Continued...

The collection features work from some designers who contributed to “Optimism,” Council’s first collection, as well as some newcomers. Per the company’s business model, which is unique in the United States, Council curated its current collection from the submissions of the small number of designers who were invited to participate.  The designers whose work was selected for Council’s 2008 collection are: Arik Levy (Paris), Khodi Feiz (Amsterdam), nendo (Tokyo), Monica Förster (Stockholm), Cédric Ragot (Paris), One & Co (San Francisco), Mike and Maaike (San Francisco), and Derek Chen (San Francisco), who is also the company’s founder. Please refer to the bio pages for more details.

“This collection is a defining one for Council,” said Chen. “Last year, our launch, was tremendously exciting. This year and every year going forward we hope to reinforce who we want to be long term: an American furniture company that has something to contribute in the world of international design.”

The 2008 collection includes the following pieces:

Radial by nendo—With its varying angles, this dynamic bookshelf appears to undulate as it is approached. Useful and stylish alone but even more remarkable in series, Radial is available in three heights, in lacquered MDF and various wood finishes.
 
Flevo Chair by Khodi Feiz—Named for the park across from Feiz Design Studio in Amsterdam, Flevo comes with or without armrests. A simple crossed frame of stainless steel supports a fluid molded plywood seat, available in wood veneer or upholstered in a variety of wool fabrics.

Periodic Table by One & Co—Council spent a year perfecting the manufacturing process that makes this stunning piece possible. Periodic is made from a massive block of reclaimed wood coated with a layer of pure silver. The wood’s natural grain remains visible beneath the glittering patina, highlighting the interplay between substance and surface.

Layers by Monica Förster—This versatile coffee table is comprised of four individual side tables;   when combined, Layers is reminiscent of ice floes in slow collision. Made of translucent Corian, light filters through Layers’ various layers to dramatic effect.

Stabil by Cédric Ragot — These occasional tables pare down the table to its very essence: a surface perched improbably above its shadow. In powder coated steel, Stabil comes in three sizes and three finishes.

System 24 by Khodi Feiz—This graceful modular storage system is available in multiple configurations. Available in natural woods and high-gloss finish in white, red, and grey. 

Peel by Khodi Feiz—This is convertible furniture made transparent. The simple conversion mechanism that takes Peel from vertical to horizontal is on display in this study in minimal elegance. Available as Sofa, Chaise Longue, or Lounge Chair; 100% wool upholstery.

Chrysalis by One & Co—At once delicate and robust, this stool is wonderfully simple. A sleek and comfortable leather seat, with visible stitching, is perched atop a polished stainless steel base; the cross bar doubles as a foot rest.  

Geo Low Tables by Arik Levy—Designed to be used individually or arranged in clusters, these eccentric, multi-sided tables are available in a trio of sizes. 2008 tables are available in a new palette of colors, in wood veneer on aluminum or powder-coated aluminum for both indoor and outdoor use.

Geo Dining Table by Arik Levy—An update to the original design, this faceted table now has an eight-seat version to complement the original six-seater. A seamless blend of contemporary form and traditional craftsmanship, the Geo Dining Table comes in solid oak, walnut or hickory.

Mute by Mike and Maaike—This armchair previewed at ICFF last year in prototype and went on to win a *Wallpaper design award. Mute is back this year, ready for market, with the same upholstered cradle of a seat and powder-coated steel base, in a brilliant 2008 palette.

Section Bench by Derek Chen—Open to interpretation, this architectural piece can be used for seating (hard and soft) or for storage and display. Hollow units sliced at an angle can be arranged in myriad formations—stacked, joined, or isolated—to reveal new surfaces and cavities. Available veneered with natural wood or upholstered for indoor use or in powder-coated steel or polished stainless to extend its application to the outdoors. A version of this piece was introduced last year; the 2008 model is slightly more substantial, with thicker walls.

Aura Credenza by One & Co — A unique layering of surfaces and textures distinguishes this credenza: it has a high-gloss lacquered interior, a wood veneer outer layer, and stands on sleek stainless steel legs. Aura’s inner storage space is separated from its exterior shell by a layer of air, creating the illusion of floating. Exterior finishes available in Wenge, White Oak, and Walnut
                                 

Upcoming Exhibitions

Please visit Council at the following shows this spring to experience the ’08 collection:

Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Milan, Italy, April 16-21.
See Council at: Via Savona 43 in the Zona Tortona

International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, May 17-20.
See Council at: Booth #1926

Please direct all media inquiries to Jessica Olshen, 212.477.4600 or jessica@jbocommunications.com.

Back to news...