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Poltrona Frau Debuts Collaboration with Ozwald Boateng at Downtown Design
Poltrona Frau, a leader in high-end furniture, and an ambassador of Italian excellence around the world, will unveil its capsule interiors collection in collaboration with celebrated menswear designer Ozwald Boateng during the 10th edition of Downtown Design on 8 November. The Middle East debut of the ‘Culture and Craft’ showcase combines the joyousness of African aesthetics, spirit of British tailoring and the artistry of Italian craftsmanship resulting in a truly unique collection for sophisticated living.
Poltrona Frau’s fashion forward collaboration with the veteran Savile Row tailor known for his colorful bespoke patterns and intricate designs, was first presented at London Design Week 2023. The partnership marks the first foray into interiors for Boateng whose transformational impact on menswear fashion spans more than three decades.
The Middle East debut of the Culture and Craft collection at Downtown Design provides a first look at the reimagined classics of Poltrona Frau, including the ‘Chester’ sofa, a 1912 design conceived by the company's founder and inspired by Edwardian Chesterfields, and the ‘Vanity Fair’ chair, from 1984, both adorned with distinctive patterns developed by the Boateng. The collection also encompasses lifestyle accessories, textiles and wallpapers adorned with the Kente motif, African-inspired scented candles. A reimagining of the classic African Mancala game bring together craftsmanship, sartorial precision, and product innovation.
Commenting on the collection debut, Fahed Ghanim, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Lifestyle, operator of Poltrona Frau in the Middle East said:
“We are thrilled to participate in this year’s Downtown Design and unveil Poltrona Frau’s fashion forward collaboration with renowned menswear designer Ozwald Boateng. Poltrona Frau has consistently maintained a commitment to innovation and rejuvenation throughout its history and this unique collection cements the brand’s dedication to not only preserve its rich heritage but also remain relevant and sought after in an ever-evolving world of design and aesthetics.”
“As the anchor event of Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design celebrates contemporary and high-quality design, and Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle is proud to raise the bar for innovative design solutions with Poltrona Frau, and continue to bring this unparalleled artisanal experience to Dubai.”
The Boateng and Poltrona Frau teams spent more than six months developing a hand embossed leather for the Chester sofas, inspired by traditional Kente cloths, brightly woven fabrics typically worn on formal occasions. Each new Chester sofa was then hand-crafted in Poltrona Frau’s atelier in Tolentino with the same meticulous care as one of Boateng’s handmade Saville Row suits.
The ‘Tribal’ pattern, the signature print of Boateng, takes the pride of place across all products in the partnered capsule and pays homage to the British designer’s Ghanaian’s origins, with each colour, pattern and design carefully conceived to convey a strong narrative of sustainability and diversity.
Commenting on the Middle East debut of his capsule interiors collection, Ozwald Boateng said:
“I’m delighted to personally unveil my collaboration with Poltrona Frau at Downtown Design, a collection which harnesses my exploration of African patterns, and Poltrona Frau’s heritage of Italian design excellence. From the onset, there was an instant connection through craft, construction and attention to detail with Poltrona Frau. The process of making the furniture is very similar to my approach to tailoring, including the choice and development of materials. For me this partnership is really about tradition and finding a new language around that tradition. I hope design enthusiasts in the region will appreciate our shared vision.”
The Poltrona Frau and Ozwald Boateng Culture and Craft collection will be on display during the 10th edition of Downtown Design from 8-11th November alongside the Poltrona Frau and Ceccotti Collezioni DUO collection. Following the design fair, all products will be available at the Poltrona Frau Jumeirah Showroom.
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