Unsurpassed branding, versatility, classic aesthetics, and iconicity. Who can resist Italian furniture? Arflex’s 2021 collection gave us four new reasons to keep the love affair going.
Whatever the era, Italian furniture never goes out of style. It epitomises tradition, unsurpassed branding, flexibility, classicism, and iconicity. Arflex, which has collaborated with some of Italy’s best-known designers, understands this better than any other company. These stylish silhouettes from its latest 2021 collection, which debuted at Milan Design Week, will elevate any environment.
Tito Agnoli needs little introduction; some of his pieces are kept in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York. His furniture and lighting designs are renowned for eye-catching features, such as ‘floating’ armrests and the 387 floor lamp, a pioneer of minimalism in lighting. Arflex’s 9000 series from Agnoli is a compact, rounded, modular seating system of armchairs, multifunctional sofa elements and poufs, enabling multiple configurations. The form-conscious silhouettes come in leather reconditioned for vintage appeal and fully removable fabric upholstery.
The Banah sofa-cum-day bed created by multidisciplinary designer and long-time Arflex collaborator Luca Nichetto will not go unnoticed. The freestanding star’s striking irregular shape is organic as if drawn by a spontaneous hand. As it reclines over discrete metal legs, its structure provides different seat depths, while seams provide two surfaces on the fabric. A smooth base contrasts with the curves and softness of the seat and backrest. Choosing fabrics and colours will be challenging.
Arflex and Shanghai-based Neri&Hu’s free-standing Threshold screen/console structure with mirror, rattan, corrugated glass stood out at Milan Design Week. Exploring the Chinese concept of ‘jian’ (gap) while blending structure, materiality and dimensionality, it provides adequate privacy and surprising functionality. Although the bold lines forming the frame may appear rather rudimentary, they serve as a drawer or desk.
Mario Marenco’s intuitive ability to connect creativity and lifestyle knows no bounds. One of the greatest Italian classics, the Marenco Sofa was first displayed in showrooms 51 years ago. This year, it is joined by Marenco Outdoor, a delightful cloud of large, rounded, fabric cushions that lend a subtle touch of luxury and elegance to terraces and verandas. Warning: This is ideal for Singapore’s weather. It could take hours to convince everyone to go home.
In Singapore, Arflex is exclusively available at Space Furniture.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
