女士椅丨英国伦敦丨STUDIO SOO,SHUSHANA KHACHATRIAN

Woman’s chair —

an uncomfortable chair

designer : STUDIO SOO, SHUSHANA KHACHATRIAN

photographer, videographer, 3D: KATIE KUTUZOVAproduction: CANATEshowcased at the 2025 London Design Festival 2025

inspiration

The Woman’s Chair explores the complex relationship between women and the structures of modern society. At first glance, the piece appears refined and minimal, but its function resists comfort – inviting the sitter to reflect, quite literally, on the physical and symbolic constraints imposed by cultural norms.

“The discomfort is part of the message.”

The chair stands on three stainless steel legs, introducing intentional instability. The angled backrest prevents reclining, subtly enforcing a posture that feels both unnatural and imposed. This deliberate restriction mirrors the pressures often placed on women to conform – to sit still, stay upright, and maintain composure.

Set into the backrest is a built-in mirror, offering a fleeting reflection that disappears with movement. It serves as a quiet metaphor for the shifting boundaries of visibility, identity, and control – how presence can be conditional, and self-perception easily distorted.

“The piece is about boundaries –

how women are often expected to hold themselves in a certain way,

to occupy space with restraint,”

shares Shushana, interior & furniture designer, and the founder of STUDIO SHOO.

“The discomfort is part of the message.”

Crafted from stainless steel – a material chosen for its strength and durability – the chair is sometimes paired with a satin cushion trimmed with delicate frills. When present, this soft detail contrasts the stark structure, adding a layer of visual and symbolic tension. The juxtaposition of hard and soft, structure and ornament, speaks to the dualities of strength and vulnerability, elegance and constraint.

The Woman’s Chair is both an object of design and a social commentary – challenging the viewer to consider the hidden demands behind appearances.

The chair was produced by Canate, one of Armenia’s leading furniture manufacturers, recognised for its exceptional craft skills, innovative approach, and attention to detail. The company is known for turning ambitious, unconventional ideas into reality, often realising designs that initially seem daring.

The exquisite frilled cushion was handmade by Hrachuhi Martirosyan, a gifted fashion designer and founder of her own label. She is known for creating exclusive garments, including bespoke stage costumes for the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, showcasing her refined artistry and meticulous technique.

The woman chair can be showcased with or without frilled cushion

MATERIALS:

Stainless Steel Renowned for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel offers a sleek, modern finish that is both practical and visually enduring. Easy to maintain and environmentally friendly, it retains its appearance over time without requiring intensive care.

Production process

MirrorCrafted from glass with a reflective metallic coating – typically silver or aluminium – applied to the reverse side, the mirror introduces depth, light, and visual interaction into the space. Its smooth surface reflects not only the viewer but also the surrounding environment, inviting layered interpretations.

SatinA densely woven textile characterised by its lustrous, smooth surface, satin brings a tactile softness to the installation. Created using a specialised satin weave, it is both hard-wearing and hypoallergenic, with breathable properties and a resistance to static.