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Issue 65 - The 'Bespoke' Issue

Issue 65

The 'Bespoke' Issue

With Guest Editor Yasmine Ghoniem, we are launched headfirst into the world of unique and eclectic design. From architecture to interiors, there is nothing that can’t be enlivened with bespoke interventions. Granted, a stunningly beautiful home can be made by simply shopping for the best, but when the artist’s hand is introduced, some pure magic is possible. Whether it is an artwork or a new upholstery, a built-in component or a mosaic inlay, these gestures, whether bold or subtle, are what make the home unique.

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Cassina’s invitation to slow living
Design StoriesDakota Bennett

Cassina’s invitation to slow living

Cassina

Photography

Francesco Dolfo

The Italian design house unveils ‘Oasis of Now’—an outdoor collection that blurs the boundaries between interior comfort and open-air living.


Cassina‘s 2026 Outdoor Collection arrives as a meditation on contemporary outdoor living. Titled ‘Oasis of Now’, the collection presents outdoor spaces not as extensions of the home, but as destinations in their own right—places for introspection and tranquility.

Under the art direction of Patricia Urquiola, the collection introduces Vidalenta, a system that is versatile for both living and dining areas. The design balances discipline and comfort: a tubular metal frame meets generous, soft padding, creating what Cassina describes as “informal hospitality.” It’s a piece that embodies the collection’s broader philosophy—structured enough for outdoor durability, yet inviting enough to encourage lingering.

Vidalenta.

Cassina has also extended several interior classics for outdoor use. Rodolfo Dordoni’s Eloro Outdoor, developed in collaboration with Dordoni Studio, preserves the comfort and aesthetic of the original indoor model while meeting the demands of exterior environments. From the Cassina Historical Archive come outdoor interpretations of iconic pieces: Gaetano Pesce’s Dalila (design 1980) and Vico Magistretti’s Novetrenta armchair and sofa (production 1966) bring strong sculptural presence to open-air settings, while Luca Nichetto’s reinterpreted Torei Outdoor low tables offer versatile, harmonious accents.

The collection continues to evolve through considered updates. Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s Carlotta armchair and coffee table now feature natural iroko wood or iroko lacquered in Cobalt Blue or Olive Green with Dune-colored woven cord. Antonio Citterio’s Esosoft Outdoor system welcomes a new sunbed, expanding the possibilities for outdoor relaxation.

Carlotta armchair.

Natural tones and harmonious contrasts define the material palette, while new fabrics featuring original colors and patterns broaden the collection’s narrative. Additional lighting designs and rugs complete the offering, all reflecting what Cassina calls “The Cassina Perspective”—a commitment to Italian craftsmanship, timeless design and spaces that invite pause.

In an era of constant motion, ‘Oasis of Now’ proposes something counter-cultural: outdoor furniture designed not for display, but for genuine respite. It’s an invitation to slow down, to embrace enveloping forms, and to rediscover the art of simply being—whether alone or with guests—in a sophisticated, timeless atmosphere.

Related: Designing for the way people move, gather and feel

Eloro Outdoor system.
Esosoft Outdoor sunbed.

Novetrenta Outdoor sofa and armchair.

About the Author

Dakota Bennett

Tags

Cassinacontemporary designdiningfurniturehospitalityindoorInterior DesignItalian designluxury furnituremateriality


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Issue 65 - The 'Bespoke' Issue

Issue 65

The 'Bespoke' Issue

With Guest Editor Yasmine Ghoniem, we are launched headfirst into the world of unique and eclectic design. From architecture to interiors, there is nothing that can’t be enlivened with bespoke interventions. Granted, a stunningly beautiful home can be made by simply shopping for the best, but when the artist’s hand is introduced, some pure magic is possible. Whether it is an artwork or a new upholstery, a built-in component or a mosaic inlay, these gestures, whether bold or subtle, are what make the home unique.

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