At this year's Salone del Mobile, Uma presented a focused development of its design direction, with new collections and refreshed colourways showcased as part of the Capsule Plaza program in Milan. Positioned in a dedicated space at Piazza Risorgimento, the brand introduced both iterative updates and new typologies, reinforcing its relationship with advanced material manufacturing.
Steph Gallia, founder of Uma.
Founded three years ago within Izmir based composites company Polkima, Uma was created by Steph Gallia to extend the company's expertise in moulded materials into the architecture and design sector. 'The brand, based within the company, Polkima, has over 35 years of moulded composites production expertise for the automotive industry,' said Gallia. 'It was during this time I found myself wanting to move back to our family company and set up a service for designers who wanted to produce more specialist objects.'
Since its founding, Uma has operated in collaboration with a network of designers, delivering collections as well as bespoke commissions globally. Gallia noted that early perceptions of the brand centred on a playful identity but clarified that the direction has since shifted. 'We also try to focus on the products we make being long-lasting, timeless and objects to be cherished, not on a particular trend,' she said.
At Milan Design Week 2025, Uma exhibited updated iterations of its T4 modular sofa system designed by Holloway Li. The refreshed palette was developed in response to growing requests for custom finishes and reflects broader observations from past client projects. 'The colours we launched in were for a particular time back in 2023,' said Gallia. 'The new collection reflects our recent observations working with clients and hopes to be more dynamic, inspiring use in a more diverse range of projects.'
Also debuting in Milan was the Phantom side table, a collaborative project with Istanbul-based designer Burak Koçak, founder of Epicene. Developed through shared conversations and a mutual showroom, the piece uses topology optimisation, a method typically reserved for aerospace and automotive industries, to shape its form. 'The topology optimisation process informed the form of the table-top but wanted to remain as a subtle shadow almost, seen underneath the top face,' Gallia explained. 'Burak was keen to get the translucency just right for this.'
Phantom side table.
The table marks a shift toward further experimentation with visible structures and material behaviour, which Gallia noted will be explored in future iterations of the Phantom. 'We will continue making slightly different versions now, playing with the effect of this,' she said.
While previous years saw Uma exhibiting at Alcova and now Capsule Plaza, the company is planning a brief pause from showcases through the remainder of 2025. Gallia indicated the team will focus on production and ongoing collaborations, aiming to return to Milan next year with new work. She added, 'Furniture for the outdoors' as a final note on what may be next for the brand.
Currently, Uma's primary activity continues to alternate between the European and US markets, a pattern Gallia described as variable depending on season and client demand. The brand's integration of advanced manufacturing techniques into the furniture sector remains its distinguishing factor within the broader design landscape.
Capsule Lounge.
More information:
Uma
29 Ekim Mahallesi Bayraktar Sokak No.8
Yazibasi, Torbali 35875 Izmir
+90 539 768 3465
[email protected]
www.umaobjects.com
Turkey