Dior have invited 17 artists and designers to rethink its legendary ‘Medallion’ chair and from the 5th of September, they will all be on show at Palazzo Citterio in Milan’s Brera neighbourhood. Some 30 chairs will be on display as either sets or pairs.
The medallion chair has been a symbol of the French fashion house since its inception in 1947. The oval backed Louis XVI style chair has become synonymous with the brand and has featured in adverts for Miss Dior parfum.
Nendo’s sleek and modern interpretation features two sheets of tempered 3mm thick glass. One curved sheet forms the legs and back of the chair while the other forms the seat. After the glass has been shaped it’s then dipped in potassium nitrate molten salt at 450℃ to harden. The two sheets are then bonded with clear UV adhesives and silicon. The result, a beautifully curved, frosted and transparent chair.
The oval cutout is a nod to the form of the original chair and seems to float in midair. The chairs are also made in black and pink ombre.
The display also features work from other Asian designers and artists, including Korea based Seungjin Yang , Beirut-based designer Khaled El Mays and Tokujin Yoshioka.
