Cover Designer Lewis Kemmenoe with Fendi’s ænigma furniture collection
Designer Lewis Kemmenoe with Fendi’s ænigma furniture collection
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Designer Lewis Kemmenoe brings a fresh perspective to functional objects that are both practical and conceptually rich
Aptly named after the Latin word for riddle, the ænigma collection is a creative dialogue between London-based designer Lewis Kemmenoe’s contemporary sensibilities and Fendi’s Roman luxury heritage–each piece an intriguing exploration of materiality, form, and heritage that makes the collection true to its enigmatic name.
Unveiled during the recent Design Miami 2024, Kemmenoe has drawn inspiration from Rome’s rich cultural landscape, immersing himself in the city’s museums, botanical gardens, and Fendi’s iconic headquarters at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.
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The Fendi Patchwork Club Chair in gold, polished brass and dark timber
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Above The wooden patchwork recalls FENDI’s atelier jacket pattern
Above Within the patchwork is Fendi’s signature FF logo motif
The wooden patchwork recalls FENDI’s atelier jacket pattern
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His research also extended to the Fendi Factory in Tuscany, where he experienced firsthand the house’s dedication to traditional luxury craftsmanship and contemporary design innovation.
With a background in fine art from Central Saint Martins, and design from the Royal College of Art, Kemmenoe offers a fresh interpretation of Fendi’s heritage through a distinctive lens.
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Standout pieces include the pair of contrasting Patchwork club chairs that reimagine the fashion house’s atelier jacket patterns in furniture form. One chair gleams in polished brass with dark timber, while the companion piece features aluminium and light timber, both referencing historical Fendi luggage designs.
Above The Galleria Cabinet with box joints that anchor all four sides
The Galleria Cabinet with box joints that anchor all four sides
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Above The FF logo motif incorporated in pieces of brass and aluminium
Above Fragments of alabaster pay homage to Rome’s sculptural heritage
The FF logo motif incorporated in pieces of brass and aluminium
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This duality in materials becomes a recurring theme throughout the collection, where organic elements like timber and stone engage in dialogue with processed metals, as seen in the Galleria cabinet.
Crafted from solid Sapele wood, the cabinet incorporates Fendi’s signature FF motif through box joints in pieces of brass and aluminium within its construction, while fragments of alabaster embedded in its surface pay homage to Rome’s sculptural heritage.
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The Jacket Pattern wall panels showcase backlit burl wood through aluminium frames
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The collection extends to include illuminated Jacket Pattern wall panels that transform Fendi clothing patterns into backlit artworks, showcasing burl wood through aluminium frames.
A series of organic-formed lamps in brass and aluminium create atmospheric lighting through carefully selected burl wood panels, while a box joint coffee table constructed from a Sapele timber slab with hand sliced edges demonstrates Kemmenoe’s masterful woodworking techniques.
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Credits
Photography: Fendi
Topics
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
