Jackie Jackson, a celebrated member of the iconic Jackson 5, has embarked on a new chapter, venturing into the world of sustainable luxury furniture. Alongside his wife Emily Jackson and Dutch designer Robert Milder, he co-founded Hayvenhurst, a brand dedicated to crafting high-quality, eco-conscious furnishings. This unexpected career shift stems from a deep-seated passion for design that has been cultivated over decades, transforming his lifelong appreciation for aesthetics into a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative product development. The brand aims to set a new standard in the furniture industry by prioritizing reclaimed and natural materials, while also maintaining an unwavering focus on style, comfort, and a circular economic model.
Jackson's fascination with furniture began during his extensive global tours with the Jackson 5 in the 1970s and 80s. He recounts being captivated by the exquisite furnishings in the lavish hotel lobbies they frequented, leading him to meticulously study design magazines and observe luxury homes during his travels. This early exposure ignited a secret dream of entering the furniture business, a dream that has now materialized through Hayvenhurst. The brand's name, Hayvenhurst, pays homage to the Jackson family's iconic home in Encino, California, symbolizing a connection to his roots while pioneering a forward-looking approach to design and sustainability. This personal touch underscores the deep significance of this new endeavor for Jackson and his family.
The catalyst for Hayvenhurst's creation emerged from a personal challenge faced by Jackie and Emily Jackson: the scarcity of suitable sustainable furniture options when renovating their own home. Recognizing this significant void in the market, they identified an opportunity to create luxury furniture that didn't compromise on environmental values. Emily Jackson's initiative led her to connect with Robert Milder, a designer renowned for his work with recycled plastic furniture frames. This collaboration proved pivotal, uniting Jackie's design sensibilities and long-held ambition with Milder's expertise in sustainable material innovation, laying the groundwork for Hayvenhurst's unique approach.
Hayvenhurst's core philosophy centers on a commitment to sustainability, manifest in its meticulous material selection and manufacturing processes. The brand's sofas and armchairs are primarily constructed from recovered materials, notably featuring frames made entirely from recycled plastic sourced from both land and ocean. Departing from conventional methods that rely on plastic foam, Hayvenhurst utilizes a blend of sheep wool, horse hair, natural latex rubber, and bio-based synthetics. These are then enveloped in natural fabrics such as linen and hemp. This innovative material palette significantly reduces the carbon footprint, with one armchair alone reportedly saving 50 kilograms of CO2 and 2,000 gallons of water compared to industry averages, highlighting their dedication to minimizing environmental impact.
Beyond sustainable production, Hayvenhurst champions a circular economy model. The company ensures transparent sourcing of all materials, tracking their origin, processing, and environmental impact from start to finish. Crucially, their furniture is designed for complete disassembly, enabling the brand to buy back products at the end of their lifecycle and reintegrate components into new manufacturing cycles. This commitment to circularity not only minimizes waste but also underscores the long-term vision of the founders. They emphasize that while sustainability is a fundamental principle, design remains paramount, believing that aesthetically compelling and comfortable furniture will attract a broader audience, thereby amplifying their environmental message.
Ultimately, Jackie Jackson perceives his foray into furniture design as a natural extension of his creative journey and a contribution to his family's enduring legacy. He draws parallels between the creative process of making music and designing furniture, both requiring vision and dedication. For Jackson, Hayvenhurst is not just a business; it represents a commitment to a more positive and sustainable future for coming generations. By integrating natural and reclaimed materials with exceptional design and comfort, Hayvenhurst strives to demonstrate that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously, setting a precedent for the industry and aligning with the Jackson family's long-standing values of peace and healing the world.