frank rettenbacher collaborates with zanotta for judy armchair

following the success of his previous line for zanotta back in 2016, frank rettenbacher grows his charismatic collection of furniture with the recently released, the judy armchair. using references from its sister june, the judy armchair is low with a graphical outline and a comfortably reclined posture and includes an array of colorful materials to choose from.

the armchair with back rest in canaletto walnut

rettenbacher’s armchair for zanotta carries an exposed wooden backrest with lightweight aesthetics. the chair’s metal legs — echoing his previous work for the renowned italian company — are braced with strengthening steel wires; a recurrent theme in his designs and reminiscent of the furniture of mid-century designers such as charles and ray eames. ‘the padded back with extended arm rests creates a protective shell, inviting you to take a seat and lean back. by experimenting with a varying thickness of plywood we found the perfect flex for the back rest and created a small armchair with an intense comfort and cosiness’ the designer explains, ‘a choice of different woods and metal painted legs combined with a variety of fabrics and leathers allow for a high degree of personalization.’

the june and judy chairs sitting side by side

the armchair suited in all black

from the latest zanotta catalogue – styling by studio salaris

from the latest zanotta catalogue – styling by studio salaris

these ‘june’ chairs were the starting point for the recently released armchair

seat cushion detailing

graphical outline

preliminary sketches

initial prototype of the armchair

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edited by: lynn chaya | designboom