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The Archibald Denim Edition: A New Take for Poltrona Frau

10.28.24 | By
The Archibald Denim Edition: A New Take for Poltrona Frau

Picture your favorite pair of jeans, we’re sure you’ve got one in mind – the cut, the wash, the length, the perfect fit – maybe a soft, worn in area where you usually put a phone or wallet as well. Denim is one of the most widely recognized fabrics in the world and Poltrona Frau understands the history behind this iconic weave. Now, they present a new take – the Archibald Denim Edition – on the Archibald, an expressive seating design by Jean-Marie Massaud.

Five modern black armchairs aligned on a cobblestone pavement with a large industrial-style windowed building in the background.

Denim is a truly beloved fabric, popular among various types of working folk since the mid-19th century. In the seventies, denim was fully a part of pop culture. Car companies such as Volkswagen and American Motors released trendy, denim clad interiors, most notably the 1974 Jeans Beetle. We’ve seen denim make a comeback this season, gracing the runways of Paris and New York to curate an approachable, utilitarian look. This has translated into furniture trends as well, yet another example of the collaborative nature of design. The contrast yellow stitching and rivet-like, antique bronze finish on the base are an obvious homage to its inspiration: the humble denim jean.

Three modern, dark blue armchairs are arranged on a city street under an elevated train track in an urban setting.

A dark gray denim armchair with gold metal legs, set against a plain background.

The delicate undulations of the warp and weft, which makes denim unique from other types of fabrics, is shown beautifully here. Upholstered in Poltrona Frau’s Everdenim, an impressive jacquard made from organic cotton, the fabric also sports a GOTS certification. This slubbed denim, which refers to the microscopic bumps on the face of the warp threads, is characteristic of many luxury raw denim fabrics. The classic double stitching and antique shine add to the vintage aesthetic of the Archibald’s new look.

A dark gray armchair is placed on a street in front of a brick wall with large, bold graffiti letters in black, red, and white.

A modern armchair with dark fabric upholstery and sleek metal legs is positioned against a plain background.

The back of the Archibald features slight ripples of fabric, meant to wear in over time to add customization to the piece’s life cycle. One of the main draws of raw denim is the chance to optimize the wear to your specifications, the fabric untreated and never washed. Indeed, some extremists recommend only washing your jeans in the ocean, but this has been largely debunked within the community. The rest of the Archibald’s upholstery is tight against the foam interior, looking plump and pretty.

A dark gray armchair sits on a cobblestone street in front of a colorful graffiti-covered wall.

The enveloping form of the Archibald has a comforting appeal, ideal for meditation or relaxing. The relatively solid form of the chair sits on delicate legs, providing some welcome light and contrast. There is an expressive, almost creature-like offering in the curve of the armrest, as if to say, “Come on in, sit awhile.”

Side view of a modern dark gray fabric armchair with sleek gold legs, set against a plain gray background.

Poltrona Frau is an Italian furniture brand, with over 100 years of experience in the interplay between product, brand, and communication. Born out of a resourceful upholsterer’s dream, Lorenzo ‘Renzo’ Frau started the company in Turing, and after his passing soon after, was kept afloat by Savina Pisati. Throughout the years, Poltrona Frau has kept an unwavering commitment to sustainability, earning multiple certifications throughout the years. From strict supplier management, to workplace safety and employee training, every step of the production process is inspected and reworked to suit our changing world.

Two chairs on a cobblestone street in front of a colorful, graffiti-covered brick wall with windows.

Jean-Marie Massaud is a French industrial designer, never limited to just product. From broad-ranging architectural projects to tabletop products, he pushes the bounds of lightness, reaching new heights using smarter materials. On the work of Studio Massaud, “What interests us more than anything else is the integration of products into ‘life programs’ that attempt to respond with harmony and refinement to the challenges of our times.”

Back view of a modern, dark upholstered chair with metallic legs on a light surface against a gray background.

For more information on the Archibald Denim Edition by Poltrona Frau, visit their website here. To learn more about Jean-Marie Massaud, click here.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.