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A single, continuous curve
Introduced at the Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, the Trench Sofa by Philippe Malouin for Acerbis presents a fresh vision of upholstered seating. Rooted in sculptural minimalism yet surprisingly welcoming, the Trench collection explores new proportions through a seamless, continuous curve defining both seat and backrest. Its form embodies an elemental purity, reminiscent of ancestral shapes, bringing a subtle elegance and visual lightness into contemporary spaces.
Suspended on a pair of perpendicular legs, the Trench Sofa conveys a remarkable sense of weightlessness. This design choice enhances its sculptural silhouette and introduces a feeling of airy sophistication. Carefully integrated armrests, available as either fixed elements or adaptable, independent modules, encourage personal customization and elevate comfort to a tailored experience.
Philippe Malouin’s thoughtful approach merges rigorous design with practical comfort, reflecting his extensive background and diverse creative portfolio. Having studied at Design Academy Eindhoven and École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle in Paris, Malouin has consistently brought nuanced artistry to functional objects. His collaboration with Acerbis marks another significant addition to a career defined by insightful reinterpretations of familiar forms.
The Trench Sofa exemplifies Malouin's vision: furniture that blends sculptural presence with thoughtful ergonomics, transforming everyday seating into expressive yet purposeful objects.
Sofa. The seat has a steel structure and is covered in differentiated density polyurethane. The legs are in pine plywood covered in differentiated density polyurethane with thermoplastic feet. The fixed armrest has a steel structure covered in differentiated density polyurethane whereas the independent armrest is differentiated density polyurethane with a counterweight.
Fabric: Emmi, composition 36% PC - 23% PL - 20% CO - 14% VI - 7% WO
FABRIC
British-Canadian Philippe Malouin holds a bachelor’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven. He has also studied at the École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle in Paris and University of Montreal. He set up his studio in 2008 and he has also taught at the Royal College of Art in London. His diverse portfolio includes sofas, tables, rugs, chairs, lights, art objects and installations. Philippe’s client list includes: Flos, HEM, Ishinomaki, Iittala, De Sede, SCP, Established & Sons and Marsotto Edizioni.
Philippe’s artistic practice is represented by Salon 94 Design gallery in New York City as well as The Breeder gallery in Athens. He has recently won the Wallpaper* Magazine ‘designer of the year’ award. He has also been named President of the Jury at Villa Noaille’s “Design Parade” in France. Philippe Lives and works in London, where he operates his design studio.