Elefy

Origin

Elefy is a shell chair by Jaime Hayon for &Tradition, introduced with a press release of 2019 as "inspired by the comforting curves of an elephant". The release covers four models, JH28 to JH31, and the product pages of JH32 to JH37 give the year 2020.

Design Language

The product pages describe the Elefy as mirroring the rounded curves of its muse, the elephant, and as enveloping the sitter to create a sense of comfort. The release points to the two large ears that swell from the back of the chair when it is seen from behind, and to a base that echoes the four legs of the animal. Hayon says he enjoyed the creative challenge of crafting an inanimate object in the shape of such a distinct animal.

Construction

The shell is moulded polypropylene; the upholstered JH29 and JH31 add HR foam beneath the fabric or leather. The metal base of JH28 and JH29 is made of Ø16 steel tubes, powder coated or brass plated, and the wooden base of JH30 and JH31 of solid wood with form-pressed veneer. The swivel bases of JH32 to JH37 are extruded aluminium. Gliders of plastic come as standard, with felt ones on request. The pages carry a line on FSC® certified wood.

Key Pieces

• JH28 and JH29 with a metal base
• JH30 and JH31 with a base of lacquered oak or lacquered walnut
• JH29 and JH31 upholstered in fabric, leather or COM
• JH32 to JH35 on a swivel base of aluminium, JH34 and JH35 naming a return function
• JH36 and JH37 on an aluminium swivel base with castors
• JH33, JH35 and JH37 upholstered in fabric or leather