One of the new products launched during Salone Del Mobile. Milano 2018 is collection Grasso, designed by Stephen Burks, produced by BD Barcelona. It is experimental leather seating collection consists of a lounge chair, a footrest and a barstool.

Why is it unique and different from others?

The new expression of the Classic typology

At a first glance, Grasso is plump armchair without unnecessary details (buttons, stitching…). Its frame is visible and is composed of iron tubes (25mm). It supports upholstered part and shapes it in around and soft form. The structure is simple as a contrast to abundant, puffy leather surfaces. Seat and backrest are upholstered in different materials leather or fabric. Even colours are not trendy, there is no pink or red nor grey or petroleum. The structure and upholstery part are in similar colour without contrasts.

Designed this way, the shape of the armchair attract attention. It is elegant, exceptionally sophisticated but strongly stimulate idea of comfort.

Stephen Burks explains his design: "Pushing away from the foundation of the exaggerated expression of traditional overstuffed upholstery allowed us to find an unexpected place of abstraction where the voluminous form not only recalls the traditional smoking lounge chair but also expresses something of the artistically absurd…

Grasso is more than fat. It’s a bit sloppy and overflowing. It’s uncontrollable. These are the ideas of comfort we wanted to play with the Grasso collection. Both, in the upholstered furniture pieces and in the ceramics, there is a feeling of forms reaching the limit of expressiveness."

The Devil is in the Detail

Particularly interesting is Grasso in Dark leather combined with interesting fabric on the backside. Bruk designed not only furniture but also a collection of fabric.

This fabric is a result of designer’s creativity, innovation and his approach to combining great craftsmanship with industrial production. As always, his idea was not enough for realization. The quality collaboration between the designer, BD Barcelona and Bolon resulted in fabric with the tridimensional effect which gives dynamism and style of the product.

Importance of Innovation for Value of Objects

Grasso line is one of the proofs that innovative design idea can be realized only with the multidisciplinary approach, research and quality cooperation between all parties involved in the process.

In this case we have the added value that comes from parties from diverse cultural and geographical contexts who were involved (designer Stephen Burks from the USA, furniture producer BD Barcelona from Spain and fabric producer Bolon from Sweden).

The result is Grasso with high-quality details, finishes achieved in the industrial manufacturing process and strong individuality achieved in hand finishing (fabric is hand catted).

It will be up to interior designers to find the best way to incorporate Grasso items in space and create the ambience to meet final users needs.

Images courtesy BD Barselona