Athena Calderone has launched her first standalone furniture collection 'Assembler I', a 14-piece suite of furniture and lighting unveiled at The Future Perfect in New York.
From EyeSwoon to Furniture Design
Known for her lifestyle platform EyeSwoon, books, and interior design practice, Calderone explores a new direction with 'Assembler I'. This collection marks her transition from collaboration with brands like Crate & Barrel to owning the entire design process. "This was the first time that my studio really owned the drawings," Calderone stated.
Design and Materials
The collection draws inspiration from French Art Deco, featuring high-gloss wood, lacquer, parchment, and nickel accents. Notable pieces include screens and lampshades made from vegetable-based parchment found in Kyoto, and a Prelle brocade dining chair.
Functionality Meets Aesthetics
Calderone emphasizes functionality alongside aesthetics, ensuring designs are not just decorative but practical. "It’s never that I’m designing strictly off of aesthetics," she said, highlighting ergonomic seating designs. The collection includes a coffee table with an inset black glass top to reduce maintenance.
Exhibition and Future Plans
The collection is exhibited at The Future Perfect, a gallery known for contemporary collectible design. Calderone's installation features art from her studio and gallerist Amelie du Chalard’s New York outpost. Calderone sees 'Assembler I' as the beginning of an ongoing series, stating, "I put myself in a place of discomfort because I want to see what can be born from there."
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/athena-calderone-assembler-i-furniture-collection-interview
