Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Ozwald Boateng rose to fame in the 1990s, becoming the first tailor to stage a catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week. The visionnaire set shop on the iconic Savile Row in London, rubbing shoulders with British bespoke tailors that had been around since the late 18th century. The new flagship store, opened in 2019, boasts interiors co-designed by British-Ghanaian Architect David Adjaye. The former Creative Director of Givenchy is now shaking the rules of another highly-guarded tradition: furniture design.
The collaboration with Poltrona Frau, unveiled in London’s Brompton Design District during the London Design Festival, came about after a chance encounter between Nicola Coropulis, CEO of the Italian company, and Ozwald Boateng. The discussion led to a bold move for Poltrona Frau, known for its lines of understated luxury furniture.
Ozwald Boateng X Poltrona Frau mixes African aesthetic and Italian flair. The classic Vanity Fair armchairs, the Chester sofa, armchairs and complements get a youthful revamp thanks to their new skins. What could have seemed like an odd pairing now feels like a happy marriage, because at the core, both houses place craftsmanship above all else. Tribal patterns embossed in Nubuck leather Pelle Frau® , and colourful printed velvet fabric populate this impeccably made funky collection, proving that sometimes, you can get it all.
