The Canopy collection from design agency Layer and fashion studio Raeburn explores "undervalued materials" and combines recycled parachutes with steel frames to create rocking chair seats. For the project, the collaborators looked to Raeburn's archives to see how it had previously repurposed parachute materials for the creation of new fashion pieces. These ideas offered a starting point for the furniture designs in the collection, which includes not just two low rocking chairs but also a space-dividing screen.
In the Canopy collection, the designers opted to use surplus ex-military parachutes and aircraft brake parachutes, which are crafted from thin ripstop nylon material. While two of the chairs in the collection are colorful and have clean lines, the others are more subdued and rich in textures.
Recycled Parachute Chairs
'Canopy' Shares Rocking Chairs Made from an Unconventional Materials
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Parachute Materials - Designers are exploring new ways to use surplus ex-military parachutes and aircraft brake parachutes for furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable product design.
2. Exploring Undervalued Materials - Canopy collection is using 'undervalued materials' in furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in materials sourcing and design.
3. Fashion-forward Furniture - Fashion studios are collaborating with design agencies and exploring new ways to repurpose materials for furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in cross-industry collaborations.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - The Canopy collection is exploring new materials and designs for furniture, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable product design.
2. Sustainability - Repurposing parachute materials for furniture designs is creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in circular economy and sustainable materials practices.
3. Fashion and Textiles - Collaborations between fashion studios and design agencies in furniture design are creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in cross-industry collaborations and material repurposing.