The Nigelle chair by Opinion Ciatti is a blend of ancient and modern

6 August 2025

What do Tuscan lace and steel have in common? Probably their ability to evoke: the first, ancient artisanal traditions, the other, industry and the innovation it brings. Two elements at opposite ends of the same story: that of Made in Italy, which has simultaneously preserved and revived, without forgetting the past while pursuing research driven toward the future. This balance between ancient and modern also characterizes the new Nigelle outdoor seating collection by Opinion Ciatti, designed by Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman.

Let’s start with the name: the nigella from which it draws inspiration is a flower whose corolla resembles a star and whose petals seem carved from silk. The beauty of this flower, in turn, inspired Tuscan embroidery, whose prestigious tradition is still passed down from generation to generation. The enchantment of Renaissance lace was therefore the starting point the designers sought to evoke, and the ambitious idea of transferring the embroidery to steel proved to be a brilliant idea not only for its beauty but also for its functionality, as we will see in more detail below.

“We wanted to create an object that would act as a bridge between past and future, between the delicacy of Tuscan lace and the solidity of steel. Nigelle is a game of contrasts that becomes harmony, a symbol of connection between materials, cultures, contexts, and experiences,” explained Galante and Lancman. The past, therefore, becomes present, since the chair is designed for outdoor use, and the lace-like perforated motif is placed on the seat, allowing water to drain in case of rain and thus drying quickly. Weather resistance is further enhanced by the invisible Eco-Shield coating, a treatment based on eco-friendly components that creates a virtually waterproof barrier over which water slides, without accumulating or damaging the structure. This is why the romantic and evocative inspiration of Florentine embroidery has become a tool for innovation, not only in form but also in function.

Remaining on the topic of functionality, Nigelle is stackable and features a sled base for stability and a wide seat that, combined with the rounded backrest, makes it comfortable and balanced. The designers paid particular attention to the user experience, offering the option of upholstering the chair with a quilted coated fabric cover or inserting a recycled plastic cushion that replicates the seat’s design.

Nigelle’s design fits naturally into both domestic and contract settings, whether classic or contemporary. The versatility of its shapes is complemented by the option of choosing the frame from four powder-coated finishes: beige, black, ice gray, and terracotta. The same goes for the quilted upholstery, while the cushion is available in beige, light gray, and terracotta.

In addition to classic chairs, the Nigelle collection also includes stools: informal yet sophisticated, they retain the same distinctive decorative motif on the seat and are ideal for creating attractive cocktail corners, both indoors and out.

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