The rich heritage of Japanese garment making of the “Mino”, a traditional raincoat made from layers of straw, served as the inspiration for this collaboration between Studio Paolo Ferrari and New York-based Japanese textile artist Hiroko Takeda. The chair’s sculptural form is punctuated by Takeda’s handwoven textile, with expressive fibers which gather and drape across the outer back.

The intent of this piece is to challenge preconceived notions of utility as being the sole driver of “good design”. Comfort and ergonomics were the key motivators of the chair’s form, with the inner and outer layers creating an armrest, while the application of the upholstery reminds us of the connection between furnishings and craft.