Having developed a solid reputation for its collaborations with vanguard designers, there’s no surprise that Swedish design brand Hem has partnered up again – this time with London-based powerhouse Faye Toogood.
After more than two years of research and design – a process which pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic – the dynamic duo has brought to life the ‘Puffy’ lounge chair, the first piece in a collection of seating that will explore the possibilities of steel-framed furniture.
The overall feeling of the ‘Puffy’ chair is not dissimilar to a giant hug and, really, is there anything more needed in the world right now?
The chair envelopes its occupant with a plumply padded duvet which slumps over the modernist metal frame, offering a satisfying sense of comfort. A canvas sling provides seat support and the removable duvet is kept in place with Velcro tabs.
“The idea behind the ‘Puffy’ seating collection is to emphasise the two almost contradictory ideas at play in the furniture,” says Faye. “First, stability and strength, highlighted by leaving the stainless-steel framework on display, and second, comfort and reassurance, in the form of the puffy upholstery.”
The resulting pieces have a dependable durability coupled with all the enveloping warmth of a familiar duvet.
The ‘Puffy’ chair will become available from October 7, perfectly aligned with the arrival of cooler weather in the northern hemisphere.
The chair will be available in three duvet colours (Anthracite Canvas, Natural Canvas, and Sand-Coloured Leather) and three metal frame finishes (Sandblasted Stainless Steel, Powder Coated Black Grey and Powder Coated Cream).
Faye Toogood joins Hem’s roster of established international designers which includes Max Lamb, Philippe Malouin, Pauline Deltour, Arthur Arbesser, and Anderssen & Voll. The launch of the ‘Puffy’ chair comes during a year where Hem has celebrated several monumental moments including the unveiling of the brand’s new headquarters in Stockholm and the launch of the first Hem Studio in New York.
