These legendary qualities – comfortable, lightweight and easy to carry – are what inspired Antonio Citterio and Flexform to give it a new interpretation in the Luchino chair.
Made of solid hand-turned and finished wood, with the seat and backrest in cowhide, the Luchino chair possesses a sophisticated system of joints that allow it to be quickly folded and moved.

Simple only in appearance, to the discerning eye the Luchino chair reveals exquisite wood craftsmanship and the meticulous care invested in designing the small metal parts that govern movement of the folding mechanism.
A harmonious marriage of elegance and practicality, the Luchino chair is an easy match with any of the tables in the Flexform collection.

“Lightweight and practical, the folding chair has long been the subject of research and innovation; for example, I’m fascinated by the manufacturing simplicity found in some of the early post-war folding chairs. With Flexform, we decided to honor this history with a contemporary product where the turned wood, metal alloy joints and premium cowhide leather are assembled, recapturing a combination of features that calls to mind this tradition”, says Antonio Citterio.

Design & Craftsmanship: The integrity of the materials – wood and cowhide – attention to detail, and the thrill of creation
To create an object like the Luchino chair requires excellent raw materials, the appropriate tools and, above all, talent, intelligence and passion.
Behind every calculated gesture lies the appropriate tool and, at every stage of the work process, there is a person, with their hands, their eyes and an inexhaustible commitment to a job well done.
With the Luchino chair, Antonio Citterio and Flexform intend to fully acknowledge the crucial role of artisanal Italian craftsmanship and to strengthen ties with the contemporary design system.
Various highly prized materials, like solid wood, metal and cowhide, are combined in the Luchino folding chair under the bold design signature of architect, Antonio Citterio.

The solid wood is turned and hand-finished and, once the semi-finished materials are ready, the next step is gluing, carried out exclusively with water-based, and therefore, non-toxic glues.

Upon completion of this stage, the two sides of the chair have been assembled and are ready for the next stage of crafting. At this point, the metal brackets are inserted. Their role is central to the folding mechanism because they regulate rotation with respect to the crosspieces and determine the height of the seat.

The next phase calls for the insertion of the die-cast aluminum joints that connect the sled bases with the center crosspieces.

Assembly of the structure concludes with the attachment of the two cast pieces of the cross braces at the point of intersection by means of custom-designed turned fasteners.

At this point, the wood structure is ready to receive the cowhide backrest and seat. The parts in cowhide are first cut, based on a custom template, then sewn, and the edges finished.

The backrest is then simply slipped onto the uprights while the seat is attached at the appropriate sites to ensure just the right grip, with respect to the contours of the wood structure.
The final step is meticulous testing to ensure proper functioning of the folding mechanism as well as an additional inspection of every part of the chair; the finished product is then sent to the packaging department.

The event showcased two icons in de Gournay’s wallcoverings: Mahal Garden and Dandaka Glades. The collaboration itself was born during an opportune visit to Iwan Maktabi’s showroom, where the team at de Gournay discovered a set of antique Mughal carpets.
Inspired, they merged this artistry by selecting two designs to blend with the carpets’ vibrant colourways. The artisans then hand-painted these shades into the wallcoverings, presenting them under a new lens. An ornate scene of a gleaming white palace amidst verdant but orderly gardens, Mahal Garden takes as its inspiration hand painted works from the Mughal courts of the late 18^th century, in particular splendid renditions of native wildlife – including a majestically clothed elephant, a cheetah and leopard – surrounded by exquisite, hand painted depictions of flowers. For the collaboration, Mahal Garden elegantly incorporated the vibrant hues from three Agra carpets – specifically the Agra, Rare Agra, and Indian Agra Amritsar Shah Abbas Carpets – revealing a palette of Crimson and Teal, alongside lighter tones of Desert Champagne and faded pink.

A lively rendition of a dense and teeming forest of flowering plants, thickets of trees and trailing vines, referencing Mughal artworks of the 18^th Century, Dandaka Glades is named for a fabled Kingdom from Hindu mythology and one of the largest ancient forests of the Indian subcontinent – said to be the dwelling of the mythological character Dandak.
Particularily altered for the collaboration, this rendition of the Dandaka Glades wallcovering radiated the luxurious gold tones reminiscent of the Golden Agra Carpet.
Attracting Beirut’s top designers and key personalities, the event immersed guests in a Mughal-inspired space, where they were treated to a sensory feast, revelling amidst Orient 499’s exquisite selection of objects and furniture. The centrepiece was a stunning buffet, adorned with a tablescape that not only tantalized the taste buds but also evoked the unique flavours and aromas of India, creating an immersive experience of two worlds of art coming together.

