Holly Hunt Forges a Vibrant Future with the ‘Onward’ Collection
A seismic shift is underway at Holly Hunt, the venerable Chicago furniture brand now nestled within the MillerKnoll conglomerate. Long celebrated for its rectilinear forms, natural finishes, and muted elegance, the brand is boldly stepping into a new era, heralded by the launch of its ‘Onward Collection.’ This striking 9-piece offering, unveiled through captivating photographs, signals a dramatic embrace of saturated mono- and multichromatic hues, undulating forms, and innovative textures that promise to redefine luxury interiors.
Chris Eitel: Steering the Brand ‘Onward’
At the heart of this transformation is Chris Eitel, Holly Hunt’s newly appointed Design Director. Eitel brings a rich pedigree, having honed his craft under the tutelage of the late Vladimir Kagan, an undisputed titan of American design, for whose eponymous group Eitel also serves as Executive Creative Director. This deep immersion in Kagan’s world of sculptural audacity is palpable in ‘Onward,’ yet Eitel has masterfully infused his own distinct design vocabulary. The collection is a testament to a coherent blend of inherited wisdom and nascent ambition, pushing boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in Holly Hunt’s commitment to uncompromising quality and timeless appeal.
A Collection Defined by Boldness and Innovation
The ‘Onward Collection’ is a departure from the familiar. Gone are the subdued tones and traditional finishes, replaced by sleek lacquered surfaces, the porous dimple texture of forged metal, and unexpectedly proportioned, almost ‘space-age’ silhouettes. It’s a neotenic aesthetic that feels both fresh and sophisticated, designed to command attention and become the focal point of any space. Jo Annah Kornak, SVP and Executive Creative Director, emphasizes this defining moment: “Onward represents a defining moment. It embodies the ambition of the design studio and illuminates the path ahead. Each piece is designed to make a statement, crafted to command attention and play the hero in any room. This collection remains true to the brand’s DNA while offering Chris’ fresh new perspective.”
Spotlight on Key Pieces
The Isley Sofa: Sculptural Serenity
Handcrafted with meticulous precision, the Isley Sofa beautifully marries a crisp, sculpted solid wood base with a tightly upholstered seat and back. It’s a study in balanced design, offering both visual lightness and substantial presence.
The Selina Slipper Chair: Fluid Grace
True to its name, the Selina Slipper Chair captivates with its soft, inviting curves and an almost architectural resolve. Its fluid upholstery drapes over a carved solid wood frame, creating an open, light silhouette that boasts unique, proprietary dimensions.
The Lucius Console: Distinctive Elegance
Clad in a distinctive ring-cut veneer and anchored by an elongated lacquered base, the Lucius Console is designed to be a striking figure. Like all pieces in the collection, it aims to be a star, effortlessly enhancing any interior style.
The Dent Cabinet: Rhythmic Allure
The Dent Cabinet stands out with its rhythmic pattern of recessed forms, imbuing it with a captivating visual and visceral depth. Even the smaller, lacquer-finished Yoel Stool contributes to the collection’s overall sense of playful sophistication.
Evolving a Legacy, Without Losing its Soul
Chris Eitel articulates the philosophy behind this bold evolution: “Every iconic design brand reaches a moment when it must reinterpret its legacy to continue building it… onward. Onward is playful, vibrant, and the start of something exciting and fresh – a new era for the brand. It captures the spirit of Holly Hunt through a modern lens and proves that a storied design house can evolve without losing its soul.” This collection is more than just new furniture; it’s a declaration of a renewed vision, a testament to innovation, and a vibrant promise for Holly Hunt’s future. To explore this groundbreaking collection and learn more about the brand, visit hollyhunt.com.
Photography courtesy of Holly Hunt. Article by Adrian Madlener, a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design.
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