Title: Longchamp has announced an exciting creative partnership with acclaimed French furniture designer Pierre Renart, set to be unveiled at Milan Design Week from 7 to 13 April 2025. The collaboration marks Renart's first exploration of combining wood and leather, as well as his debut appearance at the world-renowned design event.
Sophie Delafontaine, Longchamp's Creative Director, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, 'Longchamp has a long-standing commitment to promoting creative talent, supporting the arts, and preserving savoir-faire in all its forms. We are delighted to be accompanying Pierre in this project, which enables him to experiment with new techniques, to extend his savoir-faire, and to bring his work to the attention of a wider audience.'
This partnership builds on the existing relationship between Renart and Longchamp, which began in 2021 when Renart crafted unique furniture pieces, including variations of his signature Wave coffee table, for the brand's renovated boutiques. At Milan Design Week, Renart will present two original creations: the Wave leather bench and a set of eight Ruban chairs, crafted from American walnut and upholstered in cowhide leather. The pieces are designed to embody Renart's signature flowing lines, blending the organic quality of wood with the supple elegance of leather.
Renart, who graduated from the prestigious École Boulle in Paris, described his creative vision: 'My aim, when a piece is finished, is for it to be somehow definitive and timeless, for you not to want to add anything or take anything away. I try to do something original with wood, something that runs counter to its traditional, somewhat rigid image.' He expressed his passion for working with leather, calling it "a magnificent material to work with," and shared his excitement about merging Longchamp's leather expertise with his own craftsmanship.
The designs will be showcased at Longchamp's Milan flagship on via della Spiga during the event, with the unique Ruban chairs available for purchase. Delafontaine emphasised the collaborative challenge: 'We wanted him to keep the idea of movement, of the single, unbroken line – and clearly, he has done exactly that.'
This creative venture highlights Longchamp's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation while reinforcing Pierre Renart's reputation as a visionary artisan. Visitors to Milan Design Week can look forward to experiencing this unique fusion of traditional woodworking and refined leather artistry firsthand.
More information:
Longchamp
www.longchamp.com
Pierre Renart
www.pierrerenart.com