In a bold fusion of technology and craftsmanship, Dutch design label Moooi has teamed up with Argentinian 3D visionary Andrés Reisinger to bring the once-“impossible” Hortensia chair from the digital realm into mass production.
From Virtual Sketch to Tangible Seat
Conceived in 2018 as a purely ‘digital’ artifact, the Hortensia chair captivated online audiences with its delicate, layered petals resembling a blooming hydrangea. Now, after years of experimentation, Moooi has engineered a real-world version that preserves Reisinger’s visionary design in stunning detail.
Engineering the “Impossible”
- Structural reinvention: A powder-coated steel frame replaces the original wooden skeleton, ensuring durability without compromising form.
- Innovative materials: Injection-moulded foam offers both comfort and sculptural definition.
- Laser-cut petals: Lightweight polyester fabric is precision-cut into long, scalloped strips and assembled into clusters of 40 petals each, totalling 30,000 petals per chair.
- Advanced assembly: Specialised sewing machines fasten each petal module onto an elastic backing textile, which is then expertly wrapped around the frame.
“The Hortensia was considered impossible to produce—and yet here we are,” remarks Moooi CEO Robin Bevers, celebrating the brand’s breakthrough in translating a digital concept into a production-ready icon.
Blooming in Color
The chair debuts in its signature blush pink, evoking the soft hues of fresh hydrangeas, and is also offered in an elegant slate grey. This marks the first time a piece born in the virtual sphere has been scaled for widespread distribution, challenging the boundaries between 3D design and traditional manufacturing.
Availability
The Hortensia chair is now available through Moooi’s online store and flagship boutiques, inviting design aficionados to experience a floral marvel that began as pixels and petals in a digital dream.