Leather in Detail
Although Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour has showrooms that are entirely dedicated to the supply of leather – which ends up upholstering the banquettes of the world’s best restaurants and the headboards of the finest hotels and homes – this most versatile of materials also has a strong presence when it comes to the design of stand-alone products too.
This autumn, both Julian Chichester and Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam Ltd launched products that pay homage to the work of the great 20th-century French designer Jacques Adnet, known for furniture and lighting that was tightly wrapped in stitched saddle leather to create a sensuous yet understated finish. Julian Chichester’s fifties-inspired ‘Cloud’ desk (above) features leather-wrapped legs alongside a black vellum top and drawer fronts and a rosewood surround; while Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam Ltd has launched some ‘Adnet’ leather wall lights (below left) to complement an existing range of products of the same name, including drawers, a stool and a magazine rack.
Edelman Leather sells full hides, but its product line demonstrates an imaginative use of the raw materials. Its mirrors (above centre) come in circular, racetrack and oval shapes, and can incorporate leathers across seven of its ranges and a glorious spectrum of colours, including Shagreen cowhide and the large-grained Big Foot. Quilted ottomans (above right) are a recent addition, a versatile piece that can be used to perch or put your feet up on.
Leather is often used when small details need to make a smart statement. Th2designs’ ‘City Sleep’ bed (above left and centre) features decorative leather straps on the headboard; the piece was originally designed for a show apartment at Battersea Power Station, but the design team loved it so much, it’s now in production. Nada Designs makes incredibly delicate, detailed passementerie, but its new leather tie-backs (above right) are a more masculine take on its usual portfolio.
Edelman Leather, Second Floor, Centre Dome
Nada Designs, First Floor, Design Centre East
Julian Chichester, Ground Floor, Centre Dome
Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam Ltd, Ground Floor, Centre Dome
Th2designs, Second Floor, Design Centre East
