Psssssssst ... here are some secrets straight from Europe about a new model of collaboration.

Arper’s stand at Milan this year was built around the theme of ‘ Together’ – conveyed through a series of different rooms that represent our current lifestyle and the trend towards life and work becoming ever more interchangeable.

To bring this concept to life were three new collections by Lievore Altherr, a Spanish design studio that has been working with Arper for nearly two decades. These include Arcos, Cila and Catifa UP.

Arcos is a stunning seating range designed for use in commercial spaces, which was inspired by the elegance of the Art Deco era and features distinctive, graphic-style armrests. It is available in both armchair and lounge models.

Jeannette Altherr (one half of the design duo) talks about the inspiration behind this range and their work with Arper. “Arper is one of the most ambitious and open minded companies we have worked with; they always push for high class collaborators in other fields such as architects and photographers and it’s very stimulating to be able to do complex projects with them. We have always loved art deco so this was one of the main inspirations behind the new Arcos lounge,” she continues. “Plus we wanted to create something that would mix well with its other sofas such as the Steeve sofa and the Parentesit collection as, in the showrooms we always have to pair different collections together and it was hard to find a partner for Steeve.”

Listen in on our chat, below:

Cila, meanwhile, is suitable for both domestic and contract markets and also features an exquisite graphic form with its smooth lines and distinctive curve. The polypropylene shell is available in six contemporary colourways and there is also the option of seat upholstery or full upholstery to add another layer of character. “Graphic is kind of a theme we have been working on for Arper and we have found such an echo for this in the market,” reveals Jeannette.

The final piece on display by Lievore Altherr was a new version of its Catifa UP chair, featuring a higher backrest. Specifically responding to the needs of the modern meeting room and boardroom, it is available with a new soft cushion upholstery or signature line stitch whilst an updated armrest adds to the sleek and sensuous curve of the shell. Available on swivel and castor base options, production will begin early 2018.

Thanks to the cool kids at Stylecraft, the latest from Arper are just about to hit Australian shores. And the wait is almost over!

Go on, get ‘together’ with the guys at Stylecraft and kickstart a new approach to your professional life!