Published by Design Milk
By Aria Lee
09 May 2025

Exhibition photography by Marco Petrini
Studio photography by Sergio Chimenti 

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Space Gallery in Collaboration with Robina Benson Design House

Space Gallery is delighted to present our first collaboration with the renowned Robina Benson Design House. Robina Benson’s savoir-faire for creating modern, luxury interiors with high end design and lifestyle brands, will complement the exceptional artists and exhibitions curated by Space Gallery.

For the debut collection, Japanese design visionary Nendo brings his ground breaking collaboration for Paola Lenti. Hana-arashi, as disclosed by Nendo, describes the mesmerizing spectacle when cherry blossom petals detach and dance through the air – a transient beauty more captivating than the blossoms themselves, lasting mere moments, as they dance in the wind.

The collection comprises a remarkable series of Objets d’art born from Paola Lenti and Nendo’s shared commitment to sustainable design. Production remnants of Paola Lenti’s signature Maris fabric are delicately rolled and seamlessly welded, transforming into three dimensional pieces inspired by Samurai armour. This meticulous process breathes new life into repurposed materials, resulting in suspension and floro lamps, armchairs, pours, baskets and more – each carrying a story of innovation and artistry sharing Nendo and Paola Lenti’s profound love and respect for nature.

We look forward to welcoming you as we step into this new era with our Soho gallery celebrating our wonderful roster of artists alongside world-class design.

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

A swirling shower of colorful petals can be seen from the busy street, happily signifying spring, unveiling a sneak peek into Hana-arashi – an exhibition by Japanese design house Nendo and Italian brand Paola Lenti. Robina Benson Design House’s inaugural show is now on display at their new Soho location, at Space Gallery SoHo providing a welcoming backdrop for colorful reclaimed textiles. Hana-arashi pulls on the tenuous themes of impermanence, movement, and balance. Inspired by gusts of cherry blossoms, petals in flight, this exploration in textile manipulation exemplifies what the designers do best, fusing organic shapes with unique material sculpting. The gallery was a delightful objet d’art display of chairs, poufs, lamps, tables, and baskets swathed in colorful mesh fabric, nestled among the cascade of blooms.

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

The exhibition’s name Hana-arashi translates to “petals of sakura flowers dancing in the wind” –  now reimagined as slips of fabric suspended on strings, fluttering through the air. Amongst the “petals,” a series of furniture comes alive with textured and quilted textiles that form generous curves through its heft, giving each piece a satisfying weighted look.

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Nendo’s Oki Sato utilized textile offcuts from Paola Lenti’s recyclable mono-material – Maris – which is made from two layers of fabric fused together. The Maris material, which comes in 180 colorful options, is typically used for Lenti’s outdoor furniture. Offcuts from the production process are reclaimed and utilized here, giving a second chance to scraps typically discarded. Reducing environmental impact while celebrating a multitude of color, Lenti and Sato forge a design relationship that plays on the other’s strengths, exploring how we emotionally connect with hue and movement. Each piece carefully crafted from upcycled Maris material, Sato says of the process, “An idea stays as an idea without craftsmanship.”

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

On white, slightly raised platforms, the biomimetic objects emerge: quilted flaps of sturdy layered fabric, placed on top of each other or folded to create dynamic forms. A capsule-shaped texture dots the material, resembling cellular structures. Some cells are emblazoned with varying colors, with sides of the quilted structure revealing a different palette.

Artwork by Nunzio de Martinho and installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Each object features different colors by nature of the source material, allowing once-discarded fabric to shine again. The weight and texture of the furniture among the amorphous shapes of the petals flitting about creates gentle movement among solid forms. This adds an organic feeling to the space, a humble pursuit to bring the outside in. “We envisioned the Soho gallery as a creative haven, a place where design transcends function to become art,” said Robina Benson, founder of Robina Benson Design House. “With Hana-arashi, we invite guests to explore the harmony between contemporary design and poetic expression. This concept is a tribute to the ever-changing energy of Soho and the artistry that defines our brand.”

Artwork by Nunzio de Martinho and installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Artwork by Ulf Saupe and installation of Hana-arashi by Nendo and designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti, represented by Robina Benson SoHo Design House at Space Gallery SoHo.

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Space Gallery SoHo 

located on 428 Broome Street - New York City, NY 10013

(photo by Marco Petrini)

Nendo, meaning clay, stems from the mind of Oki Sato, visionary designer of creative products spanning multiple decades and industries. Noting Issey Miyake as one of his influences, he is quoted as saying, “Design is about making decisions. A person can only make a certain amount of decisions each day, it’s really important to keep your mind empty.” In an era of data saturation and decision overload, Sato’s words ring true in design and in life.

Designer furniture by Nendo and Paola Lenti represented by Robina Benson Design House

(photo by Sergio Chimenti)

Paola Lenti debuted in 1994 with a rug collection, subsequently expanding into fine furniture for indoors and out. Materials technology meets crisp lines, with a color sensitivity that really takes the brand to the next level. With endearing details that evoke warmth, Paola Lenti blends sustainability and style, ushering in the next generation of furniture.

Hana-arashi Suspension Floor Lanterns

by Nendo and Paola Lenti 

(photo by Sergio Chimenti)

For more information on 

the artworks of this Curation 

contact:  soho@spacestbarth.com 

or visit  spacegallerystbarth.com