The armchair, as an object, often fluctuates between two poles: the rigid architectural frame and the indulgent, shapeless cushion. In the Corsetto armchair, Argentinian designer Cristián Mohaded finds a middle ground through a literal act of binding. Created for the Italian heritage brand Molteni&C and debuted at Milan Design Week, the chair utilizes a leather belt to cinch its oversized, textile-covered form, creating a silhouette that is simultaneously expansive and disciplined.
The namesake "corsetto"—Italian for corset—serves as both a functional and metaphorical guide. The leather belt sweeps upward from a solid base, gently compressing the seat and arms to create a protective, cocoon-like enclosure. Mohaded describes the resulting topography as "cushions of breath" pressed into form, a description that highlights the kinetic energy of the piece. It is a study in what happens when soft volumes are met with intentional restraint.
By balancing these opposing forces, the Corsetto avoids the visual bulk often associated with high-comfort seating. The belt provides a precise definition that keeps the pillowy profiles from feeling unruly, while the variety of available textiles and finishes allows the piece to integrate into diverse interior landscapes. It is a sophisticated exercise in furniture as an intimate dialogue between the body and the structures that hold it.
With reporting from Dezeen.
Source · Dezeen
