Athena Calderone Unveils Her Debut Furniture Collection

After bidding farewell to her beloved Cobble Hill townhouse, Athena Calderone has embarked on an exciting new chapter that reflects her refined aesthetic through a captivating furniture line. The design maven, once known for her Brooklyn roots and the celebrated lifestyle brand EyeSwoon, now calls a Tribeca apartment home—a stunning space formerly owned by architect Thierry Despont. Over three years, Calderone carefully transformed this downtown gem, channeling influences from the Vienna Secession to the elegance of French Art Deco. This journey of renovation and discovery naturally evolved into the launch of her first furniture collection under her own studio, Studio Athena Calderone, named Assembler I. Marking a bold step beyond her previous collaborations, this range is a testament to materiality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.

Siena Oversized Lumbar Pillow Cover

Taupe bouclé lumbar pillow cover, soft texture, 14" x 36"

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An Homage to Early 20th-Century Artisanship

Assembler I is more than just furniture; it’s a thoughtfully curated suite of 14 pieces born from deep exploration of early 20th-century design. Calderone found inspiration in the work of Art Deco pioneers such as Jean Dunand and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, whose dedication to craftsmanship and form guides the collection’s aesthetic. The pieces, now exhibited exclusively at The Future Perfect gallery in New York through late June, include standout items like the Gaillon dining chairs, the sleek Mettre dining table, and the sculptural Semblant pedestal.

“What began as bespoke pieces for my Tribeca apartment blossomed into a full collection that honors the era’s emphasis on artisanship,” Calderone explains. The collection’s lighting fixtures, such as the Le Panneau pendant, and the Noailles screen, exemplify the marriage of functionality and artistry, elevating everyday objects into statements of style.

405 - Round Rattan Tray

Handwoven white rattan tray, decorative and functional

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Materiality and Mastery in Every Detail

One of the defining features of Assembler I is its tactile richness and meticulous attention to detail. Calderone’s discovery of a 1930s Daum Nancy pressed-glass vase became a pivotal influence. She was drawn to its geometric base and the delicate chamfered edges—motifs that echo throughout her collection. The L’éclat coffee table, for instance, channels this inspiration with its two-tiered design, combining high-gloss lacquer and black glass, all supported by polished steel feet. Unlike other pieces that underwent numerous iterations, the L’éclat came together with a clarity and confidence that Calderone cherishes.

The Biseau armchair is another highlight, showcasing a lacquered walnut frame wrapped in sumptuous bouclé upholstery. “We experimented extensively with the chair’s proportions and curves, embracing a certain boxiness that still feels inviting,” Calderone notes. The nubby texture of the fabric adds a softness that beautifully contrasts the chair’s sharp lines, creating a balanced dialogue between form and comfort.

Avant Graphic Lacquered Oval Tray

Oval tray with matte/glossy finish and graphic inset, 8.5" x 4"

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Innovative Finishes and Unique Materials

Beyond traditional woods and fabrics, Calderone incorporates unexpected materials like hand-dyed Japanese parchment paper, sourced directly from Kyoto. This distinctive element adorns pieces such as the Noailles coffee table and screen, available in both a serene beige and a rich oxblood tone. The use of parchment adds an artisanal touch that elevates these objects into tactile experiences rather than mere furnishings.

Complementing the parchment are metallic accents finished with Calderone’s own burnished technique, lending a jewel-like quality that subtly catches the eye. David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect, emphasizes that these intricate finishes are the soul of the collection. Calderone herself relishes the unseen labor behind the scenes—the countless prototypes, samples, and refinements that bring each piece to life. It’s this devotion to process and material that makes Assembler I resonate so deeply with collectors and design lovers alike.

Exclusivity and Availability

Studio Athena Calderone’s Assembler I collection is available exclusively at The Future Perfect in New York, offering an opportunity to experience furniture that seamlessly blends historical influences with contemporary sophistication. From the Épure sofa to the Vélin lamp, each piece invites you to engage with design that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.