Knoll unveils the ‘Pillo’ sofa by Willo Perron at Salone del Mobile 2024, marking the company’s first collaboration with the Canada-born, California-based designer. Defined by soft, enveloping forms, the ‘Pillo’ sofa reflects Perron and Knoll’s idea for the future home, and its design is based on comfort and modular configurations.
One half of interior design studio Perron Roettinger, Perron is perhaps best known for his scenographic installations created for Rihanna (most notably her floating stage from the 2023 Superbowl), and his work for the likes of Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Drake.
‘Pillo’ sofa by Willo Perron for Knoll
The sofa is a departure from the more structured silhouettes of Knoll, whose heritage includes design classics by Marcel Breuer, Mies Van Der Rohe and Eero Saarinen. ‘My style generally has a lot less structure, it contains more fluid and soft elements, which feels like the perfect contradiction to classic Knoll pieces,’ says Perron. ‘It creates an enriching conversation and harmonious synergy between the traditional and elegant Knoll style with my more contemporary style.’
His sofa design, he points out, is meant to be ‘enjoyed in daily life’: as the name suggests, the sofa’s forms are based on a composition of pillows that is completely modular and can adapt to design and lifestyle changes within the home. ‘The idea is to make a piece that can stay with you forever, that is endlessly reconfigurable. It should be able to travel and grow with you as you move and add new pieces,’ he adds.
‘I think it's about the idea of usability,’ he continues. ‘Furniture should be something that can be worn in, but also remain classic and attain value as the years go on. The modernists introduced us to things that can have wear to them, to things that are not to be solely aesthetic. I always use the example of worn-in Levis 501s or Converse All Stars. The ultimate goal is making things that aren’t just a part of the trend cycle, but usable forever.’
The ‘Pillo’ sofa by Willo Perron for Knoll is presented at Salone del Mobile 2024 , Hall 24, Booth D11 - E12, until 21 April
-
A revamped Edinburgh apartment combines Californian-style modernism with modern craftArcher + Braun have transformed an apartment in a historic house with finely tuned contemporary additions and sympathetic attention to detail
-
Formafantasma’s biodiversity-boosting installation in a Perrier Jouët vineyard is cross-pollination at its bestFormafantasma and Perrier Jouët unveil the first project in their ‘Cohabitare’ initiative, ‘not only a work of art but also a contribution to the ecosystem’
-
Gingerbread City: architects sculpt London out of the season's favourite treatUntil December 29 in Chelsea, see London brought to life in a seasonal-appropriate medium by leading architects and designers
-
The future of Salone del Mobile: new report quantifies impact of the world's biggest furniture fairFor the first time, Salone del Mobile reports on its size and impact. ‘Milan Design (Eco) System’ puts Salone into numbers, allowing its future and challenges to be addressed
-
First Look: ‘It’s a chair that smiles at you,’ says designer Bruce HannahKnoll reissues the Morrison Hannah office chair from 1973, bringing a welcome dose of comfort to working life and simplicity to complex times
-
Design showcase Alcova announces its 2025 locations in MilanAlcova, the roving design exhibition, will expand its footprint with two new locations in the northern Milan suburb of Varedo – a former factory and ancient greenhouses
-
Exclusive first look: Knoll brings the mighty Tugendhat Chair back to lifeKnoll is reissuing Mies van der Rohe’s Tugendhat Chair, and they took it back home to the Villa Tugendhat in Brno to celebrate its resurrection.
-
Elevate your interiors with Wallpaper* July 2024, the Design DirectoryWallpaper* July 2024 rounds up the best new furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms and more – on sale now
-
Casa Mutina displays Ronan Bouroullec's creative universeRonan Bouroullec's designs for Mutina at Milan Design Week 2024 include outdoor tiles as well as ceramic editions
-
Jaipur Rugs unveils collaboration with Chanel's yarn maker Vimar1991During Milan Design Week 2024, Jaipur Rugs demonstrated its expertise through a collaboration with Chanel-owned yarn experts Vimar1991
-
Wallpaper* and SNOW explore the alchemy of grown diamonds in a new filmWallpaper* and grown-diamond specialist SNOW partnered on the Class of ’24 exhibition during Milan Design Week 2024 and a new film exploring the art and alchemy of the laboratory’s process
