Innovative and creative concepts such as a chair trimmed with Pirarucu fish skin and a leather-wrapped swing, among other incredible pieces, gave rise to the great public and critical success of the Design na Pele project at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. This was the worldwide launch of furniture collections developed through this initiative that integrates Brazilian Leather – Brazilian Leather Exports Incentive Project conducted by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil). Design na Pele and its participation in ICFF were supported by the Raiz project, an initiative of Sindmóveis from Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, and Apex-Brasil.

During the four days of the fair, which ended last Wednesday (the 24th), more than 300 contacts were made with architects, distributors, specialized media and buyers at Design na Pele's exclusive site. "In addition to the project designers' work, the quality of the materials was also highly praised, both those from the furniture production industries and those from the tanneries, who developed very special skins in pirarucu, suede, and bovine hides" highlights Rafael Andrade, project curator. All the pieces that were presented are now on the market, 100% commercially available.

Through Design na Pele, design studios in Brazil developed collections with furniture and leather industries using leather with elaborate workings, producing results that were way out of the ordinary. The partnerships created pieces that value the hide, the design, and the quality and innovation of Brazil, presenting remarkable results: each article has Brazilian culture, collaborative design and the union of the national production chain inherent in its essence.

Have a look at Design na Pele's partnerships and some of what was shown at ICFF:

Sollos + Jader Almeida + Nova Kaeru + JBS Leathers

Pieces: Mia chair (with pirarucu skin), Norma chair (leather with navy stuffing) and the Mad reclining chair (leather with navy stuffing). All the pieces utilized soft woods in their structures.

 Moora + Latoog Design + Rusan Tannery

Pieces: Sernambetiba chair (metal structure with a seat and a suede leather stuffed wooden backing) and the Trópicos reclining chair (soft wood structure and seat, with suede leather cushions).

BRV + Marta Manente + Krumenauer Tannery

Pieces: Revoar swing (multi-laminated with soft wood, dressed with leather), shelves and center table (wooden with natural leather detailing, hand made with braided cords) and the Recanto bench (multi-laminated with curved wood and dressed with leather).