combining the archetypal shape of a comfortable sofa and an exclusively designed, innovative cover, the VITRA ‘vlinder’ carries the rich yet eccentric signature of dutch designer hella jongerius as herself and VITRA look to push the boundaries of modern weaving. the new design debuts at milan design week 2019 as it is set to be launched in the fall of 2019.

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors
all images courtesy of VITRA

 

 

‘vlinder is a master study of weaving,’ explains hella jongerius. ‘a team of textile engineers and hand weavers joined forces to make this unique design possible. it shows a new way of producing a tailored ‘one-off’ pattern and creating an haute couture sofa that combines the human touch of crafts with the possibilities of digital technology.’

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

 

the body of VITRA ‘vlinder’ acts as a platform for the contoured overlay that is precisely tailored to drape over the seat, back and armrests. with its many shades and extraordinary textures, the result resembles that of a colorful butterfly spreading out its wings.

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

 

displaying different motifs and weaves in a spectrum of shades, the sofa cover is a step into the future for VITRA and their color & material library. this unique design builds upon the designer’s explorative combination of craft and industry, which has grown with over 10 years of experience as art director for colors & materials at the furniture brand. it is the outcome of close collaborations between hella jongerius, experts from VITRA and weaving specialists. as different modifications were tested during the development, a magical surprise was brought back from the mill after each new weave.

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

 

the rich cover features eight colors with yarns of two different thicknesses within various levels of seven different jacquad weaves. the result is a multitude of patterns, colors and textures that flow together. the piece clothes the sofa as if a choreographed, richly abstract composition full of density and depth. it can match any interior by being available in light red, light green, dark red and dark green tones.

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

VITRA vlinder sofa draped with rich tapestry of motifs, weaves and colors

 

 

product info:

 

name: vlinder

brand: VITRA 

designer: hella jongerius