Poltrona Frau takes part in the ABITO exhibition at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, held from April 21 to 26 at Fiera Milano Rho. Within the project curated by Palomba Serafini Associati, the brand showcases its iconic Chester and 1919 armchairs, contributing to the narrative of Italian design culture.

The exhibition stems from the desire to promote Italian creativity as a tool of cultural diplomacy and international promotion of Made in Italy. Promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ABITO is shaped by an awareness of the deep connection between fashion and design—two complementary disciplines capable of intertwining aesthetics, function, and innovation into a coherent narrative of social evolution.

The curatorial concept developed by Palomba Serafini Associati explores this relationship, creating an exhibition path that brings garments and iconic furnishings into dialogue. The title “ABITO” encapsulates the essence of the project: on one hand, the garment as an element of identity and culture; on the other, the verb “to inhabit,” referring to the way people live and experience space.

In this context, the Chester and 1919 armchairs become symbols of two pivotal moments. The Chester armchair introduces a new ergonomic approach that accompanies the gradual overcoming of late 19th-century formal rigidity, reflecting the evolution of women’s roles and greater freedom of movement. The 1919, on the other hand, embodies the birth of modern comfort, where beauty is expressed through functionality, material quality, and craftsmanship, responding to the needs of a changing society.

Poltrona Frau interprets its participation in ABITO as a coherent extension of its role in narrating the Italian lifestyle: a living language capable of engaging with other cultural fields and evolving over time. In this context, the exhibition becomes an international platform where design and fashion contribute to defining a complex and contemporary vision of living.

Photo credit: Enrico Costantini