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Saba Italia’s Singular Style

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Experiment­ation without excess – this is the mandate of Saba

Italia, a Padova-based Italian furniture brand establishe­d in 1987. And for the child of a decade associated most strongly with exactly that (excess), the restraint that’s tied to Saba Italia’s direction of exploratio­n and invention is worth paying attention to.

Being considerab­ly more youthful than many of its competitor­s, Saba Italia operates without the deep historic gravity that’s carried by the more longstandi­ng Italian furniture companies. A bold style emanates from the brand’s furniture (sofas, chairs, tables and bookcases), as well as from its marketing campaigns. Shapes cut unapologet­ic and energetic outlines, but always with reverence to the poetry of colour and the particular quality of material. Backdrops and objects contribute to the product’s expression, building a bigger story about currents of design.

Stirring the emotions while feeling comfortabl­e and ‘right’ – this is at the heart of the brand. So too is satisfying real consumer needs.

One of Saba Italia’s latest product families is Philo – consisting of two- and three-seat sofas and an armchair, each with a lean and grounded form yet a friendly character. Philo is a prefix of Greek origin that refers to love, propensity and empathy toward people and things. The Philo furniture entices with friendly and distinctly expressed shapes and a slant that promises relaxation and calm.

Marco Zito’s design sees a slim metal frame tracing a gentle outline in support of broad, comforting upholstere­d surfaces. The latter can be read as clearly defined planes of colour that entice engagement with their hospitable curvature. Philo’s welcoming character and openness gives it suitabilit­y to various types of spaces – from social spaces to homes to offices.

 ??  ?? Above: The Philo three-seat sofa and armchair photograph­ed (by Beppe Brancato with art direction by Studio MILO) against the striking backdrop of an empty pool.
Above: The Philo three-seat sofa and armchair photograph­ed (by Beppe Brancato with art direction by Studio MILO) against the striking backdrop of an empty pool.

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