Charles Heidseck

Inspired by origami, and utilising traditional upholstery techniques, Otis developed the leatherwork for the Pinch and Drape chairs for 1mm Studio, run by designer Sara Jaafar, based between London, Beirut and Athens.

The Drape chair compresses and expands a single piece of heavy leather in an accordion fashion, pleating exactly along the folds. No adhesive was used, instead each fold held to the frame by a thick buttoned strip. Extensive testing with different leathers and patterns was used in order to achieve the striking result. The leather can be pushed back after seating to return to the original shape.

The Pinch chair also used no adhesive, with leather cord lacing and a single rivet holding the sleeve to hang on the carefully bent tubular frame. Both chairs showcase the ability of leather to create complex shapes and forms from a flat sheet. They were exhibited at Sketch as part of London Design Festival 2018.