Leolux: 90 years of craft, looking to the future

Brand story by Emma Moore
13.04.23

Dutch furniture brand Leolux may have 90 years of history behind it, but close collaboration with contemporary creative studios and designers means its focus is firmly fixed on the future.

Leolux’s link-up with up-coming star of German design, Hanne Willmann, has resulted in two sofa designs. The latest, Naila combines comfort, craft and easy modular functionality

With a sensuous approach to design, a love of soft lines and a passion for exploring craft, German product designer Hanne Willmann is a natural fit for Dutch furniture makers Leolux. Studio Truly Truly has been guiding all visual matters of Leolux and its ancillary brands – from graphics, to photography to product design, styling and installation – since 2019. They have made it their mission to haul Leolux’s 90-year-strong heritage into the present, finding and fusing contemporary artistic expression to take it into the future.

Naila is designed with soft and welcoming curves, but the finely crafted wooden feet, which follow the feature seams of the base cushions, bring crisp details to the mix

To this end, the Netherlands-based, Australian-born husband and wife team, Kate and Joel Booy have been inviting in fresh design talent to join them in their embrace of the Venlo-based brand’s exceptional and enduring local craftsmanship and to deliver new icons. ‘We collaborate with new creatives that we believe have a clear vision and design language that can blend with the craftsmanship of Leolux,’ says Joel Booy.

Berlin-based Willmann already has a plump portfolio of furniture, lighting and tableware; since setting up her eponymous studio in 2015 she has brought her sense of adventure and eye for detail to a number of high-profile brands including Leolux for whom she designed the understated Enna sofa in 2021. This year she has conceived for them Naila, another sofa rich in detail and unexpected twists, that will launch during Milan’s Salone del Mobile.

The modular design of Naila includes a day bed section, an ottoman and side table, allowing for countless arrangements

Exuding a sense of sinking, enveloping comfort, Naila nevertheless has poise and elegance, its curves pulled into saddle-stitched seams, and resting on sculptural wooden or aluminium feet which frame the corners. Its modular make-up allows for right-angled turns, but also less predictable slants, a deep chaise-longue element and tables designed to join up with the contours of a footstool.

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