DVELAS COLLECTION: Upcycled Sail Cloth for Contemporary Furniture

Transforming Used Sails into Unique and Limited Edition Designs

DVELAS, founded by Enrique Kahle Olaso and his team, is a design brand that specializes in creating unique and limited edition furniture pieces using upcycled sail cloth. Inspired by sailing techniques, nautical construction, and the beauty of the sea, DVELAS infuses a conceptual component into each design, merging functionality with artistic expression.

What sets DVELAS apart is their commitment to sustainability and the promotion of circular design principles. By repurposing discarded sails, they give these materials a new life and reaffirm their value and durability. Each design in the DVELAS collection tells a story, with limited editions originating from specific sails and tagged with data about their source, including the sailboat, type of sail, and original manufacturer. Unique editions are crafted from specific areas of a sail with special qualities, such as patina, marks, or numbers.

The realization of each design involves a combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques. For example, the VAURIEN lounger features a recovered sail, a fiberglass batten frame, and inner foam filling. The B&S chair utilizes a circular section structure of aluminum or wood, allowing it to function as both a lounger and an easy chair. The TRIMMER chair is constructed by joining three halyard cuffs on a three-support structure of iron tube, with a sailing rope framework providing tensioning strength. The GÉNOIS chair adapts perfectly to the body with its rigid back, made from waterproofed sail, lacing ropes, and metal eyelet holes.

Each design in the DVELAS collection is carefully packaged for delivery, with specifications varying depending on the piece. The GARRUCHO & DRIZA, for example, is packaged in a cardboard tube measuring 110x8 cm and weighing 2 kg, while the GÉNOIS comes in a cardboard box measuring 80x60x68 cm and weighing 6 kg.

Since its inception in 2009, DVELAS has showcased its designs at various exhibitions and events, including BEST-ED in Matadero Contemporary Art Center, Madrid, NUDE at Feria Hábitat Valencia, and GREEN DESIGN at Stockholm Furniture Fair. The brand's commitment to eco-design and innovative use of materials has garnered recognition, including the Iron A' Design Award in the Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns, and Cloth Design category in 2012.

DVELAS' unique approach to furniture design not only creates stunning pieces but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. By giving new life to discarded sails, DVELAS showcases the beauty and potential of upcycled materials, inspiring others to rethink their approach to design and consumption.