Blink by Nadine Kanso for Cosentino
Founder of radical jewelry brand Bil Arabi, Nadine Kanso’s bespoke piece “Blink”, reflects her inimitable style that celebrates the essence of modern Arab identity. The floor lamp is a playful re-interpretation of the iconic eye motif from Nadine’s hugely popular Ya Ein jewellery collection inspired by the ancient concept of Evil Eye rooted in the Arab culture. Transforming illumination into a delightful game, the lamp creates the illusion of a winking eye as it toggles between light and dark with the flick of a switch. With its shiny brass lampshade, exposed bulb, and cuboid base clad in Paonazzo stone inspired Dekton Awake, this statement piece adds a whimsical touch to any space. “Through this project, I discovered another side to what I do by creating for the first time this Blink lamp. It was exciting to translate my evil eye jewellery into product design”.

Dinna by Omar Al Gurg for Cosentino
An interactive and playful object from the house of MODU Method, designed by the brand’s Founder Omar Al Gurg, “Dinna” is a space-saving dinnerware carrier designed for small homes, a hangover from his time as a university student in Belfast when space was premium. The modular product that individually comprises of four placemats, one high tray and a low tray, combines to form a cabinet to store crockery for a small family. The stand out elements of the design are the double-sided placemats. Made from thin strips of Dekton Slim Protek glued on linen fabric, the flexible placemats slide in and out of grooves on the dark solid Ash wood trays to create the doors of the cabinet. Derived from the British English pronunciation of the word dinner, “Dinna” holds emotional and functional value as a product of our times. “Having a meal together is the most sentimental activity that binds us as humans. “Dinna” pays tribute to this need while also being a product that is true to our contemporary lives in cities where both time and space are scarce”.

kəˈnɛkt by Styled Habitat for Cosentino
“kəˈnɛkt” (pronounced Connect) by Styled Habitat, introduces a series of innovative and playful furniture pieces that seamlessly blends sculpture with functionality. Featuring modular units that can be taken apart and reconfigured as needed, the versatile pieces lend itself to be used as tables, stools or even as pedestals. The collection boasts sleek Dekton surfaces skillfully juxtaposed with brushed bronze, radiant iridescent glass, and textured Alpi veneer to create a captivating interplay of contrasts. This collective form, resembling the silhouette of a cityscape, celebrates the harmonious fusion of artistry and utility, inviting individuals to explore dynamic and interactive design possibilities. “We understand design as a personal expression, nurturing intimate bonds between physical elements and emotions. Through kəˈnɛkt (connect) we invite the user to express, create and give each piece its unique story”, Rabah Saeid, founder of Styled Habitat.

Kimiko by Thomas Trad for Cosentino
Inspired by the desire to challenge traditional furniture design, ingenious Beirut based creator Thomas Trad’s office desk “Kimiko”, is takes a rationalist approach with engineering and materials as main protagonists. Highlighting the durability, versatility, and ultra-thin profile of Dekton Slim Protek, the minimalist design is unique for the use of Dekton slab as a desktop that appears to float above ground, supported on by a single, curved, thin stainless-steel support leg. The French oak veneer cabinet with swivel drawers add weight and a touch of warmth, enhancing the desk’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. “Kimiko not only highlights my vision for blending form and function but also celebrates Cosentino’s commitment to innovative and sustainable material solutions, making Dekton an ideal choice for modern, enduring designs”.

The Oli Bench by Omar Nakkash for Cosentino
Drawing from his Palestinian heritage and a deep appreciation for the traditional cross-stitch embroidery form of “Tatreez”, Omar Nakkash, Founder and Design Director at Nakkash Design Studio, envisioned the Oli Bench as a functional piece that is also serves as a symbol of connection and hope. The main elements of the bench are the sleek terracotta coloured Dekton Umber slabs and the hollow solid oak timber bases that double up as planters for the olive trees, Palestine’s symbol of resistance and resilience. Adding a deeper layer of meaning to the design, the olive trees proudly assert Omar’s Palestinian roots and stands as a testament to ancestral presence. The slab is decorated with motifs of olive branches using square stainless-steel mosaics, in a Tatreez pattern that traces its origin to the city of Ramallah in West Bank.  “The bench is not just a piece of furniture. It is a work of art that embodies my cultural heritage, celebrates the beauty of Palestinian artistry, and invites people to connect and share their stories”.

