How to turn an armchair into a work of art

«Even though I’m an artist and I always try to look to the future, I always had a passion for the traditional style of things. And collaborating with Poltrona Frau was appealing because they have a great history and a long tradition», explained Felipe Pantone in a video call from Valencia following his collaboration with the historic Italian brand. The Argentinean-Spanish artist has been called upon by Poltrona Frau, which this year celebrates its 110th anniversary, to transform the historic Archibald model designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, one of Poltrona Frau's most famous designs, with a print that has never before been used on an armchair. The version signed by Felipe Pantone will be a limited edition of only 110 pieces (as many as the years of the brand) and  is produced for the first time in Pelle Frau Impact Less®, a chrome-free leather that allows for a substantial reduction in the use of water, chemical components and the release of pollutants. Along with the traditional armchair, the brand has also produced a "mini" version as an exclusive collectible.

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Translating his works, that are studies on light refraction, color and repetition, into the world of furniture design was not a complete novelty: «It’s not the first time I work with textiles – I did a lot of project with clothes», explains Felipe, although the biggest challenge in creating this limited-edition chair has been «to distort the design to adapt it to the round shape of the chair». The result of the synergy is somewhere between real furniture and object d'art: «I would say that this armchair, in addition to its practical aspect, has its artistic side. I believe that an everyday object should not speak, it should be useful but without its own voice - unlike a work of art which always has its own voice. And I think this chair is a powerful object, with a voice of its own».

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Credits: nss magazine

Poltrona Frau and Felipe Pantone's collaborative armchair is already available in the brand's showrooms and on e-commerce. While during the next Salone del Mobile in Milan, in June, the armchair will be exhibited in the showroom of Poltrona Frau accompanied, as the artist has anticipated, by «something special» from the display with which the collaboration will be presented. The only possible clue are the words of Felipe himself who told us: «Poltrona Frau is interested into updating its aesthetics and wants to look into the future».