For the 60th anniversary of its "Saratoga" collection, the Italian fashion house enlisted the services of the creative mind Harry Nuriev.
Poltronova has always had a taste for experimentation and its most prominent figures. And for good reason! While design wasn't necessarily a priority in 1960s Tuscany, founder Sergio Cammilli surrounded himself with Ettore Sottsass, artistic director, as well as Gae Aulenti, Paolo Portoghesi, Giovanni Michelucci, Angelo Mangiarotti, and the Archizoom and Superstudio groups. These were guiding figures, but also, and above all, representatives of what was then called New Design.
The company, responsible for the famous Ultrafragola and the Safari Sofa, sums up its founder's approach in these few words: "to unite the polycentric soul of Italian design with its contradictions and opposing trends. He was convinced—and we see today that he was right—that this complexity was the very source of the unity and vitality of this extraordinary phenomenon." Thus, in a single catalog, Archizoom's anarchic works coexisted with those of Angelo Mangiarotti, as well as with the postmodern experiments of Paolo Portoghesi and the irreverent creations of Ettore Sottsass. It is therefore no surprise that the company commissioned Harry Nuriev to celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of its icons, "Saratoga."
Designed by the Italian design duo Lella and Massimo Vignelli, the "Saratoga" collection is one of the most iconic pieces in design history. Created in 1964, it comprises two elements: a rigid structure made of four pieces of equal thickness, and generous cushions that nestle within it. The structure boasts a luxurious lacquered finish, reminiscent of a pianoforte, according to the Italian company. The plush leather seat is inspired by the upholstery of luxury automobiles. Available as an armchair, as well as a two- to four-seater sofa, the collection celebrated its anniversary at the last Milan Design Week.
To mark this milestone, the Italian brand has called upon one of the leading names in contemporary design to revisit this timeless collection. His name? Harry Nuriev. Well-known to both enthusiasts and professionals in the field, the Russian artist and designer has collaborated extensively with the most prestigious players in the industry, from the Mobilier National to Balenciaga and Dover Street Market. For his partnership with Poltronova, the artist embraced the theme of wear and tear. Thus, instead of polished leather for the cushions, the designer used biodegradable agricultural film. Entitled "Unpacked," this reinterpretation echoes Harry Nuriev's traditional approach of transformation, which he is keen to infuse into many of his projects. This creative process fits perfectly within the lineage of the illustrious names that preceded the designer and forms the very essence of the Poltronova brand.
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