From a monolithic mass to a fine cable, metal has infinite potential in design. EMU Advanced Collection, debuting here at #NeoCon09, is bringing “a new dignity” to the material through the exploitation of its natural properties of flexibility, lightness and strength. The collaboration between Coalesse and the Italian indoor/outdoor furniture manufacturer EMU consists of five lines created by world-renowned designers: Heaven by Jean-Marie Massaud, Re-Trouvé by Patricia Urquiola, Ivy by Paola Navone, Cross by Rodolfo Dordoni and Round by Christophe Pillet.

Heaven. Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Emu Advanced Collection.

Within Coalesse’s space in the Merchandise Mart at #NeoCon09, 20,000 green leaf stickies surround Jean-Marie Massaud’s Heaven to envelop the collection in rich textured surfaces. The white powder-coated metal forms seem to float within the tunnel-like space. Massaud speaks of Heaven as “a manifesto of elegance, midway between tglamour nand timeless sensuality. The airy silhouettes of the chairs, armchairs, tables and vases stage the privileges of open air life with refinement.” The steel is woven like fabric, rendering the traditionally industrial material soft and seemingly weightless.

Re-Trouvé. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Emu Advanced Collection.

Re-Trouvé. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Emu Advanced Collection.

Patricia Urquiola’s Re-Trouvé is the most distinguished of the EMU Advanced Collection, moving away from the mesh-like surfaces in the direction of patterns and color. The flexibility of metal is exploited to create this elegant reinterpretation of the traditional garden chair. EMU Advanced Collections bring together beauty and longevity, furnishing the contract market with elegant outdoor furnishings.