Bold colours and formal purity
A suspended bubble, the stand thus unfolds a panorama of Muller Van Severen’s explorations, playing with materials and colours. This distinctive approach is always clearly embodied in their “furniture sculptures”, considered as so many small independent architectures responding to each other in their formal purity, as much as they individually invite a renewed sensory experience of the object. Their striking blues, reds, greens and yellows are reminiscent of the chromatic observations of Piet Mondrian and De Stijl’s neoplasticism. These colours were repeated by touches in the Future Primitive collection, a founding series commanding the Muller Van Severen signature style: fundamental minimalism where sobriety, functionality and collectible design rhyme. For Maison&Objet Paris, the couple presents shelves of different heights and configurations, incorporating deckchairs and floor lamps into the frames. Stripped assemblies, these pieces merge yet complex functions to highlight better the essential.

Pleasant new collaborations revealed at Maison&Objet!
A joyful dexterity echoing the theme “Enjoy” of this edition of Maison&Objet is also reflected here in the naive and light lines of the nevertheless masterful steel wall cabinets of the Wire series. It is also the case of the tubular repetitions of the ALLTUBE benches and cabinets, which reconcile the look and the touch with a too-often depreciated aluminium material. These emblematic series dialogues here with brand new productions and commissions, including a series of vases for Bitossi or a floor lamp developed for Valerie Objects.
Exclusively in France, Muller Van Severen is also taking advantage of Maison&Objet Paris to present two new rugs developed for the leader in upholstery textiles, Kvadrat, which caused a sensation at the last Salone Del Mobile in Milan. Entitled “March” and “July”, the two models whose structures and surfaces are inspired by the different stages of natural shearing of a sheep, share a unique production method. Exclusively for Maison&Objet, Muller Van Severen presents new productions mainly elaborated for the Danish brand HAY, enriching an already acclaimed cooperation.
Driven by this constant concern to probe all the corners of the fields of sculpture as much as of design, free from all academicism, Muller Van Severen offers objects that are exhibited as much as they are experienced and lived, being able to find their proper place in the white cube of a gallery, as well as in the private comfort of a living room.
Are we looking at a “furniture” or an “art” piece? The answer needs to be of more importance to our “Designer(s) of the year” who pursue, like tightrope walkers, their progression on this tenuous and wavering thread suspended between the worlds of art and design. What a joyful balancing act!

At Salone del Mobile, Ideal Standard is showcasing Calla and Joy Neo, the latest additions to its award-winning Atelier Collections. Apart from being developed with flexibility in mind and possibly integrating them into varied interior styles, what is it that distinguishes this new collection?

Ideal Standard premium Atelier Collections mark ‘a new era’ in the brand’s design journey and ‘strengthen its long-standing design philosophy’. The collection includes several iconic ranges inspired by the brand’s heritage. Two of our latest additions to the Atelier Collections are exhibited at Salone 2022: Calla and Joy Neo.
The neoclassical Calla and Joy Neo collections are spectacular in their own ways. They mirror an outstanding marriage of heritage and modernity where innovation pieces together modern-day needs. Calla is a more classical range that is heavily influenced by Victorian ceramic while Joy Neo adds a touch of contemporary uniqueness, making the use of Calla ceramics and Joy Neo faucets quite versatile, and an especially elegant choice for contemporary minimalist interiors.
With Calla and Joy Neo, we do not intend to create what suits a classic interior; but rather collections that transcend eras and provide customers with the freedom to express themselves through an appealing fusion of adaptable elements.
One example of such fusion could be a bathroom with white walls and white resin, with the contrast of Calla and black Joy Neo. Such a design combination resembles the room in the 2001 movie A Space Odyssey where one sees the fusion between the classical and the futuristic.

When designing new lines, what do you try to keep in mind? What inspires new collections?

We focus on capturing the essence of design. Our aim is for every designer to find the right components for a perfect bathroom, combining products across different models, finishes, and sizes. We believe bathrooms should be more than just aesthetically pleasing; they also have to be functional and practical. Thus, we maintain a very simple approach in our creations where quality is paired with an intuitive design that has tints of the past. All the while, it reveals practicality, purity, and elegance which meet the needs of modern society.

Ideal Standard recently launched the Singular concept, a new approach bringing together the company’s deep product knowledge, sector expertise, and design services to enable customers to easily choose from thousands of products, to create the right solution for their space. What does this concept mean for Ideal Standard and the designers using their products?

