Picture your favorite pair of jeans, we’re sure you’ve got one in mind – the cut, the wash, the length, the perfect fit – maybe a soft, worn in area where you usually put a phone or wallet as well. Denim is one of the most widely recognized fabrics in the world and Poltrona Frau understands the history behind this iconic weave. Now, they present a new take – the Archibald Denim Edition – on the Archibald, an expressive seating design by Jean-Marie Massaud.
Denim is a truly beloved fabric, popular among various types of working folk since the mid-19th century. In the seventies, denim was fully a part of pop culture. Car companies such as Volkswagen and American Motors released trendy, denim clad interiors, most notably the 1974 Jeans Beetle. We’ve seen denim make a comeback this season, gracing the runways of Paris and New York to curate an approachable, utilitarian look. This has translated into furniture trends as well, yet another example of the collaborative nature of design. The contrast yellow stitching and rivet-like, antique bronze finish on the base are an obvious homage to its inspiration: the humble denim jean.
The delicate undulations of the warp and weft, which makes denim unique from other types of fabrics, is shown beautifully here. Upholstered in Poltrona Frau’s Everdenim, an impressive jacquard made from organic cotton, the fabric also sports a GOTS certification. This slubbed denim, which refers to the microscopic bumps on the face of the warp threads, is characteristic of many luxury raw denim fabrics. The classic double stitching and antique shine add to the vintage aesthetic of the Archibald’s new look.
The back of the Archibald features slight ripples of fabric, meant to wear in over time to add customization to the piece’s life cycle. One of the main draws of raw denim is the chance to optimize the wear to your specifications, the fabric untreated and never washed. Indeed, some extremists recommend only washing your jeans in the ocean, but this has been largely debunked within the community. The rest of the Archibald’s upholstery is tight against the foam interior, looking plump and pretty.
The enveloping form of the Archibald has a comforting appeal, ideal for meditation or relaxing. The relatively solid form of the chair sits on delicate legs, providing some welcome light and contrast. There is an expressive, almost creature-like offering in the curve of the armrest, as if to say, “Come on in, sit awhile.”
Poltrona Frau is an Italian furniture brand, with over 100 years of experience in the interplay between product, brand, and communication. Born out of a resourceful upholsterer’s dream, Lorenzo ‘Renzo’ Frau started the company in Turing, and after his passing soon after, was kept afloat by Savina Pisati. Throughout the years, Poltrona Frau has kept an unwavering commitment to sustainability, earning multiple certifications throughout the years. From strict supplier management, to workplace safety and employee training, every step of the production process is inspected and reworked to suit our changing world.
Jean-Marie Massaud is a French industrial designer, never limited to just product. From broad-ranging architectural projects to tabletop products, he pushes the bounds of lightness, reaching new heights using smarter materials. On the work of Studio Massaud, “What interests us more than anything else is the integration of products into ‘life programs’ that attempt to respond with harmony and refinement to the challenges of our times.”
For more information on the Archibald Denim Edition by Poltrona Frau, visit their website here. To learn more about Jean-Marie Massaud, click here.
