My successor is still young, in her thirties. I very much hope she stays for a long time and continues this work. These skills must not be lost.

And now you are retiring…
Yes, I will miss this work greatly. Every morning I drove early from Brusio in the Poschiavo Valley to St Moritz, over an hour, in any weather. My workday began at 7:15. That long journey is ultimately why I am stopping. Had it been shorter, I could easily have imagined carrying on for several more years. But at some point, you have to listen to your body.

What are your plans after the Kulm?
In Brusio, I still have a workshop, where I will occasionally take on small commissions for friends and acquaintances. Above all, I look forward to my home and the large garden. I also look forward to spending more time with my granddaughter. And one thing is certain: if the Kulm ever needs help, I will gladly return. The Kulm will always remain a part of me.