“Knitty” armchair designed by Nika Zupanc for Moooi. Image: Moooi.
If you’re a design lover, chairs are a well-loved object. At Salone 2023, there was no short supply of statement-making chairs. From dining chairs, to lounge and armchairs, there were plenty to see, touch and sit. Chairs in varying hues, textures, materials and forms could be spotted. Our roving eye caught these beautiful comfy thrones so worthy to place in your beloved space.
Moooi
“Knitty” armchair’s aesthetic is inspired by weave and knitting. Image: Moooi.
Nika Zupanc’s whimsical DNA was expressed clearly in her “Knitty” chair for Moooi. The Slovenian designer took inspiration from knitted fabric to create this chunky armchair where the basket-weave aesthetic was so thick and expressive. The chair can be upholstered from a choice of 15 colours.
B&B Italia
Up5&6 armchair and ottoman designed by Mario Bellini. Image: B&B Italia.
Gaetano Pesce is no stranger to Salone. The renowned artist and designer’s iconic Up5&6 armchair and ottoman designed in 1969 got a revival in 2023. This time upholstered in a groovy metallic gold, it definitely created quite a stir at the showroom.
“Le Bambole” covered in Stella McCartney fabric. Image: B&B Italia.
Similarly, the brand’s other iconic product — Le Bambole designed by Mario Bellini — is covered in Stella McCartney’s hand-drawn “fungi forest” print upholstery. This chair celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Fendi Casa
“Groove & Groovy” armchair and ottoman designed by Toan Nguyen. Image: Fendi Casa.
Toan Nguyen has worked with Fendi Casa for over a decade. The Asian designer worked his magic to create a swivel armchair with a footstool, called Groove & Groovy, inspired by the stylish ’70s. Spotted at the fair was a vermillion sheepskin upholstery with a matt metal base. This inviting form creates a sense of elegance yet informal comfort.
Frag
“Syren” armchair designed by Gabriele e Oscar Buratti for Frag. Image: Frag.
Renowned for their leather-based furniture pieces, Frag was proud to showcase the “Syren” armchair designed by Gabriele e Oscar Buratti. The all-metal tubular frame supports the wide leather band that envelops the chair. The plushest comfort comes from a single voluminous cushion structure that creates a visual impact. The back and armrests are soft, mobile cushions that adjust to the body to provide comfort.
Meridiani
“Nora” armchair designed by Andrea Parisio for Meridiani. Image: Meridiani.
Andrea Parisio has been the creative director and designer for Meridiani for several decades. For 2023, his “Nora” armchair’s sculpted form and generous proportions stole the show. The chair is offered in stunning shades such as dark blue, white and vermillion. The chair can be customised to great detail such as solid wooden legs or totally covered in upholstery/leather.
Turri
“Riban” armchair was designed by Toan Nguyen. Image: Turri.
The “Riban” armchair designed by Toan Nguyen for Turri looks like the outside became the inside; the backrest became the seat and some twists and turns in the aesthetics. Nonetheless, this unique chair comes with a leather structure and contrasting fabric found on the seat and back cushions. The Riban armchair really toys with our eyes through a creative play of carefully designed surfaces.
Very Wood
While Rodolfo Dordoni took some time off from his creative work at Minotti, he also designs for other furniture brands such as Very Wood. His “Sisters” collection of small armchairs is inspired by a single support structure where different coverings get to express their tactile beauty. The club chair family is able to offer optimal comfort with the aid of a padded seat cushion complemented by an internal strap and padding. The ash legs of the sturdy frame also continue upwards to create a backrest that is aesthetically transformed by the nature of its upholstery. The backrest has two options: a more classical form with upholstered padding and a less conventional option where ropes create the frame.
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