Inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's passion for interior design, the brand's second furniture collection was presented at Milan Design Week 2024 in his showroom in via Passione 8.
“This is the second collection and I find that its name is particularly representative of Karl's personality” he says Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerferld, “not only because he has always been on the crest of the wave but also because he shows that movement-dominated aesthetic that he loved so much in his fashion. In fact, the inspiration comes from the sketch of a dress that showed the idea of the wave and which was basically translated into the language of furniture. Furthermore, the lines that are so simple and fluid in appearance but actually very complex to create also perfectly represent Karl's way of creating and designing."
The Wellen Collection is a tribute to the prominent presence of waves and fluid lines that seamlessly blend form and function. Ribbed stitches, curves and generous, wavy shapes are all creative elements identified in Karl's sketches that influenced each piece in the living, dining and bedroom sets.
From the curvilinear and wavy sofa with ribbed workmanship, made of midnight blue velvet and composed of ten modular elements to be assembled according to one's taste to create unique configurations, to the dining table in iridescent labradorite in shades of blue with finely beveled edges and legs covered in steel that resemble conical columns. After the Art Déco and Bauhaus suggestions interpreted by Matteo Nunziati last year this time to design the collection is Toan Nguyen, French naturalized Italian designer with many collaborations to his credit with the most renowned international design companies. In fact, the basic idea is to use a guest designer for each new launch who draws on and makes his own some elements dear to Karl to interpret them according to his own experience and vision.
“Working with the brand to create this collection, inspired by Karl's world, was a great experience,” he says Toan Nguyen. “He allowed me to merge my vision with the heritage of the brand. Every detail in the designs tells a story – it's a journey of inspiration, ultimately celebrating the man. During my design process, I thought about Karl sketching him and working on the labradorite table.” More than a fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld's multifaceted creativity also included illustration, photography, publishing and interior design. This passion has been expressed and explored through various special projects throughout his career, including interior design for homes, a luxury hotel and private apartments around the world.
