Distinct and creative, the Babu and Clop chairs reinvent the classic chair design via traditional craftsmanship and organic shapes. They are created by Toru, a studio based in Igualada, Barcelona, and both will be launched at the Dubai Design Week 2016. Handmade by local artisans from premium quality vegetable-tanned leather, brass and solid oak, the chairs combine age-old techniques and contemporary design in functional products meant to beautify the modern home.
“We are interested in telling stories through objects, by looking for new functions and exploring material qualities,” says the studio. Babu is inspired by desert journeys taken by nomadic tribes and it’s designed to be a place for relaxation, meditation and rest. It is crafted from a single piece of 6mm-thick leather which is folded to form both the seat and the backrest in an organic yet stylish design. Four small brass feet maintain the structure stable and upright, remaining almost hidden from sight. The Clop lounge chair references the clog shoe through its folded backrest and use of materials, featuring solid oak feet and seat which are connected to the 6mm-thick vegetable-tanned leather with brass fittings. Ultimately, both chairs aim to push the concept of seating to a new level of creativity, but they also display stunning craftsmanship and a passion for making artistic yet functional products. Photo credits: Toru.