In January 2024, Lemon announced a special capsule of new designs by South African designer Yaniv Chen, which debuted in Paris for Maison&Objet as part of a theatrical showcase curated by Creative Director Kevin Frankental. The triptych of new designs, including the Drapery Table, Rambling Chair, and Park Nightstand, was staged in dialogue with other pieces from Lemon’s core collection of decorative and larger foundation furniture pieces.
Chen, distinguished for his signature sense of nostalgia, recalled the influences behind the Drapery Table—a one-of-a-kind piece crafted in Italy from a single block of Travertine. Inspired by a room photographed by Nan Goldin in 2010, evoking fond memories of his grandmother’s home featuring a grand entrance hall table draped in luxurious jacquard fabric, Chen brought the whimsical, rhythmic form of the fabric to life through the Drapery Table, showcased for the first time in Paris.
Yaniv Chen and Kevin Frankental before the booth at Maison&Objet in Paris last edition in January.
Another highlight of the capsule was the Rambling Chair, nodding to the silhouette of the traditional milk stool found throughout farms and Victorian homesteads in South Africa. For Chen, the stool symbolized childhood memories of visits to historic house museums and holidays in the countryside, aiming to bring the utilitarian yet decorative structure into contemporary domestic living.
Chen’s Park Nightstand, displayed for the first time in a new hand-polished lacquer finish, paid homage to Italian design of the 1960s, exemplifying meticulous craftsmanship and featuring well-proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing.
Kevin Frankental, co-founder and Creative Director of Lemon, envisioned the Lemon installation as an intimate museum, cocooned by gallery-style velvet and wool drapery—a reference to the central piece of the capsule: the Drapery Table. The space aimed to transport guests away from the chaos of a busy street into a private Salon, embracing a pared-back palette reminiscent of 60s Italian design vernacular.
Frankental commented on Lemon’s vision to present their products in a setting reflecting their identity—a space exuding modernity while embracing nostalgic romanticism. Lemon aimed for a sweet balance in their design, evoking special memories through childhood photos, specific colors, or familiar scents.
Balancing utility and beauty, Lemon’s repertoire of furniture and accessories drew on visual references from history, film, and art. Led by co-founder and designer Kevin Frankental, the studio handpicked a progressive mix of designers and artists to create collections in line with Lemon’s philosophy, tapping into raw and often uncovered talent.
The new designs by Yaniv Chen were made available for purchase exclusively through www.lemonfurniture.co and select international retailers, with pricing available on request. Lemon had showrooms in Cape Town and Amsterdam and shipped internationally.
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