Patricia Urquiola’s Gentry sofa of 2011 is one of Italian brand Moroso’s most successful sofas, and the new Gentry Extra Light is a play on the already playful classic. The Extra Light revisits the classic design in a gracious and careful manner, inspired by a sense of lightness with the utmost respect for balance and proportion.

The origins of the relaunch lie in the search for meticulously designed, well-balanced comfort – this a design of restraint, yet with a nod to exaggeration. 

The form of Gentry Extra Light is an evolution from the reassuring solidity of the original Gentry, which communicates a sense of tradition and distinction but with a hint of fun. The generous proportions of Gentry are a nod to the comfort of the ‘bourgeois’ lifestyle, but its ultra-thin legs call to mind the precariousness of the contemporary stiletto heel.

Gentry Extra Light continues the playful tone but enjoys a more compact size. The change in height does not disrupt the sofa’s poise, but suggests a kind of honesty in freedom of use – between discipline and leniency, between conventional use and spontaneity. Gentry Extra Light sees an overall lightening of the design, from the structure to the braid lining, resulting in a sofa that is suitable for sitting up as well as lounging around and relaxing.

Italy’s Moroso has traditionally been known for its upholstery. Since 1952, the company has been designing and manufacturing upholstered furniture and interior accessories. And for over 50 years, these objects have been created by renowned designers, from Ron Arad and Ross Lovegrove to Toshiyuki Kita and Patricia Urquiola. The last five years have seen the integration of many other products, techniques and materials into Moroso’s traditional upholstery portfolio.

This new Gentry Extra Light update of an already iconic sofa is a lesson in how to relaunch design. Elegant and compact, the sofa encourages relaxation and support, suitable for the home or any common space.

In Singapore, Moroso is available at Xtra.