Dear Zaha,

I don't know how to say this - but I think our all too brief affair is over.
It's not you, or your fault . How could it be, you are perfect and amazing.
It's me. I just don't think I'm right for you.
Had things been different, who knows what might have been.
What I do know is that there will always be a special place in my heart for you.

Always,
HOBAC

I went to see the newly arrived Moon Unit sofa by the incomparable Zaha Hadid at the very salubrious B&B Italia showroom. As a sculptural object it was beautiful, but to my great disappointment, as a sofa it was too impractical.
It was far too low to rise from with any dignity and the choice of fabrics was far too limited. If the saleswoman, who struck me as more of a PR person, was indeed correct the choice of fabric was either ugly vinylized gold or ugly vinylized purple. While I realise this wet look fabric is part of Ms Hadid's aesthetic, I think there should have been a more practical alternative, as both colourways showed the slightest indentation or mark. I had hoped to be able to do this sofa in a mohair; evidently this is an impossible task.
Given the ground breaking design, I do think B&B Italia should have invested in developing a fabric that is as equally revolutionary. The structure is an ingenious example of engineering. Unfortunately, I can not get past the solid foam construction. After ten years I fully expect something to need refreshing; not, to need replacing.
At the moment, given the limitations and the fabric options I can really only see it working for a certain type of client; but unfortunately there aren't any pimps, drug dealers, or fashion victims on my books at the moment.
Had things been different, who knows what might have been.

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