Afternoon Light Puts its Own Spin on an Emeco Classic
Making a maximalist statement via an office staple.
Online furniture store Afternoon Light has put its own maximalist spin on a minimalist office chair designed by Jasper Morrison for Emeco. The limited-edition version sees the plain aluminum powder-coated in forest green, with upholstery in shades of emerald and pink.
The “Navy Officer” chair was originally made by Emeco for the US Navy in the 1940s. In 2021, it received an update from British design legend Jasper Morrison, but to this day is still built by hand in America from recycled aluminum. For his updated version, Morrison made slight tweaks and developed a further two pieces – the final collection encompasses a chair, an armchair, and swivel chairs. The frame is available in hand-brushed aluminum or a black powder coat finish, while the upholstery is offered in Kvadrat textiles and Spinneybeck leather.
At the time of Morrison’s update, Emeco said:
“With its long history, this humble but proud chair is an unimpeachable symbol of no-nonsense American ingenuity. Originally designed for the US Navy in the 1940s, Jasper Morrison has carefully refined this iconic collection making it relevant for today, and tomorrow.”
When it came to their collaboration, Afternoon Light founders Minya Quirk and Deirdre Maloney wanted to create something with a “twist”. To do so, they opted for fabric from US brand Maharam, which is a reissue of designer Alexander Girard’s “Mexidot” pattern. “[The fabric] pays homage to the weaving techniques of Mexican artisans by whom he was so endlessly inspired,” Afternoon Light adds. In addition, and in keeping with Emeco’s mission to use recycled aluminum, the fabric has impressive sustainable credentials as well as aesthetic ones and has been made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled fiber.
For the campaign, Afternoon Light enlisted the skills of photographer and artist Mary Manning, who shot the chair at the home of artist Marc Hundley in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Afternoon Light x Emeco Navy Officer’s chair is for sale on the brand’s site and is priced at $1,890 USD.
In other design news, Apple has revealed its new London store, designed by longstanding architectural collaborators Foster + Partners.
