Apparatus Celebrates Life's Cycles in Afsaneh Collection
New York design studio Apparatus explores life's stages through a narrative-driven furniture collection.
1Return to Creative Roots
New York design studio Apparatus has launched Act V, titled Afsaneh, marking their first major collection in five years. Artistic director Gabriel Hendifar designed the 27-piece series, which includes lighting, furniture, and various objects. The collection is deeply personal, named after Hendifar’s mother and inspired by the cyclical nature of human existence.
2Narrative Through Persian Lore
The collection is structured around four distinct sections, each bearing a Persian name to convey specific stages of life. Esfand represents the seed and fertility, while Gol symbolizes the bloom. Rahvi depicts the serpent as a storyteller, and Jahaan signifies the world, serving as a final gathering place for sharing knowledge and food.
3Material Innovation and Techniques
Apparatus continues its signature use of brass, bronze, and glass while introducing new manufacturing methods. The Rahvi series features water-formed brass, a process where liquid is forced through metal to create complex, organic shapes. These pieces are further accented with seven semi-precious stones, including tiger’s eye, black onyx, and lapis lazuli.
4Symbolism in Design Details
The Esfand series utilizes rounded sconces and vessels designed for burning incense, referencing traditional practices of warding off the evil eye. Meanwhile, the Gol pendants use moulded fibreglass to create delicate, petal-like structures around cast-glass seeds. These designs aim to protect the central element while simultaneously drawing the viewer’s attention to beauty.
5Expanding Beyond Physical Objects
Afsaneh functions as a multi-sensory experience rather than a standard furniture release. The studio collaborated with the Martha Graham Dance Company, which is celebrating its centenary, to produce five short films. Additionally, the collection features a namesake fragrance containing notes of damask rose, oud, and frankincense to complement the physical design narrative.
6Global Exhibition Strategy
The collection premiered in New York this October before moving to the studio’s London showroom on Mount Street. Future plans include exhibitions in Miami and Los Angeles scheduled for February 2027. The Miami event will coincide with the official opening of a brand new Apparatus showroom, expanding the studio’s physical presence in North America.
7Philosophical Design Approach
Hendifar’s work often centers on storytelling, with Afsaneh exploring the tension between creation and destruction. By observing the turbulent nature of modern life, the studio seeks to find rhythm within these inevitable cycles. This conceptual depth distinguishes the collection, moving it beyond mere utility into the realm of artistic and cultural commentary.
8Evolution of Studio Practice
The inclusion of the serpent motif in the Rahvi series represents the most figurative design direction in the studio's history. By combining ancient cultural references with modern industrial techniques like water-forming, Apparatus demonstrates a shift toward more complex, narrative-heavy furniture design that challenges the traditional boundaries of luxury home decor and functional art.
Original article: Hypebeast — Apparatus Celebrates Life's Cycles in Afsaneh Collection