Summary:
- Voyeur Voyeur and Paulin Paulin Paulin introduced an exclusive Tongue Chair edition on March 19.
- The chair features U2828L Burgundy Toray Ultrasuede fabric.
- This project expands the permanent collection originally designed in 1967.
When you walk down Bethnal Green Road in East London you will find Voyeur Voyeur. Kat Qiu opened this multi-label luxury fashion space in 2025. The 1130 square foot location holds a tightly edited selection of contemporary designers. The interior features geometric plywood structures and mirrored surfaces designed alongside Crab Studio. A mirrored horizon line runs along the perimeter to reinforce observation themes. You experience the act of shopping as a specific spatial event. The store name reflects central themes of observation and perception directly. Voyeur Voyeur invites visitors to look and be looked at constantly.
On March 19 the store hosted an event with design studio Paulin Paulin Paulin to present a new furniture piece. The two companies introduced an exclusive edition of the Tongue Chair. Pierre Paulin designed the original chair in 1967. The Museum of Modern Art in New York holds the original design in the permanent collection. This new version features Toray Ultrasuede fabric in the shade U2828L Burgundy. The designer originally conceived these items for wider distribution across various markets. The studio now reintroduces the items to ensure broader accessibility for modern consumers. The release marks a new chapter regarding the transmission of his historical work.
You notice the same Burgundy material inside the Voyeur Voyeur changing rooms. Staff members also wear custom uniforms made from the identical fabric. The material forms part of the distinctive visual language defining the store. Using the same upholstery translates the store architecture directly into a collectible design object. This choice establishes a visual dialogue between fashion and furniture. The chair creates a direct connection with the surrounding architecture of the room. The project translates atmospheric signatures into tangible items.
The collaboration stems from Kat Qiu participating in an earlier campaign. Qiu modeled in the Industrial Icon series photographed by Thibaut Grevet. A new photographic series continues this dialogue by showing Qiu interacting directly with the new chair. The images feature the store founder engaging with the exclusive piece.
Pierre Paulin researched tubular metal frames and molded foam extensively. He investigated stretch textiles to develop new manufacturing techniques. His innovations allowed him to produce ergonomic and expressive furniture. The low silhouette solves functional problems through new materials. The design feels futuristic and playful simultaneously. The wave-like shape reflects his distinctive approach to industrial design.
Maia Paulin initiated the independent family project to highlight her husband's work. She worked tirelessly for nearly forty years as his partner to promote his work internationally. Alice and Benjamin Paulin currently run the company to pass the legacy to new generations. They produce a rigorous selection of exceptional pieces exclusively to order in France. The founders responded to wishes expressed in 2008 to see his most innovative creations come to life. All commercial activities support the Pierre Paulin Fund directly. The company also supports promotional projects through the same dedicated fund.
The studio embraces the role of editor by removing predefined limits regarding color. The team opens new possibilities for interpretation without restrictions. These re-editions expand on earlier modular furniture visions. Previous releases include Dune, Declive, and Tapis Siege. Pierre Paulin originally conceived these items but never produced them during his lifetime. The Voyeur Voyeur edition serves as a natural closure to this first chapter of reintroducing his designs. The special edition comes as a direct extension of the previous utopic pieces.
You look at the worlds of Pierre Paulin and the London concept store and see apparent opposition. The project finds coherence within this contrast to demonstrate the ability of the designer to exist across generations. His work continues to exist across varying contexts without losing relevance. The space functions as a venue where fashion and atmosphere intersect. The chair stands as both a functional seat and a sculptural presence for you to observe.
Share this article