Launched at a special dinner, the first collaboration between Ron Arad and OKA has resulted in a magnificent limited-edition chair.
Designer Ron Arad certainly needs no introduction. Considered as one of Britain’s most prolific creative minds, Ron has produced some of the most influential pieces in contemporary history. This artist, industrial designer and architectural designer has continued to push the boundaries of design and has become a taste-maker that has influenced trends right across the globe.
Hosted at an exclusive dinner, the collaboration between Ron Arad and another British institution was launched. Teaming up with iconic furniture and luxury decor retailer OKA, Ron Arad has created a limited-edition chair that looks as if it belongs on display rather than in a home. Commenting on the collaboration and piece, co-founder and Creative Director of OKA, Sue Jones commented: “After 20 years in the design business, we wanted to do something that was very different and create a piece of art for people’s houses usually only seen in a museum or gallery. Art is where everything starts”
The Ron Arad and OKA Chair
Having chosen the Washakie dining chair from OKA’s collection, Ron started to mould and create his piece based on the original design. Available exclusively at the Invisible Collection, the price on the limited edition-pieces (only 10 pieces will be produced is expected to start from £18,000.
Hosted by Isabelle Dubern and Anna Zaoui during the art and design fair PAD London, the launch dinner saw a guest list filled to the brim with the who’s who of the design and world.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed at a Ruinart Champagne reception. Shortly afterwards, the attendees moved to an elegant dinner with a mouthwateringly-delicious menu. The menu included Tian of globe artichoke with Jerusalem artichoke purée with Dijon vinaigrette, sautéed wild mushrooms, rocket & black truffle shavings, followed by the main course of pan-seared Chilean seabass with riviera-style sauce Vierge, saffron risotto & green asparagus, ending in a sumptuous dessert of apple Tarte Tatin with bourbon vanilla ice cream. The wine pairing with dinner included Macon Bussieres Cuvee Claude Seigneuret 2016 and Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2016.
Designer Ron Arad and Erin O’Connor
David Downton and Virginia Bates OKA co-founder Sue Jones Designer Ron Arad and Erin O’Connor Lara Bohinc and Assia Webster
Lara Bohinc, Assia Webster, Fergus Lawlor and Mourad Mazouz
Hazel Collins and Roselind Wilson Interior designer Ashley Hicks Kim Hersov
Designer Ron Arad Yasmin Mills and Camilla Rutherford Yasmin Mills, Justin Horne, Rufus Abbott and Camilla Rutherford
Each limited edition chair in the series is crafted entirely by hand and features unique wording painted on the rear. Ron’s signature appears on both the OKA Washakie and its metal ‘throne’, and each comes with an individual certificate of authenticity. Ron’s OKA chair prototype will be auctioned in 2020.
Images: David M. Benett