To me, Singular is every designer’s toolkit while creating the perfect bathroom. Possibilities are wide, and designers find all the necessary components to create unique bathrooms. They have all they need: tools, accessories, faucets, ceramics, shower trays, bathtubs, and more. The only addition is their style which gives birth to that singular aspect.
We ensure that the goods we conceive fit together and once designed, they must align with other collections. Our mission is to pave the way for designers all over the world to create their designs with all the different elements, be it by using suggestions in our catalogues or by inventing new processes that require adding other components.
It is like tweaking a recipe and using different ingredients!

What ideas are being spotlighted for Salone’s International Bathroom Exhibition?

At Salone, we are exclusively previewing our innovative and visually striking flagship piece, Solos collection. Part of the Atelier Collections, Solos epitomize Ideal Standard’s Singular philosophy, showcasing fascinating harmony between pure, minimalist design and technical excellence. The seamless integration between the elegant fitting and sophisticated light basin is possible due to Ideal Standard’s leading expertise with both, ceramics and brassware, resulting in a graceful statement piece for the bathroom.
The Solos basin will be available in glossy black or white and can be combined with fittings in either cylindrical or square shape, as well as a wide range of premium metallic colors and modern matt finishes, including chrome, brushed gold or magnetic grey amongst others.

The new Ideal Standard Design and Specification Center in Dubai has opened on Happiness Street in the City Walk area. What inspired its design?

This new design and specification center is a unique experience for visitors who can do more than see products.
It was designed by Palomba Serafini Associati Studio under my supervision and is aimed at enabling interior designers, architects, and customers to find the right combinations of products to design their dream bathrooms.
The center, which spreads over 700 square meters, is a one-stop destination for all bathroom solutions and showcases our latest designs and innovations.
Our visitors can immerse themselves in the latest trends and inspirations with the strategically designed inspiration areas. The center illustrates the various aspects of the bathroom products, such as ease of installation and maintenance, water-saving aspects, and installation options.
With the center’s prime location in the City Walk area, facing Burj Khalifa, the space offers an experience both from the inside and the outside, and the windows definitely attract and inspire. I think it is going to be a very special place where people can visit and share their discoveries about what Ideal Standard has been creating for the next generation of products and bathrooms.

Tell us how you started The Bowery Company
In the summer of 2014, I was walking through New York’s Bowery Avenue, in New York – a super edgy avenue running through Manhattan – and I saw many industrial lightings fixture shops along the avenue and I got the idea of bringing these to Dubai. At the time, there were not many designer shops or brands in the U.A.E. catering to this style. I came back to Dubai and without even working on a business plan – I ordered my first container of furniture and home accessories! After that I registered my license and launched operations on 24^th February 2015.

Why did you decide to expand to a physical space?
At the start The Bowery Company offered more home accessories sourced from Scandinavian countries. Across the years, The Bowery Company’s profile expanded and started to have larger items of furniture, such as sofas, armchairs and sideboards. Naturally the request of viewing the larger pieces by customers became more frequent. Understandably they wanted to see the quality and materials of items articles with a higher price point. Designers would also request to show their clients pieces in person for projects so it became inevitable that The Bowery Company had to open a physical space.

What are the difficulties & challenges you faced during the worldwide pandemic crisis?
Luckily for me, I didn’t see the pandemic as a challenge in regards to my business. It gave me the opportunity and time to work around my business to transform it and grow. I was able to capture a larger audience with everyone staying at home, wanting to change their space, which benefitted me and the boost from that has allowed me to grow even more and increase the brands of our portfolio.

Tell us more about the newly launched studio in Dubai
Our new 5,000 sqft flagship concept store is home to our showroom, an in-house built warehouse facility, a coffee shop as well as an innovative workspace environment for our interior designers’ community. We strive to be an innovative multi-disciplinary design space with like-minded people to gain inspiration & give a sense of at-home.

What are the exclusive brands stocked by The Bowery Company? Can you tell us if you will be getting any new brands to the Middle East region?
Since the launch in 2014 The Bowery Company has brought many new brands to the region. We are the biggest retail partner for Ferm Living in the GCC with the largest stock quantity in the region. The Bowery Company is the exclusive distributor of 101 Copenhagen and NORR11, two of the most prominent design brands in Denmark as well as Europe. The Bowery Company is also very proud to be the first to bring design brands Bolia & HAY (early November) to the region on a retail front as well be the first to launch FÉST Amsterdam in the region.

Do you have any further expansion plans in the region or internationally?
Most likely the next step for The Bowery Company will be to look at Saudi Arabia – physically as well as online. Our reach is already implemented there as we have clientry which we deliver to as well as working on specific projects, however we would love to maximize on that in the near future to also have a physical presence there.