Dezeen · Architectuur

Oliver Stiff designs collectible "fashion furniture" from Vivienne Westwood deadstock

Royal College of Art graduate Oliver Stiff has created a series of sculptural furniture pieces that aim to "bring the language, attitude and materials of fashion design into furniture". His recent works include the Hurmull Chair and Side Table set, and the Socialite Chair, made using deadstock fabrics donated by Vivienne Westwood.

Stiff's furniture is informed by garment construction and styling, with the designer stating, "Fashion understands how to create desire and identity through styling, image-making and storytelling. I think furniture can operate in that same way." He uses bodily reference, silhouette, material, and the idea of dressing an object to create provocative and culturally charged pieces.

The Hurmull Chair and Side Table are hand-crafted from recycled tubular steel and sustainably sourced leather offcuts. Informed by corsetry, the leather is stretched and tensioned around stainless steel frames with laced detailing, mimicking the function and aesthetic of a structured garment. Stiff explained, "I was looking closely at corsetry and the way a corset shapes and supports the body through tension," giving the chair an almost bodily silhouette.

The Socialite Chair combines FSC-certified birch plywood and recycled metal. Deadstock textiles from Vivienne Westwood were used for patchwork upholstery, and the chair was styled with models wearing garments from the fashion house's latest collection. Stiff noted the unpredictability of the materials, composing different fabrics and patterns like styling an outfit or constructing a patchwork garment.

Stiff designed the Socialite Chair to question the value placed on high-end fashion textiles once they are no longer associated with the industry. By repurposing surplus materials, he aimed to show their value extends beyond original use, questioning what is defined as waste and where the value of a luxury material truly sits.

While sustainability was central, Stiff wanted the pieces to feel theatrical and glamorous, challenging the idea that sustainable design must have a modest aesthetic. Styling and imagery were key aspects of his process. Stiff was awarded the Ultrafabrics Sustainable Design Award for his work.

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