Paola Lenti’s Metamorphosis channels Japanese Mottainai in Milan

Mottainai, a Japanese expression that is difficult to translate due to the many subtle nuances it carries with it, connotes the Buddhist concept of non-waste closely interwoven with that of sustainability, reiterating the need for a judicious use of objects, offering them a second chance. Paola Lenti, guided by the experience gathered over years of intelligent use of raw materials, breathes life into this philosophy at Milan Design Week 2022. Metamorphosis, a collaboration between the Italian-Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana has materialised a special edition of unique pieces, striking a balance between art and design. Encompassing five seating pieces and a tapestry, Metamorphosis establishes a renewed dialogue between innovation, craftwork and social responsibility. “Going around our factory I cannot avoid recovering some fabric remnants that are thrown into the scraps bin not only because I believe that reuse is a value, but also because I think that the combination of different colours and shapes has in itself an unpredictable beauty,” says Paola Lenti. “If the scraps stimulate the imagination, why then consider them materials to be thrown away?” she questions.

Metamorphosis is conceived not merely as a design project, but as an expression of responsible behaviour towards the planet. It is a choice made by the company that ensued consequent changes in the production process and involved also the CouLture Migrante social tailoring atelier in Como, aiming to provide a platform for work integration for women at risk of social segregation. The production of scraps is inevitable for a company like Paola Lenti that produces its own fabrics. What was previously deemed a problem has transformed today into an asset with an exceptional potential. “Metamorphosis represents a progressive gaining awareness,” explained Lenti. “In a historical period characterised by limited access to raw materials, this new collection is a concrete and authentic proposal, which brings us back to values culturally close to our recent past, when reusing objects and materials was considered a virtue, as well as a must,” she shares.

To produce the upholsteries of the Metamorphosis seating pieces, the remnants after the production of fabrics and cords, are recovered and sewn on a synthetic felt, procured from recycled polyethylene bottles, to create decorations and patterns that are different each time. The padding of the seats is made of recyclable expanded polyethylene mixed with Aerelle Blue, the polyester fibre obtained from the recovery of abandoned disposable plastics collected before they are discarded in the rivers and oceans and treated through a modern industrial process EU ecolabel certified and GRS, Global Recycled Standard, independently certified and audited for traceability.

Reduce waste, reuse the materials, whether natural or synthetic, recycle as much as possible: Metamorphosis epitomises all these values that were considered a virtue in our recent past. Paola Lenti embraced the Japanese philosophy in her work together with a positive personal interpretation, revitalising produced waste with aesthetic and functional dignity.

Metamorphosis will be on display at Milan Design Week 2022, from 7th – 12th June, in the Paola Lenti Showroom, Via Po 100 A, Meda.

STIR takes you on a Milanese sojourn! Experience Salone del Mobile and all the design districts - 5vie, Brera, Fuorisalone, Isola, Zona Tortona, and Durini - with us. STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2022, Meanwhile in Milan showcases the best exhibits, moods, studios, events, and folks to look out for. We are also excited to announce our very own STIR press booth at Salone del Mobile - Hall 5/7 S.14, Fiera Milano RHO.