dakota jackson

“In order to make a real contribution to one’s times, one must remain curious and engaged.” So begins the introductory flash animation on the website of Dakota Jackson, a design-driven American company whose pieces definitely border on the curious side of things. Above: I was immediately drawn to the Ke-zu collection, with designs that bear a strong resemblance to the lines of a classic 1950s Detroit automobile. The curvaceous silhouettes and tapered legs are most pronounced on the Ke-zu Chaise, but the sofa, loveseat and chairs also carry similar features, if in a more subdued fashion.

The Bump Collection is all about curves, even more so than the Ke-zu line. The chairs in particular feature a reclined seat rest that dips right where it meets the seat back; yesterday’s readers may remember this same design cue in Bruno Fattorini’s ARJ series of chairs. Bentwood legs warmly contrast with an otherwise minimalist color palette (white + metal), giving the Bump collection a comfortable yet sophisticated appearance.

The T-Bird Series takes the opposite approach with a clearly modernist architecture. Dark, triangular bases, steel tension cables and aluminum mallets are minimally topped with smoked glass: only those with the most severe and serious of personalities need apply. The bases themselves are lacquered and scored on certain edges, giving the entire line an almost alien appeal.

Dakota Jackson’s Calliope, Big Sleep and Arc Series all strike me as a bit cartoonish. This is perhaps due to the way that the furniture starts small at the bottom and then inevitably flares out at the top. Note: although the images above are all monochrome, custom finishes are available. Similar to the work of Lorin Marsh, art deco and retro/modern influences abound through all three of these series, and throughout Dakota Jackson’s furniture as a whole.
dakotajackson.com