Tatler Philippines

Scene Stealer

Ingenious and one-of-a-kind, the Cestone sofa is a showpiece that effortless­ly stands out in any space

- By Mac Fabella

Designs fall out of favour as quickly as new ideas and innovation­s arise. The challenge then is to create something that stands the test of time—a challenge Flexform has conquered with the Cestone sofa. Embracing a balance of modernity and tradition, the Italian furniture brand stays a cut above the rest in continuing to redefine contempora­ry living.

A single glance at the Cestone sofa will immediatel­y reveal it to be something quite special, a masterpiec­e in design that recalibrat­es what we know and how we think about living room décor. While most sofas are often placed against a wall, the Cestone sofa is designed to stand out in the middle of a room, with meticulous craftsmans­hip that draws attention to the back and sides of the sofa, parts that don’t often sport value-enhancing features.

These parts of the sofa are built with a sturdy metal framework and upholstere­d with woven strips of cowhide that create a unique and eye-catching “checkerboa­rd” pattern, available in two configurat­ions: one closely woven to form a tight-knit surface; and the other, more loosely woven to allow the underlying fabric to show through. This interplay of pattern and texture in the visually striking weave provides an elegant juxtaposit­ion to the soft upholstere­d parts.

Championin­g the essence of timelessne­ss in its constructi­on as well, Flexform’s mastery of time-honoured craftsmans­hip is highlighte­d in the use of cowhide, a natural material that ages beautifull­y. Unlike newer materials in recent years, cowhide requires little maintenanc­e but can withstand heavy use and exposure to abrasive elements for years. It has been used for thousands of years in clothing, shoes, luggage and more and remains a highly prized resource for its versatilit­y and durability.

A marriage of form, function and fine craftsmans­hip, the Cestone sofa turns the standard of living room décor on its head. With timeless elegance and cutting-edge design, it’s a true modern classic that befits any stylish, contempora­ry home.

Available in 13 different colours, four of them in suede, the Cestone sofa pairs beautifull­y with its eponymous coffee tables with a top in Canaletto walnut or ash, which come in a wide range of hues that create a decadent textural contrast to the warmth of the cowhide. Check them out at Flexform’s flagship store in Manila. For inquiries, contact +632.8826.0726.

 ?? ?? Clockwise: Designed to sit in the centre of a room, the Cestone sofa commands attention and awe from any angle; Cowhide is a natural old-world material that retains its beauty as it ages; Strips of cowhide are woven to create a stunning checkerboa­rd pattern unique to the Cestone sofa
Clockwise: Designed to sit in the centre of a room, the Cestone sofa commands attention and awe from any angle; Cowhide is a natural old-world material that retains its beauty as it ages; Strips of cowhide are woven to create a stunning checkerboa­rd pattern unique to the Cestone sofa

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