Paper Planes arose from the creation of a fabric that incorporated Swarovski crystal elements. The idea for the fabric came from folded graph paper, which evokes mathematical and scientific imagery in complete contrast to the festive, joyful qualities usually associated with crystals. Doshi Levien created a checked pattern using thin black and white lines, each carrying its own line of crystals. The intention was that the crystals could be integrated into the design so completely that they would become almost invisible, hidden within the checked lines, and then reappear only when light gleams off them.
In developing this fabric, the studio found it was working with a visual language that was architectural and spatial – ornate but not ornamental. As the name Paper Planes suggests, the approach to designing the chair involved folding and forming darts in paper that had been printed with the checked pattern. This process generated a cosy, comfortable reading chair that remains visually light, as if to defeat gravity.

Paper Planes has a steel structure with cold-cured polyurethane foam upholstery. Covers are offered in a printed Kvadrat Remix fabric with Swarovski crystal applications or in jacquard, with both high and low back versions available.