Pictures courtesy of Poliform
As the last ray of light sank below the horizon and tranquility permeated the Cloisters of San Simpliciano, Poliform—Italy’s luxury furniture company—welcomed more than 200 distinguished guests and clients to an exclusive exhibition tailored for the April 2023 Milano Design Week, the world’s biggest annual design fair.
Built during the Renaissance as a part of the Basilica of Simpliciano, this secluded corner tucked within the heart of the Brera district was perfect for Poliform’s presentation of its newest project—Percezioni, or Perceptions.
“While architecture determines the boundaries and meanings of our lives within domestic spaces, nature does the exact same thing when we are outside. The Cloisters of San Simpliciano mirrored Poliform’s signature elegance and its take on modern luxury,” Poliform CEO Giovanni Anzani told Elite.
The multi-sensory installation was inspired by humanity’s innate connection to nature. It featured the same sleek and simple designs iconic to the brand, but for the outdoors.
The ethereal live performance of saxophone, intertwined with Italy’s own Caterina Barbieri’s electronica, accompanied the ancient backdrop. As soon as the attendees stepped into the plaza, they were transported to a meditative realm of heightened senses.
Percezioni was presented in collaboration with renowned designers Jean-Marie Massaud, Emmanuel Gallina, Marcel Wanders, and Soo Chan. Fusing tradition with innovation, the installation beckoned its guests to look beyond the obvious and reexamine the world around them.
Nature’s Craftsman
To highlight the unbreakable bond between nature and humanity, designer Emmanuel Gallina sought inspiration from beyond the four walls.
His Magnolia Collection—composed of a sofa, an armchair, a daybed, and a sunbed—features sleek, rounded lines reminiscent of majestic overarching tree boughs and the fluttering motion of fallen leaves.
Everything, from the furniture’s innovative invisible backrest for extra comfort to the designer’s choice of natural palettes and materials, echoes Poliform’s simple yet elegant and modern aesthetics. This Magnolia Collection heralds Gallina’s venture into the world of outdoor furnishing.
Available in both dark and light tones, the furniture’s solid wood frames are carved from natural Iroko and made durable by Shou Sugi Ban—an all-natural preservation method that carbonizes the surface of the wood with fire. This 400-year-old Japanese technique drastically increases the furniture’s dimensional stability while preventing decay, insects, and mold infestations.
The Magnolia pairs beautifully with Gallina’s Monolith Collection. A table set inspired by the resplendent and immutable dolmens that have stood their ground since antiquity. By replacing the harsh edges of traditional table legs with soft lines and a rounded base, Gallina’s design exemplifies the gentle strength of its namesake.
Each piece is finished with a thin layer of Poliform’s patented Cementoskin, or basalt stone. While giving the tables a unique look and texture, this technology also adds an additional layer of protection against outdoor wear and tear.
Of Seas and Islands
Renowned designer Jean-Marie Massaud brings weary seafarers to shore with his beautiful Ketch Collection. Inspired by his fascination with the nautical world, Maussaud’s sofa and armchair feature flexible backrests that stretch like a sail between two masts.
The canopy version of the sofa has removable fabric blinds that can help to fend off excessive wind and sun. Combined with cushions crafted specifically for outdoor use and hydro-oil-treated Iroko supports, this rustic collection is made to last a lifetime.
In contrast with Massaud’s depiction of life on the sea, Soo Chan opted for something reminiscent of a cozy island. His Soori Day Lounge creation is representative of a safe haven above the turbulent sea.
The round daybed boasts an elegantly braided headboard and comfortable cushions. Whether you’re looking to catch a relaxing midday nap or stargaze deep into the night, this little piece of paradise is the ideal choice.
Perfecting Perfection
Leading product and interior designer Marcel Wanders has long perfected the art of combining the classic with the contemporary.
Famed for incorporating rich details into his work, Wanders took Poliform’s iconic Mad collection and reinterpreted it into Percezioni’s Mad Out. This new outdoor sofa and armchair set retain the original collection’s simple yet modern style but replaced the wraparound back with intricate, hand-woven ropes.
The stainless-steel wire threaded within the rope offers structure and back support while allowing air and light to filter through. This hidden detail is the secret to keeping the sofa’s occupants cool even on sweltering summer days.
Inside Out
Mr. Anzani and his business partners Aldo and Alberto Spinelli said that Poliform’s outdoor collection fulfills two important criteria. The pieces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing while complementing their indoor counterparts. In addition, the collection is guaranteed to be functional in all kinds of weather.
“It is water-resistant, light-resistant, and durable. [We chose a] selection of outdoor fabrics that are easy to upkeep and do not differ from the quality and feel of our indoor fabrics. They are made from raw materials of biodegradable and vegetable origins, or from certified and recyclable synthetic fibers,” Mr. Anzani said.
Brought together by their shared love for the outdoors, Poliform’s designers are on a ceaseless quest to explore the elusive art of connecting nature to design. Their work is a celebration of the beauty and simplicity of natural materials. Through Percezioni, the designers hope to encourage everyone to bring a little bit of the wild and rustic into their lifestyle.
