International Paper.

We just got back from a mesmerizing exhibition that opened this evening at the Friedman Benda Gallery over in Chelsea. Titled Ghost Stories, the installation was conceived and executed by the Tokyo-based architecture and design group nendo and features forty sculptural works known as Cabbage Chairs scattered beneath a virtual rainfall of black and white string. Originally conceptualized as a possible solution to a challenge posed by fashion designer Issey Miyake on how "man will live in the 21st century," the Cabbage Chair is hand crafted from the folded paper rolls used in the fashion designer's own pleat-making process. In accepting the challenge, nendo has not only fashioned a chair using unconventional chair-manufacturing methods, they've also managed to create a stunning form that recycles what would otherwise have been a waste product. We must say the chairs are quite comfortable and the exhibition itself is pretty remarkable. Encouraged to walk through the "shower of strings", we found it to be both a sensory-altering and tactile experience. If you live in the city, we highly recommend you check out this extraordinary exhibition. In the meantime, you can see more of nendo's smart, elegantly designed products below available through Cappellini and De Padova. Enjoy!