designed by melbourne-based helen kontouris, the lehenga table takes its cues from traditional indian skirts, capturing the movement of the garba dance in a functional, contemporary furniture piece. with an asymmetrical, conical base and topped by a circular mesh tabletop, the side table is available in two sizes and five colors, and is made from steel, toughened glass, and a powder-coated finish.

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

 

 

lehenga has been developed for len, the designer’s company founded in 2013 together with brand strategist simon cross. the table’s form references its namesake skirts, worn by indian women dancing the garba during the annual, nine-night navratri hindu festival. similar to the drawstring waist of the skirts, that conform to any body type, the lehenga table is also supremely versatile and functional, easily used as a convenient place to rest small items, books or drinks, while it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

 

 

drawing on folk culture, helen kontouris combines in the lehenga table, tradition with contemporary design. describing the challenges she had to overcome during the design process, kontouris mentions, ‘achieving the right balance of strength to weight of the mesh top meant testing designs and materials to ensure the table had enough strength to support the cantilevered ratio. the final product is made entirely of steel, and the mesh table top brings visual lightness to the design.’

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

helen kontouris references traditional indian skirts in the lehenga table collection

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom