Drawing inspiration from graphic design principles and celebrating intersecting forms and minimalism, Designer YouNing Chien and 808:Studio’s fascination with the unique languages and reasons behind each framing system shaped the concept of the collection Connexion, “a painting that you can sit on,” in their own words.

“The simple wood half-lap joints at the heart of Connexion create a visual narrative highlighting the beauty of small, repetitive connections. The cushions feature Chongqing ramie fabric, a material traditionally used for painting and known for its smooth texture that enhances its use. It carries its historical technique that adapts to modern design. Dejin Chen, our material designer, crafts a unique color palette by hand-dying it with local artisans and workshops. This process not only ensures a unique color scheme but also infuses the development with the region’s cultural richness from the local community,” says the designer.

Chongqing ramie, often called “the grass of China,” is meticulously handwoven through rigorous, time-honoured processes. The seed is planted in the spring and harvested three times a year. Production involves extracting the fiber, rolling the wefts, pulling the warps, stringing them through shuttles, swabbing rice milk, weaving, dyeing, and shaping. These artisanal techniques have been passed down through generations, ensuring each fabric piece is crafted with care and precision.

The Connexion Collection aims to minimise material waste while reintroducing eco-friendly materials to modern society. Each piece is easy to store and assemble without fasteners, allowing for efficient stacking and space-saving solutions.