Mason Cooley, a US aphorist once said, “The novelty we want is always close to the familiar.” The Hey collection by Fabio del Percio, an Italian upholsterer, speaks the same. This Italian designer, who thought about this home furnishing, has an ‘ECO’ appeal to it. Fabio has used hay from Iceland called the Icelandic hay in this collection. It was created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy in Iceland. Publicly it made its first display in Milan at the year’s Furisalone. Nobody could have fathomed the idea of smelling as well as seeing hay and adding glory to the modern furnishing in your drawing rooms or living rooms. The furniture appears articles from the museum. Fabio del Percio has definitely carved a niche for himself in this field.
Though hay has been used in creating furniture for many years, yet the beauty lies in making it the focus. Fabio del Percio has used transparent PVC cover on the furnishings. It is stuffed with hay and therefore, visible to the onlooker. Not only this, but the hay can be smelled in the room itself. The designer has punctured holes beneath the chair. This helps the hay breath and stay fresh and long and the room too. The PVC cover comes with a zipper which has layers of hay and natural jute.
The Hey collection, with its armchairs, poufs and cushions, do bring a breath of fresh air to our senses. It is entwined with the raw yet beautiful landscapes of Iceland. The harmony can be sensed in its unique set of design. This exclusive idea does come with an exorbitant price tag. The transparent chair is available at UK retailer e-side at a cost of £540.
Though strange at the first glance, this product comes with its likes and dislikes as well. As it has been said that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, the Hey collection has also found its critics questioning the durability of this handmade furniture. To many it simply appears ugly and snobbish on the part of the gentry that pay through their noses for this. Also for them, the design has a fault considering the idea of comfort totally ignored while simply binging upon art. Even the reclining position on the chair would make anyone uncomfortable. The hay would rot away with time and vinyl has never been seen to bring a feeling of comfort and that too in a living room. Hence, with bouquets and brick bats as well, the Hey collection is on its way to fame.
Via: Design-milk
