Dozie Kanu collaborates with Knoll on "animated" fringed furniture

American furniture company Knoll has collaborated with Texas designer Dozie Kanu on leather-fringed tables that combine motifs of African ceremonial dress with Texas cowboy culture, for this year's Salone del Mobile

The Dozie Kanu Table Collection produced by Knoll encompasses a console, coffee table and side table, all of which are wrapped in bronze or dark manganese leather skirts with floor-length tassels.

The design was informed by Kanu's Nigerian and Texas roots, according to the team, along with his time spent in Portugal, where he lives and works.

"The leather top references an African drum Kanu collected, while the fringe skirt speaks to African Ceremonial dress and Texas Cowboy culture," said Knoll.

"Infusing a current of contemporary culture into residential interiors, Kanu's design takes a typically static object and transforms it into an animated experience that pushes viewers to imagine bigger possibilities."

Tables are made of steel rods that "contrast against smooth taut leather".

Fringe lining moves at the slightest touch, revealing objects stored underneath.

The collection will be the focal point of Knoll's presentation at Salone del Mobile 2026, which takes place during the city's annual design week.

Kanu was born in Houston, Texas and is currently based in Portugal. Known for his sculptural furniture and installations, his first solo exhibition was held at the Studio Museum in Harlem in 2019.

Designer Stefan Scholten and Stone Made Italy founder Manuela Rotta are set to launch their Matera brand at Salone del Mobile's first-ever collectible design fair this year, while Dezeen has rounded up 26 unmissable design exhibits happening across Milan ahead of the busy week.

Last year, funky chairs by emerging designers and lumpy, chunky seating seemed to be trending at last year's Salone del Mobile fair.

The photography is by Liz Johnson Artur.

Salone del Mobile takes place from 21 to 26 April 2026 at Fiera Milano, 20017 Rho, Milan, Italy. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

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