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10 pieces that celebrate the art of sculptural drapery
It’s one of the big trends in design, creating the illusion of softness from plaster and stone. These are the pieces to invest in…
Walk into any museum today and you’ll likely see statues cloaked in realistically rendered stone robes, the folds appearing almost soft to the touch. While ancient Greek sculptors carved three-dimensional fabrics to clothe the bodies they were celebrating, designers today are similarly cloaking solid works of furniture and lighting in figure-hugging drapery. Whether by casting fabric in plaster, chiselling pleats into travertine or giving ceramics a scalloped skirt, this season is all about dressing rigid pieces for the home in slinky stone costumes.
‘Drapery’ table, Lemon
Turin-based interior architect and furniture designer Yaniv Chen carved this table from a single block of travertine in an impressive feat of engineering and craftsmanship. The scalloped edges were inspired by a heavy jacquard tablecloth that used to dress the designer’s grandmother’s table. From £16,000, lemonfurniture.co
‘Requiem’ wall light, Lee Broom
British designer Lee Broom took cues from the marble drapery of ancient statues for this shrouded light. The ethereal fixture is sculpted by hand in London using fabric and plaster, which is softly lit from behind. If you’re after a candlelight glow, this is your answer. £2,250, leebroom.com
‘Fringe’ cup, Atelier Fig
The tiny ridges around the edge of this cup are the result of cutting wet clay with a wire cutter. This special technique is the hallmark of Dutch practice Atelier Fig’s ‘Fringe’ collection, with every piece showcasing the same tactile finish. Approx £142 for six, atelierfig.com
‘Detritus 04’ table lamp, Ashley Law and Louis Barrett
One of seven pieces in the ‘Detritus’ collection, which launched at the last Collectible fair, this table lamp has a slinky aluminium shade that resembles a sheet of cloth. Meanwhile, the light’s gnarly branch is inspired by twigs spotted by designers Ashley Law and Louis Barrett on their from walks through Epping Forest and the South Downs. £1,895, flawk.co.uk
‘Free Form’ chair, Objects With Narratives
Although this chair looks like it might crumple under your weight thanks to its crinkled form, it is actually made from sturdy fibre glass. To achieve its wrinkled silhouette, Lukas Cober layered fibreglass cloth by hand before carefully removing parts of the material to create organic folds. Approx £18,755, objectswithnarratives.com
‘Frida’ fruit bowl, Studio X
Resin connoisseur Studio X has transformed the quotidian fruit bowl into a quirky yet utilitarian piece by sculpting the material into folds. Matching vases and trinket trays are also available; choose a couple in clashing shades to create a striking tablescape. £177, studio-x.it
‘Dorothy’ mirror, Invisible Collection
Called ‘Dorothy’ after the 20th-century American interior designer Dorothy Draper, this mirror by Sarah Chirazi takes the juxtaposition between concealing and revealing to new heights. A plaster curtain hugs the frame, creating a theatrical piece that commands a room. £6,250, invisiblecollection.com
‘Cove’ tray, Virginia Sin
Obscure crevices hidden in ocean coves and the waves that hit Rancho Palos Verdes were the starting point for this delicate tray. Though made from ceramic, its undulating curves and folded edges give it a soft look. £74, virginiasin.com
‘Drisca’ vase, Ferm Living
After a vase that will look as good empty as it does filled with flowers? Ferm Living’s voluptuous piece could be your answer. Designed in Copenhagen and 3D printed from ceramic, it’s swirling ribbons make quite the statement. £125, fermliving.co.uk
‘Cassia’ wall light, Porta Romana
The ‘Cassia’ doubles as a piece of art with a cast composite draped like cloth over the light source. Although shown here in plaster white, it can be painted in any colour you desire. We’d recommend going for an accent hue to make it pop against the wall. £2,640, portaromana.com
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