Sé Ini Archibong

Right next to Rossana Orlandi in Milano during the design week Sé is presenting the new collection IV created by designer Ini Archibong. 

I meet Ini right inside the door and he gives me a warm greeting and a generous tour of the furniture&ligthing collection created for Sé together with co-founder Pavlo Schatkleff. 

Ini has taken his inspiration for "Below the Heavens" from ideas of cosmology, the classical world and celestial harmony. The result is a  more down to earth collection of 11 objects than expected of which I show you my photos below.  

The Eos Table is a  cantilevered disc atop ceramic or lacquered base: akin to the sun rising over a horizon. "I wanted a top and base to interact like concentric ovals, giving a feeling of perpetual motion," says Ini.  

The Circle chair has a playful personality.  With a deep upholstered seat and harp-like back, "It provides character as well as comfort" says Ini. 

Collection IV took shape after Sé co-founder Pavlo Schatkleff approached Ini Archibong. Sensing that they shared values, Schtakleff and Archibong embarked on a design journey, visiting Sé's European manufacturers and developing their mutual sensibilities of the sumptuous and sculptural, merging fine materials - marble, brass and handmade glass. 

 "Our DNA matched", says Ini Archibong talking about his relationship with Sé co-founder Pavlo Schtakleff creating the "Below the Heavens" collection. "We spoke the same language"

One flight down the only light provided is coming from the 12 crystal lamps in the Moirai Chandelier   , described by Ini as a "constellation of clouds" Created by the glass technique of cold-working, it has three main families of shade, which can be combined in different configurations. With brass stem mounts they make for an illuminating conversation. 

Thank you Ini Archibong  for taking the time to show your Sé collection. 

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Jimmy