At first glance, the new Eclipse Collection from Petite Friture appears deceptively simple. Designed by Marie Garnier and Asa Pingree of Brooklyn-based Garnier Pingree, the indoor/outdoor seating line is minimal in its sleek silhouettes – but as we all know, simplicity is rarely simple. Balancing pure lines with structural precision, Eclipse distills seating into circles, cylinders, and arcs. Sometimes, the boldest statements are made with the simplest forms.
For Pingree, the Eclipse Collection draws from a deeply personal place: his upbringing as a son of a boatbuilder on the island off the coast of Maine. That foundation in craft and structure informs his exploration of shape and balance today, where each piece manages to be both sturdy and remarkably light in form. “I can explore simple shapes for beauty or fun without the structural engineering tendencies in me having a say,” Pingree explains, a sentiment that reflects the collection’s visual design expression.
Eclipse comprises a daybed, a lounge chair, a bench, and an ottoman. Originally conceived in fiberglass, Petite Friture has reimagined the collection in aluminum, a material chosen for its durability and suitable for extended outdoor use. Each structure is produced in Portugal and powder coated in France. High-density foam cushions, upholstered in Kvadrat or Dedar fabrics, add comfort without compromising the clean lines, bringing softness to the sculptural forms. For added flexibility, structures can even be personalized in any RAL color, offering endless possibilities to adapt Eclipse to different spaces.
The daybed recalls the cocoon-like comfort of a hammock, inviting long stretches of relaxation. The lounge chair carries the same sweeping silhouette in a more upright posture, while the bench takes on a rectilinear form softened by subtle curves that tie it back to the family. Completing the set, the ottoman’s swooping profile works equally well as a seat or a low side table.
Simple forms can leave the most lasting impression, as proven by the Eclipse Collection. By balancing rigor with ease, Garnier Pingree transforms simple geometries into furniture that feels sculptural, sturdy, and surprisingly versatile. It’s not a question of simplicity versus complexity, but how the two can coexist in perfect balance.
To learn more about the Eclipse Collection by Garnier Pingree for Petite Friture, visit petitefriture.com.
Photography by Pauline Chardin.
