Skilful Craft

Italian heritage brand Flexform’s Parker collection by architect and long-time collaborator Antonio Citterio is a timeless homage to Italian tradition and craft

Last year, Italian furniture brand Flexform launched the Parker indoor and outdoor collections by architect and long-time collaborator Antonio Citterio. The indoor Parker pieces include a two-seater and a three-seater sofa, armchairs, pouffes and screens. The Parker sofa, in particular, represents the brand’s commitment to time-honoured craft at the hands of skilled artisans. 

Every phase of production is undertaken by an expert craftsperson. First, the solid Canaletto walnut or ash-wood frame is turned and finished by hand, while the backrest and armrest structures are attached with screws, glued and held together with clamps. The assembled structure is then hand-sanded — a process that requires considerable expertise — to eliminate any imperfections and achieve a uniform, smooth surface. Each piece is then polished by hand to achieve the desired finish; in addition to the natural ash-wood there are different colour stain options such as teak, walnut, wenge and ebony.

Once polished, the structure is entrusted to the cord weaver who carries out the intricate weaving of paper rush cord, an old-fashioned material that represents Flexform’s honouring of tradition. While the cord is woven onto the structure, elastic webbing is attached to the metal frame by hand, with care taken to ensure proper tension is applied for the utmost seating comfort. 

Finally, the wooden structure is attached to the metal frame and finished with the application of die-cast Zamak feet and glides. Sewn by hand, the upholstery is completed with elegant grosgrain piping that outlines the silhouette of the cushion before being meticulously hand-fitted to the padded parts of the sofa.

The result is an artful reinterpretation of furniture inspired by tradition and designed according to Cittero’s contemporary sensibility. A celebration of Italian craft, the Parker sofa’s versatility and timeless style makes it an enduring statement in any space.

Text / Nina Milhaud
Images / Courtesy of Flexform