architect & designer michele de lucchi has introduced the ‘fila’ chair with a distinctive leaf-like backrest, supported by legs that appear as imaginary branches. created in collaboration with italian seating company very wood, the lightweight ash wood chair draws influence from the forms and materiality of nature, as well as its mysterious and elegant character. 

split leaf-like backrest + branch rear legs form fila chair by michele de lucchi for very wood
all images courtesy of michele de lucchi, very wood

 

 

michele de lucchi has designed the back as the focal point of the chair, made up of what would appear to be two large detached leaves. with back legs that branch out to support the two giant leaves that form the backrest.

split leaf-like backrest + branch rear legs form fila chair by michele de lucchi for very wood

 

 

the chair is made of natural or stained varnished ash but can take on different finishes and colors, based on the decor’s needs. the contours of the seat and backrests are characterized by a particular bevel, as if to recall the curves of the growth rings that appear on aging trees. 

split leaf-like backrest + branch rear legs form fila chair by michele de lucchi for very wood

 

 

‘filla is, quite simply, short for chlorophyll – and chlorophyll means leaf!,’ says michele de lucchi. ‘in greek ‘chloros’ means green and ‘phýllon’ means leaf. chlorophyll is an amazing natural pigment that is vital for photosynthesis and to purify the air we breathe. the chair brings to mind the importance of breathing, fresh air, and the green plants that silently and benevolently release oxygen into the atmosphere.’

split leaf-like backrest + branch rear legs form 'fila' chair by michele de lucchi for very wood

split leaf-like backrest + branch rear legs form 'fila' chair by michele de lucchi for very wood

 

 

project info:

 

 

name: filla
designer: michele de lucchi
company: very wood