Lemon debut triptych of new designs by South African designer Yaniv Chen as part of theatrical showcase for Maison&Objet

January 2024 | Lemon announce a special capsule of new, nostalgia-driven designs by South African designer Yaniv Chen, set to debut in Paris for Maison&Objet this January, as part of a theatrical showcase curated by Creative Director Kevin Frankental.

The triptych of new designs, which includes the Drapery Table; Rambling Chair; and Park Nightstand, will be stagedin dialogue with other pieces from Lemon’s core collection of decorative and larger foundation furniture pieces.

Distinguished for his signature sense of nostalgia, Chen recalls the influences behind the Drapery Table - a one-of-akind piece crafted in Italy from a single block of Travertine. First inspired by a room photographed by Nan Goldin in 2010 which evoked fond memories of his grandmother’s home, featuring a grand entrance hall table draped in luxurious jacquard fabric that fell to the floor, waving and scalloping - he comments, “The whimsical, rhythmic form of the fabric was imprinted in my memory ever since and now brought back to life through the Drapery Table - whichI am thrilled to be showcasing for the very first time in Paris.”

Other highlights of the capsule include the Rambling Chair which nods to the silhouette of the traditional milk stool found throughout farms and Victorian homesteads in South Africa. For Chen, the stool is synonymous with childhood memories of visits to historic house museums and fantastical holidays in the countryside. The formwork references the utilitarian yet decorative structure with the design intention of bringing it from the barn into contemporary domestic living. Chen comments, “The Rambling Chair portrays the youthful sense of wonder and discovery one only really feels in the countryside.” 

Chen’s Park nightstand, displayed for the very first time in a new hand polished lacquer finish, pays homage to Italian design of the 1960s, exemplifying meticulous craftsmanship and featuring well-proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing.

Kevin Frankental, co-founder and Creative Director of Lemon, envisaged the Lemon installation as an intimate museum, cocooned by gallery style velvet and wool drapery - a reference to the central piece of the capsule: the Drapery Table. Designed to transport guests to feel as though they have stepped away from the chaos of a busy street into a private Salon, the space embraces a pared back palette of creams, browns and olive throughout reminiscent of 60’s Italian design vernacular.

Kevin Frankental, co-founder of Lemon, comments: “Maison&Objet marks our debut at a European fair, and we’re eager to present Lemon in a setting that truly reflects our identity. Our vision is to have our products thrive in a space that exudes modernity while embracing a nostalgic romanticism. Think of those moments – a childhood photo, a specific color, or a familiar scent – that stir up special memories. That’s the sweet balance we aim for in our design.”

Balancing utility and beauty - form and function, Lemon’s evolving repertoire of furniture and accessories includes a highly curated edit of foundation pieces and decorative objects, drawing on visual references from history, film, and art.

Led by co-founder and designer Kevin Frankental, the studio handpicks a progressive mix of designers and artists to partner with to create collections in line with Lemon’s philosophy - tapping into a rich resource of raw and often uncovered talent.

The new designs by Yaniv Chen will be available to purchase exclusively through www.lemonfurniture.co and select international retailers with pricing available on request. Lemon has showrooms in Cape Town and Amsterdam and ships internationally.