Caroline Chao Uses G-STAR Denim for The Roll-Up Chair

"Caroline Chao proposes that we look beyond our preconceived notions and typical asks for a more exciting line of inquiry. "Why can't furniture fold like clothing?" The Roll-Up Chair answers this question, eloquently, utilizing byproducts from industrial and fashion waste streams to create a rigid metal structure, adorned with rolled denim cushions - all with the ability to collapse and hang on a wall."

"New York-based designer Chao embraces the unique textural heritage of denim through the lens of furniture, while also introducing more ephemeral thoughts: How can we collectively use and subvert our powers of observation to create intelligent design? From the small pads that create an illusion of floating just off the floor, to the reclaimed chrome that becomes the frame, the lightness of the body is all in service to contrast the heft of denim."

"Perfectly dense, the rolls are just forgiving enough to be comfortable while also providing a surprising amount of support. Undergoing rigorous testing to find the perfect density in combination with optimal placement, the quilting process adds a fascinating texture to the rolls, fastened with three large silver buttons. With the complex task of translating byproduct into product again, along with the interesting parameters of collapsible, hangable, and rollable, Chao investigated multiple, differing techniques to create The Roll-Up Chair."

Caroline Chao reimagines denim as furniture by creating The Roll-Up Chair, a collapsible seat that hangs on a wall. The chair uses byproducts from industrial and fashion waste streams to form a rigid reclaimed chrome frame paired with rolled, quilted denim cushions. Quilting and rigorous density testing produced rolls that balance comfort and surprising support, secured with three large silver buttons. Small pads create a floating illusion while horizontal bars and compact rolls define its profile. The design required multiple techniques to translate byproduct into a functional, collapsible, rollable, and hangable object where perception, use case, audience, and assembly shape outcomes.

Read at Design Milk