Elephant Outdoor Sofa

Designed by Paola Navone

The low height and large cushions of the Elephant Outdoor Sofa create an enveloping seat that exemplifies the eclectic and utilitarian.

The Elephant Outdoor Sofa was featured in the Jugular International magazine in December 2019 and January 2020.

Elephant is suitable for outdoor and indoor settings. Protective cover included.

The Elephant Outdoor Sofa is part of the Baxter Elephant collection.

Paola Navone

Paola Navone, the remarkable architect and designer, has left an indelible mark on the world of modern furniture design, boasting an illustrious career spanning over four decades. Her creative brilliance has graced both residential and hospitality spaces, infused with the essence of her globetrotting experiences, especially her profound admiration for Asian architecture and design. Notably, she has artfully incorporated bamboo into her furniture pieces, emanating a simple yet captivating natural allure.

Navone's body of work reflects a captivating medley of influences, defying any fixed stylistic conventions. Whether it's a humble, rustic footstool or a lavishly opulent pendant lamp, she effortlessly crafts pieces that showcase her boundless versatility and innovative spirit. From sofas and armchairs to table lamps and vases, her eclectic designs captivate with their uniqueness.

Born in 1950, Navone pursued architectural studies at the esteemed Polytechnic University of Turin in her hometown. However, her discontent with the conventional, sterile approach to architecture led her to focus her final thesis on exploring radical global movements, including Neo-futurist collectives like Archigram in London and Paolo Soleri's Arcosanti in Arizona. Her journey took her to Africa, and upon returning to Italy, she joined forces with Alessandro Mendini, whose collaboration proved to be a turning point both professionally and personally. Navone became an integral part of the irreverent design group, Memphis, honing her bold and colorful aesthetic.

In the early 1980s, Navone's creative prowess was recognized when she won a competition organized by Abet Laminati, Europe's leading high-pressure laminate producer. Rather than submitting one design proposal, she submitted an astounding fifty, earning her the prestigious 1983 Osaka International Design Award and catapulting her solo career to new heights. Throughout the decade, she immersed herself in a whirlwind of activities, collaborating with luminaries like Alessi and Giulio Cappellini and embarking on fruitful lecturing positions in Italy's design institutions. Her consultancy work for UNIDO and the World Bank took her to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Until 2000, Navone led a dual life, dividing her time between Italy and Asia, particularly Hong Kong, where she expanded her clientele to include numerous heavyweight European manufacturers. Her impressive portfolio boasts collaborations with Poliform, Driade, Casamilano, Roche Bobois, and an extensive list of others. Additionally, since 1998, she has been the visionary art director at Gervasoni, personally crafting many of their collections. In 2000, her exceptional talent earned her the coveted title of Designer of the Year from the esteemed German magazine Architektur & Wohnen.

Further adding to her accolades, she triumphed with the ELLE Decor International Design Award in 2011. In recent times, Navone has extended her creative reach, working alongside renowned brands like Crate & Barrel and Anthropologie, while continuing to collaborate with various companies within the architecture and design industries.

Frame is available in a zinc-coated matt black finish, and leather is available in Cloister grey, navy, garden, natural, and mud.

2 Seater: 82.68" L x 42.13" D x 33.46" H, 210 cm L x 107 cm D x 85 cm H; 3 Seater: 122.05" L x 42.13" D x 33.46" H, 310 cm L x 107 cm D x 85 cm H