The design of Ernest, a seating system signed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform, is the result of a reflection on the style of sophisticated gentlemen’s clubs, that timeless world that is now enjoying a resurgence of popularity in a contemporary version as a place where kindred spirits meet. Ernest is inspired by the classic leather sofa, voluminous and cozy: a reinterpretation in a deconstructed key, with soft volumes inspired by feather cushions, reminiscent of 1970s design. A reinterpretation that combines careful research into comfort and functionality with the desire to create an idea of elegance.
«I approach the subjects with a holistic approach, where requirement and harmony are summoned at all scales of the life scenario,» explains Massaud. «Home becomes a landscape for living. I like to propose an “easy chic” atmosphere, and to create a feeling of intimacy with the user. Comfort is a due, elegance a must but emotion first».
Ernest moves in the balance between the spirit of the past and the tastes of the present: a modular system with which to create spaces for conversation and relaxation, combining the different elements in infinite configurations, linear, angular or curvilinear, suitable for spaces of any size. The possibility of adding functional armrests or playing with volumes makes this chair highly customizable, capable of adapting to the needs of contemporary living with bold, sharply designed forms that reinterpret the past and give it a new twist.
It is a radical interpretation of the concept of comfort, following a line of taste that is both casual and rigorous, light and refined. «After the wave of ‘star objects’, followed today by a saturation of ‘deco’ objects, we are in great need of a return to an authentic, consistent approach,» concludes Massaud.
«The new Poliform collection is the eclectic and harmonious assembly of competent and sociable objects. Fertile dialogue between an ‘archetype of comfort’ sofa with brutalist complements, a deconstructed Cartesian shelf program… The opposite of a total look.
All of which compose a ‘cosy-chic’ atmosphere because we need comfort and elegance, also for more intimate spaces. Individually, each product completes the Poliform range on new and legitimate territories».
Poliform is celebrating the NYCxDesign event with a special opening of its New York showroom (112 Madison Avenue) on 16/05 from 6-8 pm.
