Milan 09: Binta, an Africa-inspired armchair by Swiss designer Philippe Bestenheider, is part of the new Moroso collection unveiled at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan this week.
The chair's form is based on African wood carvings and the upholstery is based on Senegalese patchwork fabrics.
Here's a statement from Bestenheider:
--
BINTA ARMCHAIR
“Binta was inspired by Africa. Its sculptural shape evokes African wood carvings, but its polyurethane rubber forms are softer. Like a baobab tree, Binta anchors itself firmly to the ground with thick, trunk-like feet whose elegant forms bring to mind the weighty baobab.
Its upholstery is a patchwork of Wax fabrics, the traditional textiles worn by African women. Contrasting patterns and colours emphasise the armchair’s shape, enveloping and moulding its silhouette.
The brash, bright colour contrasts are in the tradition of African textiles and colour schemes; they conjure up the elegant tailoring of women’s clothes as if Binda were a Senegalese lady about to wear and enhance the hot colours of Africa”.
Philippe Bestenheider