PATRICIA URQUIOLA LOUIS VUITTON OBJETS NOMADES

"The Nomadism is for me a condition of modernity and lightness".

The Spanish Patricia Urquiola, lives and works in Milan since the mid-80s. In 1989 she graduated from the Politecnico and thereupon she began her career with famous architecture and design's studios - including Alessi, Cappellini and Kartell. In 2001 she founded her own design agency and two years later she was awarded the Best System prize for her  Fjord collection.

Patricia Urquiola has collaborated with Louis Vuitton in the creation of two objets for the Objets Nomade's collection: the Swing Chair and the Stool.

1# The Swing Chair

Patricia Urquiola’s Swing Chair invites you to kick back and sway in the breeze in a handbag-inspired design of two large, Nomade leather-covered metallic “handles” and a welcoming woven mesh. Held up by gold-plated hooks and beige cord, the chair ensures your comfort with a welcoming Nomade leather seat cushion and a yellow leather back cushion.

2# The Stool

When opened, Patricia Urquiola’s Stool is inspired by both the Louis Vuitton Monogram flower pattern and the foldable seats used by fishermen; when closed, by the delicate shapes of a clutch handbag. The Stool combines elegance, ease of transport and comfort thanks to its lightweight metal frame half-covered in yellow leather, a woven 3D lining, gold-plated hinges and Nomade leather details.

Why did you agree to create an Objet Nomade for Louis Vuitton?

To me, Louis Vuitton has always represented a certain French savoir-faire, which signifies a culture of quality. The opportunity to work on a collection of pieces that reinterpret the brand’s travel objects from the past was truly inspiring.

What does Louis Vuitton mean to you?

My understanding of, as well as my admiration for, Louis Vuitton is rooted in its rich history of producing custom travel trunks. The many made-to-measure trunks for various world travellers have been a great inspiration and departure point for these objects. The House has always represented the finest in luxury goods and craftsmanship.

How did you work with the Louis Vuitton workshops’ savoir-faire?

It was a very interesting experience to work with a company that pays so much attention to the many details of such complex objects and which combines so many artisanal techniques to create unique products and experiences. Visiting the workshops and seeing the craftsmen create the various elements of these objects with such great precision and passion was really inspiring; in an ever-more industrialized society it is rare to find companies that still honour age-old techniques of craftsmanship.