Canapo Rocker

In singling out this wonderful piece of furniture, presented on Cassina's stand in Milan, I confess that I am being far from original. That's because so many of my fellow writers and design aficionados were also impressed - such are the beauty and cool modernity of its lines. It's never a surprise to see the simple, clean-lined and modern at Cassina - that's the company's stock-in-trade - but what is surprising is that this design dates from 1945.

It comes from the hand of Franco Albini, one of Italy's most talented 20th-century architects and designers and, the drawings having been unearthed in the Albini archives, is being produced for the very first time. By juxtaposing curves and angles to create a light and harmonious whole, Canapo perfectly embodies Albini's near-obsessive quest to reconcile instability and balance in his work. The chair is made of black ash and walnut - beautifully put together by Cassina's carpenters - with the main support in cotton canvas, and foldable, removable cushions that can be covered in leather or fabric.

Canapo is scheduled to go into production in June and will be available after the summer. Price on request from Poltrona Frau Design Center, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, 02 635 9393 and Poltrona Frau in Dubai, 04 295 2180