How B&B Italia and Edra are shaping the new outdoors

Photographed in the garden of the famous brutalist masterpiece Casa La Scala on Lake Garda by architect Vittoriano Viganò, the Pablo collection is the ‘reinterpretation of a traditional Spanish armchair,’ remarked its designer Vincent Van Duysen at the launch. ’I’ve always been fascinated by the forms and typologies of furniture pieces related to Latin American cultures, architects like Luis Barragán… so I wanted to give my own vision on this classic chair.’


Developing the B&B Italia Outdoor collection has also focused the brand’s attention on materials and processes that are circular, increasing longevity and recyclability of every product. Borea by Piero Lissoni, for example, has a lightweight tubular aluminium frame that is both extremely strong and durable and endlessly recyclable, and the upholstery is made using polyester fibre from recycled PET plastic bottles. There are 280, 1500 ml plastic bottles in every armchair, 390 bottles in a two seat sofa, and a total of 510 in a three seat sofa. For B&B Italia, circularity has redefined their entire industrial process.

Another Italian brand blurring the boundary between inside and out, Edra launched its vision for the outdoors with the Every Stone upholstery collection during Milan Design Week this year. The result of ongoing research into material innovation, the project was led by Edra’s vice-president Monica Mazzei. 'For us, materials have always been an essential part of every project, so research into external materials is fundamental,' says Mazzei, whose dedication to creating new yarns and one-of-a-kind fabrics defines each collection. ‘This year, we found inspiration in the natural world. Nature has inspired us since 1990 with the Flower Collection. It is our way of looking at the beauty which is often there before our eyes. Nature is an infinite source of inspiration.’

A collection of nine materials inspired by the beauty of precious stones, colour is infused directly into the yarn ensuring their brilliance over time. Alpine Green and dark Nero Marquinia veined with silver, Carrara Statuary White and warm golden Royal Yellow were unveiled inside the courtyard of the historic Palazzo Durini Caproni di Taliedo in central Milan. The richly textured palette transforms the sculpted lines and softness of sofas On the Rocks, Sherazade and Standard, announcing, in typical Edra style, a bold new direction for lounging outdoors.