Design
Acclaimed Milanese Gallery Nilufar Makes Its U.S. Debut with the Open Edition Creations at The Future Perfect

With The Future Perfect as the collection’s exclusive U.S. retailer, this collaboration marks the coming together of two of the world’s leading design authorities

Following a soft launch in preview of the collection during Milan Design Week in April, Nilufar officially launches its full Open Edition through an exhibition on the parlor floor of contemporary art gallery The Future Perfect’s West Village townhouse, featuring a selection of pieces from the comprehensive collection from now until February 1st, 2024. The Open Edition stands as a testament to the visionary curation of Nilufar’s founder Nina Yashar, the creative force behind the project. Comprising over 100 meticulously crafted pieces in bright hues and rich patterns, including sofas, dining tables, carpets, and lighting, the collection redefines functional design. Yashar's sharp curation has crystallized a unique sensibility that encapsulates the essence of Nilufar, offering enthusiasts worldwide an opportunity to embrace pieces that were traditionally bound by limited editions or entirely unique creations. Over the years, Nilufar has become synonymous with playful luxury—a gallery where clean lines dance with lustrous textiles, and pastels intertwine with jewel tones. The collection, a collaborative effort with some of Nilufar's marquee names, is a celebration of remarkable quality and aesthetics.

(Photography: Joe Kramm)
Nilufar's founder Nina Yashar (Photography: Madison McGaw)

"The Open Edition was curated to ignite a vibrant exploration into the boundless realms of design possibilities," expresses Yashar. "We are thrilled to be bringing this exhibition to The Future Perfect, which we consider to be the authority on American design. This collaboration offers a dynamic glimpse into the future of design excellence born out of a partnership from two galleries who share a passion for innovation."

(Photography: Madison McGaw)
(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)

“Nina’s discerning eye and dedication to innovative design has redefined what it means to champion emergent voices”,  says The Future Perfect founder, David Alhadeff. “The Open Edition, with its fusion of meticulous craftsmanship and formal experimentation, is set to captivate the imagination of design enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a glimpse into the future of design excellence. Through this partnership, we do not merely join forces - we celebrate the lasting legacy of Nilufar and The Future Perfect and our shared vision of championing boundary-pushing design, while embracing the industry’s vast frontiers.”

(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)
(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)

A new world of design innovation encompass product highlights that include the retro-futuristic Dualita benches and modular Orient armchairs by David/Nicolas, inspired by Middle Eastern homes to create cozy conversation areas, the versatile Unfold dining and living room sets by Milan-based Analogia Project, and the sleek Porcini coffee table series by Gal Gaon, celebrating the wonderful qualities of wood, crafted from premium natural oak or lacquered wood, and grouped together to mimic a cluster of mushrooms, which provide the inspiration for the design. Not to mention the captivating elliptical carpet by Osanna Visconti and the New Pompeii series by Filippo Carandini, featuring a hand-painted multi-tone colour scheme for delightful chromatic variations. Additionally, there are many more pieces in the Open Edition within different product categories, these are just a selection of the offerings.
Nina Yashar's journey from Tehran to Milan, shaped by her family's background in the antique Persian rug trade, adds a rich narrative to the Nilufar legacy. After opening her own carpet boutique in 1979, Yashar's exploration of modernist design during a trip to Scandinavia in the 90’s laid the foundation for Nilufar to emerge as a rising star among contemporary design retailers by the early 00’s. Today, Yashar is globally recognized as one of the foremost curators of 20th-century design, patronizing and nurturing the leading design practitioners of our time.

(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)
(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)

Guided by her own distinctive taste, Yashar's aesthetic signature is unmistakable in Nilufar's playful sense of luxury. The gallery is characterized by whimsical juxtapositions of form, color, and texture, where clean lines harmonize with lustrous textiles and rich hues spanning the entire spectrum of the color wheel—often embracing pastels, bright and jewel tones. Yashar’s discerning eye has made it a fixture on the itineraries of design fair goers worldwide, attracting a top-tier clientele that includes fashion luminaries such as Miuccia Prada, Tomas Maier, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci, and Ermenegildo Zegna former creative director Stefano Pilati to name a few.

(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)
(Photography: Filippo Pincolini)

In this harmonious convergence of visionary design, The Future Perfect and Nilufar have seamlessly joined forces, transcending traditional boundaries to forge an unparalleled collaboration. This innovative partnership not only represents a celebration of artistic synergy but also a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise when two creative powerhouses unite. Together, they navigate the intersection of design and artistry, weaving a narrative that promises to redefine the landscape of contemporary aesthetics.

(Photography: Joe Kramm)
(Photography: Joe Kramm)
(Photography: Joe Kramm)
(Photography: Joe Kramm)
Words: Emily Leung & Nikey Cheng
Published on December 13, 2023