MENU by Bodo Sperlein

In 2026, the long-established German outdoor brand Garpa will be presenting at Milan Design Week for the first time. As part of the curated exhibition Menu by Bodo Sperlein, the company will unveil a collaborative collection with the renowned London-based designer.

The focus is on two high-performance jacquards manufactured in Italy, which were developed specifically for outdoor use and combine design appeal with durability. The Crest design interprets the movement of waves in an abstract, nature-inspired structure. The flowing, graphic surface lends garden cushions and furniture covers a dynamic depth and brings subtle movement to the outdoor landscape. Light and shadow make the fabric appear alive and create a modern yet organic look.

Grove, on the other hand, works with fine, linear structures. Individual lines are reminiscent of abstract rows of books on a shelf or traditional weaving techniques. The pattern creates a calm, textural surface and combines craftsmanship with contemporary graphics, a textile interpretation of order and rhythm.

In addition to the fabrics, the Arcus seating series, consisting of a bench and stool, was created in collaboration with Bodo Sperlein and Gravelli by Godelmann. The collection combines the architectural materiality of precisely manufactured concrete stone with the natural warmth of fine, certified teak wood. Characteristic features include the softly curved silhouette and a surprising visual lightness that gives the solid material an almost floating presence.

The collaboration combines precise craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and a clear, modern design language for gardens and terraces that are understood as designed living spaces.

The Installation

Textile, stone, metal, and wood unfold their inherent qualities in an outdoor installation set within the grounds of the All Saints Anglican Church on Via Solferino. Entrance and terrace are framed by softly suspended textile canopies in the newly developed designs Crest and Grove – their gentle drape contrasted by a quiet structural strength, creating a sense of comfort, shelter, and subtle movement.

The textile designs continue across the furniture throughout the installation – appearing as upholstery, cushions, and throw pillows. A large mirror captures the interplay of forms, suggesting an almost infinite range of compositions across chairs, sofas, and lounge settings.

In contrast, the sculptural, architecturally inspired elements of the Arcus collection – bench and stool – introduce an almost monumental presence. Durable concrete and naturally resilient teak are brought together in a seamless union, forming a deliberate counterpoint to the softness of the textiles, and underscoring the dialogue between permanence and lightness.

“Design for us at Garpa is about creating spaces that inspire and endure. The Arcus collection and our textile collaborations show how contrasting materials can coexist gracefully, inviting people to experience comfort, beauty, and a sense of place outdoors.” Maren Köhler-Prehn, CEO Garpa