Jacques-Yves by Poltrona Frau, Design Zuccon International Project
Jacques-Yves by Poltrona Frau, Design Zuccon International Project

Jacques-Yves is the name of the new modular seating system of great versatility, offering full personalization, designed by Bernardo and Martina Zuccon of Zuccon International Project for Poltrona Frau, drawing directly on the studio’s experience in the world of yachting. The architecture and industrial design firm, which stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, is active in various fields, including civil architecture. But above all, it is one of the most authoritative yacht design studios in the luxury segment, founded in the 1970s by the duo’s parents, Gianni Zuccon and Paola Galeazzi. ZIP’s signature can be seen on many of the most interesting projects in the history of international yacht production. 

This collaboration represents a new adventure for Zuccon International Project, of symbolic value because in this case industrial design becomes a connection between two apparently distant worlds: residential and nautical.

“To design a sofa for the nautical market has been an unusual and at the same time fascinating challenge,” says Bernardo Zuccon, “above all because it has happened in collaboration with Poltrona Frau. The true turning point in the approach to a project that is so different from our usual practice was to call into play all of our extensive experience gained in the world of yachting, to formulate a sofa that can respond to the problematic issues of its particular context: a space that moves on the water,” the designer explains.

Jacques-Yves is actually a versatile modular system, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, in any context: a yacht, a residence, a hotel. With its timeless, elegant and essential design, it establishes a perfect bond with a minimal style or a more variegated situation.

The collaboration with Poltrona Frau should come as no surprise: yachting is a familiar ambit for the brand, which has strong ties to international shipyards, furnishing the most prestigious superyachts with its collections and its fine leathers. Furthermore, the famous trademark has been a frequent presence in the seagoing world since the 1930s, when it created furnishings for luxurious Trans-Atlantic liners. 

The squared lines of the Jacques-Yves seating system extend horizontally, with ample volumes but compact sizing, conceived for the limited spaces of boats, with armrests and seat depth reduced to a minimum, though without any compromises on comfort and visual harmony.

The system lends itself to interpretation in the details, the choice of materials and the variety of the configurations, all permitting maximum personalization. The coverings of the sofas are in Pelle Frau® and fabric for the indoor line, and in waterproof fabric for outdoor use. Storage compartments – a legacy of the nautical world – have been created inside the seats.