What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?

Williams: Our collection pays homage to the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty that can be found in life’s imperfections. We were inspired by the simplicity and elegance of Japanese natural elements and the time-honored craftsmanship of the culture.

Quitllet: For me the collection goes beyond the name. What inspires me is the invisible—what is in between the matter and the void. A contrast of solid and aery. That thin line of light that catches your attention, and the appeal of luxuriating in a calm atmosphere influenced by the elements of outdoor living. We bring the outdoor experience to the most sophisticated level imaginable.

What was the starting point for this collection?

Williams: When starting on the design process for a new season and collection, I immerse myself in a deliberate mindset of focus and curiosity. I gather visual inspiration from vintage textiles, shells, stones and other textures found in nature—to name a few! For me, color holds profound significance; I perceive it as a universal language capable of evoking various emotional responses: happiness, sorrow, excitement. The diverse works of numerous artists and designers serve as endless sources of inspiration, guiding me to explore uncharted creative territories.

This collection is the result of being curious, dreaming of something new for Perennials. Meticulously curated with intricate details, vibrant hues and forward-thinking constructions, it represents a journey of discovery and the pursuit of something truly original.

Quitllet: Playing with geometry and poetry to challenge the horizon and create a language of infinite landscapes that can be translated to all the pieces of the collection.

What piece are you most excited to unveil?

Williams: I can’t choose just one—I have to mention three! Kikko presents a multicolor small-scale pattern featuring hexagonal shapes, which represent a well-known Japanese symbol for good fortune. Arigato, drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese stitching method sashiko, is a fresh jacquard quality that strikingly resembles hand-stitched embroidery. And Sake Stripe retains a tonal and inviting appearance that’s accentuated by its washed multicolored chenille stripes.

Quitllet: Each piece offers its own personal solution and function, challenging itself in a unique way; they are all new inventions marked by minimalistic geometry. The Wabi Sabi lounge chair with the ottoman, for example, can be combined many ways. A single ottoman can act as a side table, while two together make a coffee table. Paired with the lounge chair, it becomes a chaise. It’s a very playful collection that challenges your creativity.

How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?

Williams: We were determined to create groundbreaking textile constructions, introducing organic, abstract multicolored patterns, fresh and captivating palettes, and an array of reversible fabrics. Furthermore, our introduction of luxuriously soft Tibetan knot rugs with enchanting multicolor gradients truly pushes the boundaries of what our brand can achieve. It’s a bold leap forward.

Quitllet: Wabi Sabi has its own identity and is not following any trends, while still staying faithful to our values of enduring quality, timeless style and the finest materials.

How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?

Williams: The addition of the new colors (19!) infuses warmth and seamlessly integrates with our existing palette. The fabric and rug designs are intentionally crafted to harmonize with our signature collection, enriching the overall visual appeal of our complete portfolio and offering clients an extended array of choices for coordination and layering.

Quitllet: I try to design my collections in a way that enables all the pieces to live together, telling different stories within a shared space. Wabi Sabi furnishings are like a frame that will enhance any work of art.

What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?

Williams: To highlight a few new colors: The introduction of Camel, a soft neutral, meets a long-felt need. It’s a versatile and timeless hue that provides a sense of warmth and comfort. We chose this color for its classic and understated elegance, while our lively and bright Mango adds a burst of energy and positivity to the collection, and our new Raspberry shade, a medium-toned pink, radiates a luxurious warmth while blending effortlessly with any color palette.

Quitllet: Yes, the new palette is very fresh! Fresh and new forever! That’s not easy to achieve.

Tell us about the materials in this collection. Are there certain materials used throughout, and/or a material that is a highlight on a particular piece?

Williams: Hand-crafted using Perennials Rope for a natural jutelike aesthetic, Tatami features a delicate diamond motif.

Quitllet: The furnishings are crafted in teak, and like precious sculptures can live indoors or out. Cushions give clients the chance to personalize the pieces and give them some softness. We also offer aluminum versions that can be powder-coated in many colors.

How do you envision designers using this collection?

Williams: The Wabi Sabi collection presents an assortment of new hues, fresh designs and a variety of pattern sizes to inspire designers and accommodate a wide range of creative preferences. The best part is that the pieces can be layered together while maintaining their individuality and uniqueness.

Quitllet: It’s a very architectural collection, so you can create strikingly new spaces. Allowing a lot of air around the pieces also lets the fabric patterns express their beauty easily. Wabi Sabi gives a strong signature to any project and endless possibilities to play with.

How did the collaboration come about?

Quitllet: From my many years of experience with Sutherland and Perennials, I’ve become familiar with the unique DNA that goes into all of their collections. The combination of my long-term relationship with the brands and the synthesis of my understanding of their design ethos pushed me create this distinctive collection for them. Although it’s brand-new, we have such a strong shared history that it feels as if we started designing together 20 years ago.