At this year’s Milan Design Week, Bottega Veneta joins forces with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier to unveil “On the Rocks,” a monumental installation at Palazzo San Fedele in Milan. Directed by Matthieu Blazy, the installation revolves around the LC14 Tabouret Cabanon, a timeless masterpiece by Le Corbusier that epitomizes Cassina’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Originally crafted by Le Corbusier for his personal retreat, or “cabanon,” on the Côte d’Azur, the LC14 Tabouret embodies minimalism at its finest. Inspired by a wooden whiskey box discovered on the rocky shores below Le Cabanon, this iconic design features exquisite dovetail joints and oblong openings, allowing for easy mobility and adaptability.
“On the Rocks” showcases custom editions of the LC14 Tabouret, initially commissioned by Matthieu Blazy for Winter 24 show, alongside a new limited-edition tribute crafted in brand’s signature leatherwork. The wooden editions employ a traditional Japanese charring technique, enhancing both the wood’s durability and its unique grain patterns.
The leather editions, available in four vibrant colors, boast Intreccio foulard technique, meticulously handwoven at the House’s artisanal atelier. Each piece undergoes a specialized brushwork process, resulting in a textured finish that is as distinctive as it is luxurious. With only 60 leather editions and 100 wooden editions available for purchase, these pieces promise exclusivity and sophistication.
The installation’s title pays homage to the origins of the Tabouret, evoking the coastal ambiance of Le Corbusier’s Cabanon and the whiskey box that inspired its creation. Additionally, an original sample of this box will be on display, offering visitors a glimpse into the design’s intriguing genesis.
Photographed by Pierre Debusschere, the installation campaign features model Anok Yai, who reflects on the experience of celebrating such an iconic design. “The collaborative environment and the versatility of the Tabouret created a real sense of openness and ease, empowering me to be dark, naked, and free,” shares Yai.
“On the Rocks” welcomes the public from April 16 to 20, providing a sneak peek into Palazzo San Fedele, slated to become Bottega Veneta’s new headquarters from September 2024. Situated in Milan’s heart, the historic building will serve as both a hub for cultural events and the brand’s administrative offices, promising an exciting future for Bottega Veneta.
