Sensual leather and geometric angularity meet in this furniture collaboration between Bernard Dubois and Isaac Reina at Maniera Gallery in Brussels.
This exclusive collection seamlessly marries Reina's masterful work with leather and Dubois' penchant for geometric precision. This isn't the first collaboration between the two creative forces; they first joined hands in 2018, when Dubois crafted the architectural marvel that houses Reina's Paris boutique. Now, their combined ingenuity takes center stage in an array of captivating pieces.
Drawing inspiration from intersecting lines and bold volumes, the collection boasts an array of pure shapes that beautifully merge the distinctive design languages of both creators. Crafted from wood and then swathed in either natural or black tanned leather—the material favored by Reina—the furniture exudes an enticing tactile quality that harmonizes exquisitely with the avant-garde angles and lines.
At the heart of this collection lies the leather's supple versatility, a trait that allows it to effortlessly mold and shift into a variety of forms. Amaryllis Jacobs, Maniera's co-founder, enthuses, 'It's truly remarkable to witness the shared pursuit of clean, elemental lines by Bernard and Isaac. Their drive for flawless simplicity, punctuated by intricate detailing, is palpable in every piece.' The ensemble comprises eight domestic objects, including a chic lamp, an inviting armchair, a functional shelf, and an elegant side table. These items are meticulously arranged within the gallery, forming a sculptural narrative that emphasizes their dual identity as both utilitarian furniture and sculptural studies in form. Dubois elaborates that certain pieces, like the screen and side table, morph from graphic decorative elements into functional wonders when unfolded.
Reina reflects on the collaborative journey, expressing, 'What truly stands out in this partnership is our ability to find common ground between Bernard's architectural grandeur and my finesse in leather craftsmanship. Furniture design gracefully bridges this creative divide.' For Reina, translating his artistry to furniture design entailed embracing more distilled lines and a reduced ornamentation palette, resulting in a captivatingly abstract, almost architectural aesthetic. Dubois concurs, noting, 'The process of shaping these forms has been a captivating voyage, enriched by the cross-pollination of our distinct practices and the varying scales of our usual creations.'
