Following their hit team-up last year, Paul Smith and Artek continue their collaboration with 'Edition Two', reimagining Artek’s iconic 'Stool 60' in a vibrant new limited-edition look
Fashion and furniture can make great bedfellows, especially when Nordic design is involved. Two brands that tapped into this synergy last autumn were Paul Smith and Artek – founded by legendary designers Aino and Alvar Aalto – with a blockbuster capsule collection that saw the beloved British brand lend its signature playful flair to some of the Finnish furniture company’s most celebrated pieces.
If you didn't manage to get your paws on the pieces (some of which sold out in just two days), fret not, as the brands have just announced an expansion of the collaboration, launching this September.
Photo: Courtesy of Paul Smith
Photo: Courtesy of Paul Smith
“I have been a long-time admirer of Aino and Alvar Aalto, so a collaboration with Artek is a dream of mine coming true,” Smith told Vogue Scandinavia. “We share many values – our commitment to innovation, quality, and human-centric designs. Practicality is highly valued at Paul Smith, and I think the same can be said about Artek.”
Taking centre stage in the expansion, dubbed ‘Edition Two’, is Artek’s arguably most well-known piece: the ‘Stool 60’, which featured in the first edition of the collaboration as well. While the first drop – which reimagined the trademark Paul Smith stripes on furniture – diverted from the stripes’ typical colour-bursting universe with muted wood stains, ‘Edition Two’ renders the ‘Stool 60’s legs in vibrant shades of sky blue, British racing green and rust, complemented by fire-engine red flashing from beneath the seat – hues inspired by the 40 colours that make up Smith's signature stripes.
The 'Stool 60' from the previous Paul Smith x Artek launch. Photo: Paul Smith
“I have a lot of respect for craft,” Smith continued. “Artek have refined and developed their techniques for almost a century, while still producing all their pieces in Finland. It is a beautiful achievement and story – I have a lot of admiration for Artek.”
In addition to the new version, the ‘Stool 60’ from the previous launch will be available again. The brands also teased an ‘Edition Three’, arriving next year and offering yet another eye-catching interpretation of the Finnish design classic.
Artek x Paul Smith, 'Edition Two' launches in September 2025 and will be available online at paulsmith.com, and in selected Paul Smith shops.