Reimagining Finn Juhl's Japan Series with Sea New York
House of Finn Juhl and Sea New York present a special edition of the iconic Japan Series, bringing Danish mid-century modernism into dialogue with contemporary fashion craftsmanship. Upholstered in richly embroidered textiles developed exclusively for the collaboration, the collection explores the intersection of furniture design, fashion, and artisanal craft.
Under the creative direction of Monica Paolini, Sea New York has reimagined Finn Juhl's celebrated seating series through a collection of embroidered fabrics that introduce a new tactile dimension to the furniture. The featured textile, Flower Embroidery, is available in Raven, Heather, Dusty Mint, and Soft Linen and combines intricate embroidery with a soft wool-and-cotton weave produced at Kjellerup Væveri in central Jutland, Denmark. The designs draw inspiration from the vibrant collection of drawings preserved in Finn Juhl's archive.
Originally designed in 1957, the Japan Series is among Finn Juhl's most refined and architectural furniture designs. Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics and the simplicity of temple architecture, the series is defined by its elegant, streamlined silhouette. Comprising a lounge chair, footstool, two-seater sofa, and three-seater sofa, the collection provides a calm and understated framework for Sea New York’s richly detailed textiles.
Each piece is crafted and upholstered in Denmark at House of Finn Juhl's own workshop, reflecting a continued commitment to local production and exceptional craftsmanship. The restrained character of the Japan Series allows the embroidery to take centre stage, highlighting texture, detail, and the beauty of handwork.
"A few years ago, we had the opportunity to shoot in Finn Juhl's home in Denmark, and being immersed in his spaces left a lasting impression on us," says Monica Paolini, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Sea New York. "There is such a beautiful sense of movement and ease in his work. With this collaboration, we wanted to bring Sea's embroidery and craftsmanship into that world, translating the texture of our materials onto his iconic forms in a way that feels natural and timeless."
For House of Finn Juhl, the collaboration represents a natural extension of Finn Juhl’s legacy and enduring relevance.
"At House of Finn Juhl, we seek collaborations that extend Finn Juhl’s legacy into new creative territories," says Kathrine Poulsen, Partner at House of Finn Juhl. “This project is a conversation between Danish modernism and a contemporary fashion house rooted in artisanal craft. Sea New York is a natural partner. Their work celebrates embroidery and handcraft techniques grounded in patience, precision, and tactility. Finn Juhl shared this sensitivity, captured in his belief that ‘the deviation is in the detail'."
The limited collaboration will be available in North America through Design Within Reach. During the autumn season, a small selection of pieces from the Japan Series upholstered in Sea New York's Flower Embroidery textile will be available through retailers worldwide.
