It was just over seven years ago that I first saw the Hanger Chair by Philippe Malouin, and have never completely forgotten about it. It was when I first began really reading blogs, and considering starting my own. I used to be an avid reader of Treehugger post some really interesting design articles.
Philippe’s chair was one of those posts. Although I was never sold on the idea that I would hang my clothes over the chair but I did like that it could hang in a hallway as an object until required for use.
I went looking for this chair to buy when I was in the market for folding chairs, but couldn’t find it anywhere. Fast forward to ICFF 2015 and the Hanger Chair is now available through Umbra Shift, an extension of Umbra that focuses on contemporary influences in the design community.
One thing that originally caught my eye about the chair was how the storing of the chair was built in to the design, and something which I would be keen to display at home. It was a clever idea that I hadn’t seen in a folding chair before and still haven’t.
When the Umbra press team dropped this release in to my inbox over the weekend I immediately spotted the chair, recognised Malouin’s name and thought, at last it is available. The only downside for me is the price…£230 puts it out of my reach and many others for a chair that could become a default for the new affordable folding chair. Even so, it’s a great chair and I’m sure it will do well.
Canadian-born Philippe Malouin holds a bachelor’s degree in Design from the Design Academy Eindhoven. He set up his London studio in 2009 and is also the director of Post-Office, the architectural and interiors design practice. His diverse portfolio includes tables, rugs, chairs, lights, art objects and installations. Philippe has won the W Hotels ‘Designer of the Future’ Award and Wallpaper Magazine’s ‘Best Use of Material’ Award.
Designer: Philippe Malouin
Manufacturer: Umbra Shift
Year: 2015
Price: £230.00
This is such a cool chair, as you said though, its a little out of reach at that price. But, I can still appreciate the idea of it for now.
The price doesn’t make sense. People who need folding chairs usually live in small flats. Those who can afford to pay £230 for one chair usually don’t need folding ones.
Yes, I agree Lucia that £230 doesn’t make it an easy purchase. But space is at a premium for everyone these days, so there is certainly a market for premium folding chairs. Like you, I just can’t afford it.