Plissé Sofa by Bertrand Lejoli for Paola Lenti Has a Sculpted Outdoor Shell
Amy Duong — May 3, 2026 — Art & Design
References: paolalenti.it
The Plissé sofa by Bertrand Lejoli for Paola Lenti is defined by a curved outer shell that wraps around the seating area, creating a continuous pleated surface across its structure. The design is part of a wider seating collection that includes armchairs and multiple sofa sizes, all sharing the same enveloping form. Its frame is built for outdoor durability, using robust materials suited to exterior environments while maintaining a refined, upholstered appearance.
The construction integrates a padded seating element that combines the seat, backrest, and armrests into a single unit positioned within the structural frame. Upholstery options include a range of technical fabrics developed for outdoor use, paired with internal padding designed for comfort and weather resistance. The shell’s pleated detailing is emphasized through hand-finished wrapping techniques that reinforce both structure and visual continuity across the piece.
Image Credit: Bertrand Lejoli
The construction integrates a padded seating element that combines the seat, backrest, and armrests into a single unit positioned within the structural frame. Upholstery options include a range of technical fabrics developed for outdoor use, paired with internal padding designed for comfort and weather resistance. The shell’s pleated detailing is emphasized through hand-finished wrapping techniques that reinforce both structure and visual continuity across the piece.
Image Credit: Bertrand Lejoli
Trend Themes
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Sculpted Outdoor Shell Seating — Curved, enveloping exterior shells that integrate form and function suggest opportunities to reframe outdoor furniture as architectural, weatherproof living components.
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Integrated One-piece Upholstery — Unified seat-back-armrest units point to potential for manufacturing processes that simplify assembly while enhancing ergonomic continuity.
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Hand-finished Technical Fabrics — Artisanal wrapping techniques applied to performance textiles indicate new intersections between craft-led finishing and durable, high-performance outdoor materials.
Industry Implications
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Outdoor Furniture — Durable, sculptural seating opens possibilities for product lines that blend residential comfort with commercial-grade weather resistance.
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Hospitality and Resort Design — Enveloping, sculpted sofas imply opportunities to transform outdoor amenity spaces into branded, resilient guest experiences.
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Textile Manufacturing — Technical upholstery fabrics paired with hand-finishing suggest innovation in specialized textile treatments and value-added fabrication services.
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