Gala Wright has had a busy year deciding between manufacturing companies to licence her graduate design. Her final choice was CORO, an Italian manufacturer that creates beautiful outdoor furniture, and they launched the Loop lounger within their range at Milan.

 

It all started when Gala exhibited with Hidden Art at 100% Design, where she was approached by a couple of manufacturing companies, and also introduced herself at CORO’s stand.

 

“The companies I met were very interested in the lounger and within a month I had lots of opportunities to explore," says Gala. "I had a pick of companies of equivalent standing, making virtually identical offers which made it very difficult to decide. I was invited to Italy by two companies to see their workshops and showrooms which helped inform my decision."

 

It came down to a choice between an established company with many product lines and a newer company with a more limited range to which the lounger was very well suited.

 

“I turned down a big name and all the associated profile, but CORO is known for making very good quality furniture.

 

“As a complete novice I had to learn quickly. Unfortunately, manufacturing it myself in the UK was going to be too time consuming and expensive. Before I signed the license agreement, I spent quite some time over the contract and checking for registration of any similar designs.” A physics graduate before studying furniture design at London Metropolitan University, Gala was thinking about a cradle when she came up with the geometric design that uses rings to support the rocking seat. It also folds simply for storage.

 

As a freelance designer, Gala was part of the design team for Habitat’s 40^th anniversary project. She is now working on a chair version of her lounger for CORO.