From left, ‘Kasbah’ sofa, price on request, by David Lopez Quincoces, for Living Divani. ‘Sedia 1938’ chair, from €2,650, by Franco Albini, for Exteta. Executive Producer : Kate Collins. Photo assistants: Giovanni Romboni and Andrea dalle Luche. Interiors Assistant: Markos Ioannides. Assistant + backstage: Flora del Debbio. Retouching: Vitali Studio. Special Thanks to: Ufficio Demanio, Comune di Livorno and Simone Lenzi Assessore alla Cultura, Livorno
For the May 2022 issue of Wallpaper*, we invited legendary photographer Massimo Vitali to interpret this season's best outdoor furniture. Based in Lucca, Tuscany, Vitali is best known for his Italian beach panoramas and photographs of crowded public spaces defined by saturated pastel palettes. Although it is rare to see Vitali take on still-life assignments, is the second time the photographer has collaborated with Wallpaper*, following an outdoor shoot in 2019.
Styled by our head of interiors Olly Mason, our 2022 outdoor space story was shot on location in Italy at Le Vaschette, a 2km-long rocky sandstone cliff that extends along the ancient Etruscan coast, south of Livorno. Excavated by the Etruscans, the quarry produced dark pietra serena and yellowish pietra ruspa stone, with sponge-like textures caused by alveolar erosion. The seafront location made it easier to transport the materials by sea. Over the years, the quarry’s geometrical-shaped cavities have been partly submerged due to rising sea levels, which make them look like little pools (vaschine), making it a popular spot for locals in search of a refreshing summer dip.
Take a peek at the season's best outdoor furniture, and enjoy the views – plus watch our behind-the-scenes video, below.
Sling’ chair, from £833; footstool, from £541, both by Studiopepe, for Ethimo
Cuba’ chair in sesame, £572, by Morten Gøttler, for Carl Hansen & Søn
From left, ‘Nido’ stackable armchair, €922, by Javier Pastor, for Expormim. ‘Satellite’ dining table, €1,450, by Jean-Marie Massaud, for Dedon. ‘Thor’ barstool with teak seat, €341, by Chiaramonte Marin, for Emu. ‘Trampoline’ armchair, £2,025, by Patricia Urquiola, for Cassina
From left, ‘Pacha Outdoor’ lounge chair, from £1,999, by Pierre Paulin; ‘Obello’ lamp, £249, by Bill Curry, both for Gubi. ‘Pablo Outdoor’ armchair, price on request, by Vincent Van Duysen, for B&B Italia
Mini Clay’ table, from €1,232, by Marc Krusin, for Desalto. ‘Torii Nest Outdoor’ armchair, £6,860, by Nendo, for Minotti. ‘Eaunophe’ lamp, 225, by Patrick Paris, for Serax
Echoes Outdoor’ lounge chair, £3,441, by Christophe Pillet, for Flexform
From left, ‘Aspic’ table, from €890, by Gordon Guillaumier, for Roda. ‘August’ lounger, €1,350, by Vincent Van Duysen, for Serax. ‘Ringer’ armchair, from €795, by Michael Anastassiades, for Kettal. ‘Love’ chair, £104, by Eugeni Quitllet, for Vondom. ‘Nui’ portable lamp, £498, by Meneghello Paolelli, for Luceplan
Behind the scenes: Massimo Vitali on set at Le Vaschette
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Frank Stephenson’s high-flying capsule design for HALO’s balloon-powered space flightsSpace start-up HALO promises zero-emission travel to the stratosphere in a futuristic viewing capsule shaped by Frank Stephenson Design
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Back to Black: all eyes on film-maker Sam Taylor-JohnsonBack to Black cinematographer Polly Morgan tells Wallpaper* how a shared love of French New Wave close-ups brought Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse biopic to life
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Formafantasma’s new collection explores nostalgia and the queer identityFormafantasma present 'La Casa Dentro' at Fondazione ICA Milano (until 19 July 2024), where they draw inspiration from the domestic sphere and their own nostalgic perceptions of home
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Vincent Van Duysen ‘inspired by modernism’ for Molteni & C’s outdoor furniture debutMolteni & C goes alfresco with two new collections and reissued classics, bringing its signature elegance to the great outdoors
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First look inside Centurion New York by Yabu PushelbergCenturion New York is an expansive new space for American Express’ ‘black card’ members. Its interior designers Yabu Pushelberg give us a tour
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Is this the most beautiful office in the world?Parisian creative agency Art Recherche Industrie’s new HQ translates a 19th-century landmark into a chic open-plan office worth leaving home for
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Designer James Shaw’s latest creation is a self-built home in east LondonJames Shaw's east London home is Filled with vintage finds and his trademark extruded plastic furniture, a compact self-built marvel
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Taschen tantalises with new edition of Jorge Pardo’s ‘Brussels Lamps’German publishing house Taschen launches a limited-edition series of five ‘Brussels Lamps’ by Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo
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Edra’s outdoor furniture is an ode to the seaDesigned by long-term collaborator Jacopo Foggini, the ‘A’mare’ collection of outdoor furniture mimics shiny water, and was named 'Best Disappearing Act' at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2023
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Peep inside Luca Nichetto’s Pink Villa in Stockholm, part studio, part showroomWelcome to the pink house that is the new Stockholm home to Luca Nichetto's team
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These papier-mâché lamps combine craft with sustainabilitySustainability and fine art are the driving inspirations behind ‘resolutely maximalist’ London lighting designer Rowena Morgan-Cox of Palefire
