Featured Story  ·  Lifestyle

Keeping Up with the Times

September 1, 2023

Satisfying the ever-changing needs and wants of today’s masses are two well-considered collections by Italian furniture superstar Poltrona Frau, orbiting around the nostalgic past, transient present and promising future.

It’s almost mind-boggling how quickly time flies, especially in a digital age conquered by hustle-and-bustle culture where the seconds go by faster than a blink of an eye; it’s an overwhelming thought, to say the least. However, a certain catastrophic but globally unifying event in 2020 led to a sudden but drastic recalibration in perspective with regards to the way we live our lives. It forced us to adapt and accept new routines, opening our eyes to the necessity of slowing down, absorbing the moment and appreciating the little details. 

This newfound awareness finds tangible form with Poltrona Frau’s Take Your Time Collection, focusing on three senses that allows us to receive multisensory pleasure in enjoying life to the fullest, in a more informed, hands-on and active way. Developed with a design approach that hinges greatly on sensory duality is Sight, a stellar introduction to the series. In other words, expect well-thought-out blends of rich natural materials such as leather and fabric or wood and marble for an appeasing result.

The In the Mood modular sofa, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, possesses large but soft and welcoming padded surfaces. Its minimalist design succeeds in evoking the beauty of the upholstery, in fine Pelle Frau* leather or in numerous patterns and splendid shades of ColorSphere® fabric; elevating it are refined piping details that outline the edges. Sleek feet projected towards the centre of the seat creates a dynamic tension, exuding energy and lightness. The sofa is available in two or threeseater combinations with different types of armrests, enriched by a container compartment and sliding object tray.

Conceptual simplicity and textural richness are part of the striking hallmarks of Plot, a system of modular room dividers conceived by ItalianDanish duo GamFratesi. Defining its sensual beauty are geometric waves, precious patterns and six sophisticated colour pairings through its key ingredient: woven leather strips. Structured with an aluminium tubing veneered with a moka ash finish, this stylish solution comes in two, three or four panels as a response to the modern user’s desire for versatile, light furniture that guarantees distinctly separate spaces and ample privacy without a cold sense of isolation.

Sourcing inspiration from the double meaning of a pinyin word used to express ‘looking’ and ‘secret’, Neri & Hu’s Mi series of storage units – a tall 2-door cabinet, low 4-door cabinet and a trolley – play around with light, shade and transparencies in a game of solids and voids. An oblong external shell, upholstered in a Saddle Extra leather that’s 3D printed with a vertically striped canneté texture, conceals the objects contained; it is revealed by peeking through a layer of tempered glass that closes the space on top. A thin but solid metal structure frames the body, acting as the link to the trolley’s handle and the cabinets’ raised top in Calacatta gold or Nero Marquinia marble.

In celebration of the Italian brand’s 110th anniversary, the True Evolution Collection was launched, reflecting on its journey based on cultural heritage, design ability and artisan know-how, with sustainability as a strategic lever of development to keep up with the times. Apart from reinterpreted classics, the range includes fresh novelties like the Happy Jack sofa by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba – ideal for smaller living rooms. The rounded, compact dimensions but with large, puffed-up cushions characterised by convex lines emulates a warm embrace, while the slender base and feet brings an airier feel to it. Available as a linear seat or as a modular composition with a chaise-lounge, it can be covered in completely removable fabrics or in Pelle Frau® leather.

Designed by Danish design studio GamFratesi, the Nice armchair and Homey table may appear simple in form but not in detail and construction. With an organic and enveloping shape, Nice consists of two overlapping pieces that build a void in the rear of the backrest. Its supportive comfort is enhanced by the go-to Pelle Frau® leather or fabric upholstery. As for Homey, it is compact and graphic, expressed by light but volumetric lines. It features die-cast aluminium sculptural stems; in a sculptural play reminiscent of haute couture, the two leg flaps fold and unite without touching, creating a chiaroscuro effect in the centre. 

Both Poltrona Frau collections incontestably deliver the needs of contemporary living, marked by elegance, flexibility and comfort. More than that, it signifies the brand’s dedicated need to grow side-by-side its consumers’ ever-demanding, ever-changing wants and needs. Discover each and every one of the brand’s products at XTRA, the nation’s top importer and retailer of branded lighting and nonconforming furniture, located at The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, please visit xtrafurniture.com