Primadonna Armchair

The Primadonna Armchair was inspired by the idea of presence. It explores the relationship between comfort, elegance and personality, translating the image of a woman who enters a room and naturally becomes the center of attention. The design is not about excess, but about attitude, proportion and visual impact. Its main principle is to create a piece that is both functional and expressive, capable of transforming an interior through form, texture and emotion.

My main focus was to create an armchair with a strong identity, one that could offer comfort while also acting as a sculptural element in the space. I wanted to achieve a balance between softness and power: a piece that feels welcoming to the body, but also has enough visual strength to define the atmosphere around it. Primadonna was designed to be memorable, elegant and emotionally engaging.

My future plans are to expand the visibility of the Primadonna Armchair through exhibitions, editorial publications and strategic partnerships with brands aligned with authorial design. I also intend to study possibilities for production, licensing or limited editions, always preserving the identity and quality of the original concept.

Absolutely — choosing kiri wood was both a conscious and poetic decision. Known for its lightness, strength, and fast-regenerating properties, kiri embodies the very principles I wanted the Primadonna to express: elegance, responsibility, and longevity. Its sustainable nature aligned beautifully with my commitment to environmentally sensitive design, but it also offered unique aesthetic and structural opportunities.The circular frame of the Primadonna was directly shaped by the wood’s inherent qualities. Kiri is surprisingly pliable for a hardwood, allowing me to explore continuous curves and sculptural softness without compromising durability. That fluid, enveloping silhouette became central to the chair’s identity — not just visually, but emotionally. It embraces the user in a gesture of comfort and presence.By working with a material that’s both gentle on the earth and generous in its expression, I was able to craft a piece that feels as light as it looks — airy, elegant, but grounded in intention.

The idea behind the Primadonna’s modular design was born from a deep understanding of how modern living demands flexibility without sacrificing style or comfort. Contemporary spaces often require furniture that adapts seamlessly to different moods, functions, and moments — whether it’s a quiet afternoon of relaxation, an intimate conversation, or a casual gathering.Incorporating the ottoman as both a footrest and a side table was a way to honor this versatility. It’s a piece that invites the user to interact with it on multiple levels — to put their feet up, to place a book or a cup of tea, or even to rearrange the setting according to their needs. This dual functionality reflects my belief that good design should enhance daily life by being as dynamic and multifaceted as the people who live it.Moreover, the clean lines and cohesive aesthetics ensure that functionality never feels utilitarian or intrusive. Instead, it becomes an elegant extension of the chair’s sculptural form — a quiet companion that enriches the space while respecting its character.

Thank you for highlighting that — the smooth, flowing lines of the Primadonna are truly the result of a deep dialogue between the material, the hand, and the eye. Working primarily with manual techniques presented both challenges and opportunities to honor the wood’s natural qualities while achieving the chair’s elegant silhouette.Kiri wood, while lightweight and flexible, requires meticulous care during shaping and finishing to maintain structural integrity without losing its softness. The process involved a careful balance between precision carving and intuitive adjustments, always attentive to the grain, texture, and subtle variations in each piece.One of the greatest challenges was ensuring continuity in the curves — that seamless flow which gives the chair its iconic embrace. This demanded patience, repeated refinements, and a sensitivity that only comes from working closely with the material, almost as if the chair guided the maker’s hands.In the end, those flowing lines are more than an aesthetic choice — they are a celebration of craftsmanship, material respect, and the human touch. It’s this blend that I believe gives Primadonna its timeless elegance and soul.