
designer hanne willmann details the expanded freifrau nana collection
The Nana chair, designed by Hanne Willmann for Freifrau, has evolved into an expanded collection that now includes a sofa and loveseat, embodying a gesture of warmth and embrace. The initial Nana chair, launched in 2021, is characterized by its voluminous and cloud-like appearance, a result of Willmann's experimental design process involving small cushions and balloons to achieve its soft, curvilinear form. This approach ensured the creation of a seating piece that is both simple and perfect, aiming for unprecedented seating quality.
The development of the Nana collection highlights a close collaboration between Willmann and Freifrau. Willmann appreciated the creative freedom and extensive technical and crafting support provided by the company throughout the design journey. The initial concept for the chair involved exploring an airy piece of furniture, which led to hands-on experimentation to achieve the distinctive silhouette. The unique central seam, a remnant of this developmental process, further defines the furniture's aesthetic.
Willmann presented her design to Freifrau, which was met with enthusiasm despite the inherent challenges posed by Nana's soft silhouette for the upholsterers. The designer spent nearly eighteen months working in Freifrau's workshop, continuously adjusting prototypes to match the intended form and ensure optimal comfort, a hallmark of Freifrau's products. This meticulous process underscored the company's commitment to quality and the art of furniture upholstery.
Following the successful development of the chair, Freifrau decided to expand Nana into a comprehensive family of furniture. While other frame chairs might have been an obvious extension, Freifrau encouraged a bolder approach, leading to the introduction of a couch, a loveseat, and an ottoman. The Nana Love Seat, in particular, addresses the growing demand for cozy and inviting seating options in homes, especially in areas where space might not accommodate larger upholstered landscapes or where a dedicated reading corner is desired.
This loveseat serves as a functional intermediary between an armchair and a sofa, offering opulent seating for a single person. Willmann conducted numerous form studies to ensure that the new, larger volumes maintained the collection's characteristic design while avoiding a cutesy aesthetic, ultimately achieving a sculptural presence. The Nana sofa, a first for Freifrau, demonstrates the manufacturer's trust and flexibility in supporting Willmann's vision.
Willmann was drawn to Freifrau not only for its special, feminine design ethos but also for its commitment to local production, sustainable practices, and high-quality materials. The family-like corporate culture, characterized by passionate discussions over design details and a willingness to produce distinctive furniture, further solidified this partnership. This approach, where conviction guides product development over purely economic considerations, resonates with customers who seek unique and thoughtfully designed pieces for their homes.
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