Tacchini and Formafantasma present innovative uses of sheep's wool at Milan Design Week 2023
by J. Parker
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The collaboration between Tacchini and Formafantasma
Italian furniture maker Tacchini and design studio Formafantasma have teamed up to present a new project with a focus on sustainability at Milan Design Week 2023 . The installation called Tacchini FLOCK, curated by Formafantasma, presents a new manufacturing process that combines traditional and contemporary environmental concerns. The project features four iconic upholstered seating designs, including Le Mura, Costela, Five to Nine and Lina, all redesigned from the inside out with sustainability and circularity in mind.
© Andrea Ferrari
The technology behind the FLOCK project
The role of sheep's wool in sustainability
Formafantasma has incorporated a sustainable and nature-based approach into the production of the iconic Tacchini designs. Inspired by the production of antique mattresses, this technique involves using surplus sheep's wool to replace industrial foam. To create softness and fill, natural latex is combined with non-polluting sheep's wool, a natural material normally considered waste. The installation was located in the Capsule Plaza in Milan and was open to the public until April 23, 2023.
According to Formafantasma's Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi, they aim to "offer quintessential tacchini designs with a new approach to padded stuffing, enhancing the products with a natural solution that supports small producers".
Tobia Scarpa and the Revival of Historical Masterpieces
Tacchini and Formafantasma continue their exploration of the furniture brand's heritage, including designs by Mario Bellini, Martin Eisler, Gianfranco Frattini and Studiopepe. These designs are known for their aesthetic durability and environmental sustainability. Each design will be available with both its traditional filling and the new wool and natural latex filling.
© Andrea Ferrari
© Andrea Ferrari
New designers and expanded collections
In addition to the FLOCK installation, Tacchini will present its new products for 2023 at the Salone del Mobile . The brand expands its catalog offer with a new philosophy of life aimed at conviviality, introducing organic shapes and strong materiality in newly presented chairs and tables. Products include both historical masterpieces revisited by architect Tobia Scarpa, such as the Sempronia and Dialogo chairs, and contemporary designs by Lorenzo Bini. Tacchini also collaborates with new designers such as Umberto Bellardi Ricci, EWE Studio, Salem van der Swaagh and Brian Thoreen and expands their collections such as Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini. Most recently, Le Mura seating is available in a new color palette from Formafantasma, having launched last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mario Bellini's design.
© Andrea Ferrari
© Andrea Ferrari
