Menswear designer Ozwald Boateng joins hands with Poltrona Frau to present the Culture and Craft collection – a rich celebration of African aesthetics, British tailoring, and Italian craftsmanship.
Ozwald Boateng’s African-Inspired Nubuck Leather Collection with Poltrona Frau”
In a striking fusion of African aesthetics, British tailoring, and Italian craftsmanship, menswear icon Ozwald Boateng has embarked on a creative journey with renowned furniture and interiors brand Poltrona Frau. The result? A breathtaking collection that celebrates the convergence of these diverse cultures and traditions in contemporary design. Welcome to the “Culture and Craft” collection, where nubuck leather takes on a new perspective, and the essence of African culture comes to life in your living spaces.
A Global Fusion of Inspiration
Boateng, a British haute couturier of Ghanaian descent, has left an indelible mark on menswear fashion for nearly three decades. His design ethos is a harmonious blend of Savile Row’s tailoring heritage and London’s vibrant multicultural tapestry, infused with a global sense of style, African culture, and artistic expression. In the “Culture and Craft” collection, color emerges as the protagonist, with textures, patterns, and shades that encapsulate a rich cultural heritage transcending time and geography.
Pelle Frau: A Palette of Innovation
At the heart of this collection lies a groundbreaking approach to nubuck leather. Through complex hand-embossing techniques, Poltrona Frau’s artisans have created a highly textured and three-dimensional effect. Boateng’s vibrant color palette, developed in close collaboration with Poltrona Frau, captures the exuberance and vitality of African culture with a modern twist. Each pattern designed by Boateng pays homage to his Ashanti roots and tribal aesthetics, weaving a compelling narrative. Among them, the iconic Kente fabric, a modern reinterpretation of traditional Akan tribal textiles, takes center stage, connecting the past with the present.
Chester Across Cultures
The Chester family of products, timeless symbols of Edwardian style and design, receives a contemporary makeover under the creative guidance of Ozwald Boateng and Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship. The Tribal pattern, marked by a color palette rich in depth and contrast, breathes new life into the 1930s armchair, elevating it to the status of a contemporary masterpiece while preserving its unique design essence. It’s a fusion of eras and cultures, where the old meets the new in perfect harmony.
Accessories & Complements for Well-Being
Beyond furniture, the “Culture and Craft” collection extends its influence into the realm of accessories and complements, embracing the concept of “beautilities” – the perfect fusion of beauty and functionality. This collection features wool rugs, Tribal-inspired pillows, wallpapers adorned with the Kente motif, African-inspired scented candles, and a reimagining of the classic African Mancala game. Each piece is a testament to craftsmanship, sartorial precision, and product innovation, offering a holistic experience that transcends mere decor.
In the “Culture and Craft” collection, Ozwald Boateng and Poltrona Frau have achieved a remarkable synergy between their respective worlds. They have woven a tapestry where tradition and innovation, Africa and Europe, and fashion and interiors converge seamlessly.