Cassina and Kiton join forces to reintroduce the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, durable, an armchair originally created in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. This limited edition of 120 pieces pairs Cassina’s design legacy with Kiton’s material expertise. Together, they bring new dimension to a classic form, one that has played a central role in the Cassina iMaestri Collection for six decades.
The collaboration coincides with the 60th anniversary of Cassina’s edition of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand Collection. For this project, both brands leaned into the historical context of the chair’s creation. Inspired by the original version designed for Villa Church near Paris, this edition revisits the architects’ early research on color and form, an inquiry into how objects influence space and user perception.
Material Innovation Meets Design History
Kiton applied its textile knowledge to reimagine the chair’s upholstery. The fabric, cashmere velvet with a subtle shine, was developed at the brand’s Biella-based wool mill using ultra-fine fibers sourced from Mongolian farms. These fibers measure 16.5–17 microns in fineness and 35–38 mm in length, making them suitable for both softness and resilience. After washing, artisans card and spin the fibers in small batches, preserving their natural characteristics.
This process results in a soft yarn, later woven into a compact fabric with a natural velvet finish. Cassina incorporated this upholstery into two colorways blue and burgundy, each limited to 60 pieces. These bi-color designs reflect the architects’ original thinking around color as a functional part of spatial design. Le Corbusier, also a painter, treated color as an architectural tool. Charlotte Perriand extended this approach in 1978 with the first colored versions of the armchair. Cassina has continued to build on this philosophy in partnership with the Fondation Le Corbusier and the co-authors’ heirs.
Design Details and Sustainable Materials
The tubular metal frame receives a glossy blue finish, marking a shift from the armchair’s traditional steel look. Cassina also introduces updated construction materials: cushion padding and seats use recycled fiber, while foamed components include a portion of bio-based polyurethane. These updates reflect ongoing research into material alternatives that support a more responsible production process.
Each version of the chair sits at the meeting point between precise tailoring and industrial design. Form remains consistent with the original structure, while the new textiles and finishes offer a fresh perspective. The balance between function and design continues to define the legacy of this piece.
A Shared Vision for Quality and Innovation
Kiton sees the collaboration as a way to expand its design presence. Known for handcrafted garments and a strict focus on material quality, the brand now channels those values into its growing home collection. CEO Antonio De Matteis describes the project as the realization of a long-held goal to bring Kiton’s raw materials to an iconic piece of furniture.
For President Maria Giovanna Paone, the project also honors her father, Kiton founder Ciro Paone. She connects his passion for design and beauty with the principles behind the collaboration. The company’s movement into home design continues the legacy he built: one that values balance, form, and craftsmanship.
Cassina CEO Luca Fuso underscores the partnership’s foundation in shared values. Both brands bring decades of experience to the table, along with a common focus on Italian craftsmanship. Cassina chose this collaboration to express its ongoing pursuit of quality and experimentation through a design that has defined the brand for sixty years.
Cassina and Kiton previewed the special edition on April 10 at the Kiton boutique in Milan during Milan Design Week 2025, offering a first look at how tailored textiles and historical design come together in a new context.
Love the armchair! have a lot of Cassina at home ! <3