Limited-edition armchair combines street art, craftsmanship, and sustainability
Poltrona Frau has partnered with Shepard Fairey to introduce the Archibald Delicate Balance Limited Edition, a special artistic interpretation of the brand’s iconic Archibald armchair.
The collaboration forms part of Poltrona Frau’s 2026 collection theme, “True Over Time,” and was unveiled during Salone del Mobile in Milan from 13 to 26 April 2026.
Limited to 200 numbered pieces, the armchair will be available through Poltrona Frau flagship stores and selected authorised retailers worldwide.
Originally designed in 2009 by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud, the Archibald armchair has been reinterpreted by Fairey using his signature visual language and themes centred on nature, human responsibility, and environmental balance.
The artwork features a female figure symbolising Mother Nature, combined with recurring motifs such as birds and flowers drawn from several of Fairey’s earlier works, including “Make Art Not War” (2015), “Natural Springs Bird, Version 2” (2024), “Rise Above Flower” (2022), and “Peace Fingers (Geometric)” (2020).
According to the company, the illustration has been digitally printed on Pelle Frau ColorSphere Impact Less leather using multiple colour layers and selective 3D embossing techniques to enhance depth and texture. The leather is produced using a chromium-free tanning process introduced in 2022, designed to reduce chemical use and water consumption. The material also carries Leather Working Group Gold certification.
As part of the initiative, Poltrona Frau has partnered with Treedom to plant two coffee trees in Guatemala for every armchair purchased. The project supports a community of 80 Indigenous women in the Huehuetenango region through a supply-chain model aimed at improving remuneration and economic independence.
Nicola Coropulis stated that the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, cultural dialogue, and environmental awareness.
Shepard Fairey said the project was inspired by Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship and the shared emphasis on respecting and preserving nature.
Each armchair includes a polished brass plaque, a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist and the company CEO, and a bespoke clutch featuring a QR code linked to the Treedom initiative.
