When American Leather had the inspired idea to ask designer Rick Lee for a fresh perspective on his iconic Menlo Park line of furnishings to mark its 25th anniversary, it began with the conviction that one modern classic deserved another. To upholster the reimagined suite, which will debut at High Point Market this month, the company turned to its long-term partner, Ultrasuede—the super soft and supple fabric that has outfitted stylish furniture and swathed fashionable figures since its introduction in 1970. For a veritable rainbow of colors, luxe-to-the-touch feel, unrivaled performance and eco-conscious composition, what could be better?
“Ultrasuede is timeless, beautiful and practical,” says Lee of the legendary textile, which is made from 30 percent plant-based materials. “I’ve used it to customize my designs for American Leather for more than two decades, and I was both excited and honored to match it with this new iteration of Menlo Park.”
The original series—comprising a serpentine sectional sofa plus a chaise longue, accent chair and sled bed—has never been out of production. Wise enough not to mess with perfection that has endured for a quarter-century, Lee made a series of subtle-yet-impactful tweaks to update his midcentury-influenced, ergonomic masterpieces while maintaining their integrity and craftsmanship. He likens his refresh to the modern-day version of a vintage Mustang sports car: At heart, it’s the same, but some improvements “under the hood” give it a more powerful “motor”—in this metaphor, that’s innovative cushioning. And some changes to the exterior make it more streamlined and au courant. “The intention was to respect the original profile—and the emotion it evokes—but apply it to today’s aesthetics and lifestyles, which demand more comfort and functionality, so when people encounter it, they say, ‘Wow, this is different, but also familiar,’” the designer explains.
On the inside, the foam, springs and webbing have been upgraded for an even more comfortable, supportive “ride.” “The profile and the footprint remain the same,” Lee continues. “But because the sit—the sink—is softer, I made the overall height about a half-inch taller.” The boost comes courtesy of slightly longer legs, which are now made from organic, tapered ash “stilettos,” compared to the original’s straightforward aluminum stilts. “Before, the leg was more retro; it had a Jetsons vibe,” he says. “Humble yet sexy” in substance and shape, the new leg grounds Menlo Park’s “floating effect”—a signature of Lee’s designs. “Doesn’t matter how big, how bold, the piece is; I like it to defy gravity.” These improvements to what Lee calls “the infrastructure” serve to highlight the more noticeable, cosmetic changes: namely a sweeping, elegant, horizontal lumbar channel line; a decorative back-welt accent; and precision topstitching to further define the clean, tailored lines of the cushions. At High Point, these features will be highlighted in Desert Camel, a warm, can’t-go-wrong, classic colorway from Ultrasuede.
“I requested Desert Camel because of how well it showcases the details and the silhouette of the new design. It’s going to be the most popular choice for orders, and will be placed in a lot of homes,” Lee predicts. Although he personally identifies with dramatic Black Onyx—“the color of designers”—he notes that lighter hues of Ultrasuede exhibit what he describes as an “iridescent quality,” revealing tonal variations depending on the direction the surface is brushed. “Ultrasuede is a special fabric because it reads like suede. If you rub it a certain way, it appears darker or lighter, which gives it nuance.” Not only do pale hues like Bisque, Parchment and Tapioca suit modern minimalist interiors, but in Lee’s opinion, they encourage guests to mind their manners.
“People behave better on a white couch,” he jokes. Still, if some clumsy mortal spills the spaghetti and meatballs, or the family labradoodle leaps up with muddy paws, no problem. Stains can be mopped up with a few quick blots of a damp cloth, and a brisk brushing after the fabric has air-dried will instantly restore the nap. “You can even clean up hot sauce without your wife getting mad,” Lee adds, perhaps speaking from personal experience. The sun is not to be feared either: Yarn-dyed, Ultrasuede’s lightfast fibers don’t fade under the onslaught of UV rays, and the nonwoven fabric won’t stretch, tear or pill.
While Desert Camel and other neutrals will never go out of style, Ultrasuede’s 97 colors can complement the tastes and spaces of more daring, dopaminergic designers and clients too. “The new Menlo Park collection would be stunning in Pine or Lotus Green,” says Lee. “In a burgundy like Mulberry, gray topstitching would give it a gutsy contrast. Real Teal would be fantastic, because that ’80s neo-postmodernism is in. And a burnt, cognac orange like Terracotta or Clove would also be awesome. With black stitching? … Well, maybe that’s too Halloween! Instead, I’d use another orange to create tonal interest.” For a burnished, heirloom look, the designer also pictures pairing Ultrasuede upholstery with Menlo Park’s new welt cord detail rendered in American Leather’s namesake material. No matter the color palette, each piece in the collection is made to order in the United States and comes with a lifetime warranty.
“Together with American Leather, Ultrasuede changed the landscape of the market with my original design 25 years ago; I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do so again with my reenvisioned version of Menlo Park,” says Lee. Now available for the next generation of stylish furniture seekers, what’s new today just might again become tomorrow’s collectible classic. To see the entire versatile, updated Menlo Park series—and possibly cross paths with the designer—visit American Leather’s High Point showroom at Showplace, Suite 5000, during Fall Market this month.
This story is a paid promotion and was created in partnership with Ultrasuede.
Homepage image: At High Point Market this month, American Leather will debut its new iteration of the Menlo Park sectional sofa upholstered in Desert Camel Ultrasuede fabric | Courtesy of American Leather
