Istanbul-based designer Sami Savatli has unveiled his latest venture into the realm of collectible design with the introduction of the LOVE collection, an evocative two-piece series comprising the LOVE Chair and the LOVE Side Table. Conceived at the intricate intersection where functional design blurs into contemporary sculpture, the collection explores how raw structure, tactile material, and deliberate human gesture can transform familiar, universally recognized symbols into autonomous objects with a profound spatial presence. By pushing past conventional notions of decorative arts, Savatli has created a body of work that challenges viewers to look at emotional iconography through an architectural lens.
The collection arrives at a time when the boundaries between fine art and utilitarian objects continue to dissolve within the global design market. Collectible design increasingly values pieces that carry a distinct narrative, objects that do not merely serve a domestic function but actively shape the atmosphere of a room. Savatli’s latest work speaks directly to this movement, offering a sophisticated meditation on form and feeling. Rather than relying on overt sentimentality, the designer strips away the superficial layers associated with traditional representations of affection, opting instead for a rigorous exploration of geometry, balance, and materiality.
At the heart of the series is the LOVE Chair, which takes the familiar and ubiquitous outline of the human heart as its primary point of departure. However, rather than reproducing this iconic symbol in a literal or predictable manner, Savatli intentionally removes it from conventional frameworks of symmetry and cultural symbolism. Instead of appearing as a superficial applied motif or a decorative add-on, the heart-inspired form emerges organically and directly from the very structural skeleton of the chair itself.
As one observes the chair from various angles, the complexity of its engineering becomes apparent. Lines extend outward, divide into distinct pathways, and thoughtfully reconnect, seamlessly oscillating between serving as a graceful silhouette and providing robust physical support. Furthermore, dramatic shifts in volume allow the object to read entirely differently depending on the viewer’s vantage point. From one perspective, it may present a sweeping, fluid outline, while from another, it reveals a dense, volumetric mass that commands attention. This dynamic visual adaptability ensures that the chair is never static; it interacts continuously with the light, shadow, and architectural context of the room it inhabits.
Complementing the seating piece is the LOVE Side Table, which successfully develops the same sophisticated design language without resorting to literal or repetitive replication of the heart motif. Instead of mimicking the chair verbatim, the side table features a branching, intricate structure that distills and carries the underlying movement of its larger counterpart into a more compact, restrained form. The two pieces are intimately connected through a shared vocabulary of proportion, rhythm, and rigorous construction rather than superficial visual mirroring. This thoughtful approach ensures that when the chair and table are placed together within a shared space, they engage in a silent, harmonious dialogue, reinforcing each other’s presence without overwhelming the interior.
Hand-Finished Cast Aluminum Shapes the LOVE Series
Both the LOVE Chair and the LOVE Side Table are meticulously produced by designer Sami Savatli in his Istanbul workshop using cast aluminum as the primary medium. Once the pieces emerge from the casting process, they are individually and painstakingly finished by hand. This hands-on approach ensures that every single object possesses a distinct material character and a unique tactile identity that mass-produced furniture simply cannot replicate.
During the hand-finishing process, subtle irregularities in the surface texture, minute tool marks, and variations in reflection are deliberately retained. Rather than treating these nuances as flaws, Savatli embraces them as an essential record of the making process. These minute imperfections capture the trace of human labor and give the metal a warm, organic quality that contrasts sharply with the industrial coldness typically associated with aluminum.
As ambient light moves across the brushed and treated surfaces of the aluminum, the collection undergoes a continuous visual transformation. The pieces alternate fluidly between appearing as solid, monumental masses and light, airy sketches suspended in space. This interplay of light and shadow reinforces the collection’s strong sculptural presence, reminding observers of its dual identity. Positioned firmly on the boundary line between collectible design and fine art sculpture, the LOVE collection retains all the practical functions of domestic furniture while establishing an autonomous, commanding presence within any interior space it occupies.
