Victoria II: The Modern Twist on a Classic Wing Back Chair

Reinterpreting Elegance with a Touch of Fashion

Inspired by the traditional wing chair, designer Xin Wen introduces Victoria II, a unique and modern take on this classic piece of furniture. Drawing inspiration from corsets and high heels, Victoria II combines the charm of the past with the sophistication of contemporary design.

Originating from Europe in the late 1700s during the Victoria Era, the wing back chair served a practical purpose - protecting the delicate skin of gentrified ladies from the heat of a fireplace. With Victoria II, Xin Wen reimagines the romanticism of that era and reconstructs its elegance by incorporating elements from the corsets worn by those ladies.

What sets Victoria II apart is its attention to detail and unique features. The chair's pattern, inspired by lace, is interpreted with geometric shapes and vibrant colors, adding a modern twist to the classic design. The use of high-quality materials such as hardwood, plywood, and screen-printed fabric ensures both durability and visual appeal.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of Victoria II. The chair features eight-way hand-tied coils and wire springs for superior suspension and seating comfort. Reinforced stress joints, corner blocks, and high-pressure stapling guarantee the chair's longevity. The upholstery, made from cotton/rayon-blend fabric, is complemented by hand-sewn piping and seams using traditional lockstitch techniques.

The chair's legs are crafted from hand-brushed aluminum with a wax coating, adding a sleek and modern touch. The original lace back design, complete with matching leather strings, adds a touch of femininity and elegance. Upholstered in 100% cotton with a customized designer pattern, Victoria II seamlessly blends modern fashion with the timeless appeal of a classic wing chair.

With dimensions of 660mm W x 685mm D x 1120mm H, Victoria II offers a comfortable seating experience. The seat height is set at 430mm, while the arm height measures 660mm. The inside seating area is spacious, measuring 510mm x 530mm.

The Victoria II project began in January 2012 in Savannah, GA, US, and was completed in March of the same year. It was exhibited at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, NC, US, in April 2012. This design has received recognition for its exceptional creativity and ingenuity, earning the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2013. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exemplify resourcefulness and contribute to improving the quality of life.

Victoria II is a testament to the timeless appeal of the wing back chair, reimagined for the modern era. Xin Wen's innovative design combines the best of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, resulting in a truly unique and captivating piece of furniture.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: xin wen
Image Credits: xin wen
Project Team Members: xin wen
Project Name: Victoria II
Project Client: xin wen


Victoria II IMG #2
Victoria II IMG #3
Victoria II IMG #4
Victoria II IMG #5
Victoria II IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant