In the Soleta Chair, a single piece of Soleta leather (sole leather) is cut, folded, and shaped to form the backrest, which is attached directly to the solid wood base using precise joinery that ensures both stability and refinement.
The seat, which also serves a structural function, can be made with upholstery, offering variations in finish and comfort.
The Soleta Chair stems from the observation of a traditional technique used by artisans in the making of horse saddles in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil. In this region, saddle makers often soak leather in rivers or still water to soften it before hand-shaping the saddles.
This process, which involves moisture and manual shaping, serves as the foundation for the approach used in the backrest of the Soleta Chair, reviving traditional knowledge through precise and contemporary execution.
During the process, the damp leather is folded and molded by hand until it reaches the desired curvature. Then, a second fold angled over the front legs forms the armrests. Once dried, the sequence of folds, along with the considerable thickness of the Soleta leather, adds stability to the material, resulting in an ergonomic structure that requires no additional internal support.
By proposing a backrest made entirely of leather, the chair is built on the belief that the material improves over time: the more it is used, the more comfortable it becomes, revealing marks, nuances, and a patina that tells the story of touch.
Beyond its structural qualities, the choice of the Soleta leather also reflects a commitment to more ecological practices when compared to other types of leather. Instead of undergoing the heavy chemical treatments common in the industry, such as chrome tanning, the Soleta leather is prepared with natural tannins extracted from plants, a process with significantly reduced environmental impact.
Moreover, the Soleta leather retains its original qualities with minimal intervention and waste, as it is used in its full form, without fiber reconstitution or the application of artificial coatings—emphasizing the conscious use of raw materials.
In addition, thanks to its thickness and density, the Soleta leather offers superior durability compared to thinner or chemically reconstituted leathers. By better withstanding wear and tear, the material contributes to the creation of a long-lasting and resilient piece of furniture.
