2026 | Professional

French Design Awards Silver Winner

Gelato sofa

Entrant

JIA XING MD MILANO DESIGN FURNITURE CO.LTD

Category

Product Design - Furniture

Client's Name

M&DCASA

Country / Region

China

Inspired by Gelato—the artisanal Italian ice cream of Florence—this sofa translates the smooth, dense texture and sweeping arcs created by slow churning into a flowing, gentle furniture form.
The rounded contours of the armrests and backrest echo the graceful swirls of freshly scooped Gelato, while the segmented upholstery and handcrafted pleats replicate its natural, layered depth. Finished in a soft cream-white hue and elevated on slender metal legs, the product effortlessly sheds the bulky, mechanical feel of traditional functional sofas, presenting a light and elegant modern Italian style. The surface employs well-chosen light-colored vegetable-tanned leather, which mirrors the softness and plumpness of Gelato. At the same time, the material boasts subtle grain and fine creases to give a premium feel, while also offering exceptional wear and stain resistance. Moreover, the control buttons are discreetly tucked into the side of the armrest, delivering one-touch convenience without compromising the pure, consistent look.
In terms of comfort and functionality, the sofa features a split backrest to precisely fit the shoulders, neck, and lower back, providing natural progressive support. The electric adjustment system allows for seamless reclining from 108° to 165°, making transitioning between postures as effortless and delightful as savoring a scoop of Gelato. Whether you sit upright, lounge, or fully extend for rest, the product adapts smoothly to suit your every mood. To address the common drawbacks of traditional functional sofas—such as a sagging base and blocked clearance for robot vacuums—it incorporates a zoned framework of metal and solid wood to achieve a 13 cm ground clearance. This elevated design endows the piece with a visually weightless, floating aesthetic and effectively overcomes under-sofa cleaning challenges.

Credits

Design Director
Youlong Shu
Designer
Yi Jiang
Designer
Xiangyi Zhang
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