Matthieu Blazy and Bottega Veneta partner with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier on Milan design week installation “On the Rocks”

This year's Milan Design Week offers a unique visual feast as Bottega Veneta, in collaboration with Cassina and the Fondation Le Corbusier, introduces "On the Rocks," an imaginative installation at the historic Palazzo San Fedele in Milan. The project, under the innovative guidance of Bottega Veneta's Creative Director Matthieu Blazy, focuses on the LC14 Tabouret Cabanon—a symbol of the legendary architect Le Corbusier's ingenuity and Cassina's craftsmanship excellence.

The LC14 Tabouret Cabanon was not just another piece of furniture for Le Corbusier; it was a personal creation for his modest cabin at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The cabin, a mere 12 square meters in size, represented the zenith of minimalism, where simplicity and functionality transcended conventional luxury. Inspired by a wooden whiskey box that had washed ashore, the Tabouret is both a functional stool and a testament to sustainable design, featuring dovetail joints and oblong openings for easy relocation within a space.

For Milan Design Week, Matthieu Blazy has re-envisioned this iconic piece, introducing both wooden and leather versions. The wooden Tabourets employ a traditional Japanese charred-wood technique, enhancing the wood's natural resilience and exposing its intricate grain patterns. The leather versions, available in vibrant hues of red, yellow, blue, and raintree green, showcase Bottega Veneta’s renowned Intreccio foulard technique—each piece handwoven at the label’s artisanal atelier in Montebello. The leather is further treated with a special brushwork method, adding a layer of colored paint topped with black, which is then partially removed to create a distinct, textured appearance.

The title "On the Rocks" cleverly references the coastal origins of the Tabouret's design inspiration, as well as the rugged simplicity of Le Corbusier’s cabin. Adding to the historical ambiance, an original whiskey box like the one that inspired Le Corbusier will also be displayed at the installation.

Enhancing the narrative of this collaborative venture is a striking campaign shot by photographer Pierre Debusschere, featuring model Anok Yai. Yai describes the experience as empowering, praising the open and collaborative nature of the shoot orchestrated by Matthieu Blazy and Bottega Veneta. Her portrayal in the campaign underscores the versatility and timeless appeal of the Tabouret.

"On the Rocks" is not just an exhibition but a prelude to a new chapter for Bottega Veneta. Palazzo San Fedele, the site of the installation, is set to become the new headquarters for the brand in September 2024. 

This installation not only celebrates the convergence of history, art, and design but also marks a significant step in Bottega Veneta's journey towards integrating more deeply with cultural movements, highlighting the enduring impact of design on our living and working spaces.

Courtesy: Bottega Veneta