Vitra-Home Stories 2019 Einrichten Schweigert

It all began in 1953: Willi Fehlbaum, the founder of Vitra, discovered chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames on a trip to the USA and decided to become a furniture manufacturer. He met the designer couple in person a short time later and developed a lasting friendship that has shaped our company up to the present day. Since these beginnings, Vitra has maintained close relationships with its designers – whom we refer to as authors – and the outcome of these collaborations is always an original. Together with the manufacturer, designers dedicate their time, expertise and craftsmanship to the development and launch of new products. They conceive objects that are more than mere things – this is their special talent. Their aim is to design a product that not only looks great but also creates a unique experience for the user. Other aspects, such as sustainability and longevity, are also integral to the design process. All of these factors enhance the appearance and value of the products as they age. Originals do not simply get older – they become more beautiful. Taking all this into account at Vitra, we develop our products in Switzerland and manufacture them in Europe, or locally in the case of certain products for markets in Asia and North America. Thus we can guarantee that they are made precisely as the author intended.

Standard Jean Prouvé, 1934/1950

Tip Ton Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, 2011

Organic Chair Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen, 1940

Softshell Chair Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2008

Polder Hella Jongerius, 2005/2015

Belleville Chair Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2015

Prismatic Table Isamu Noguchi, 1957

.03 Maarten Van Severen, 1998

All Plastic Chair Jasper Morrison, 2016

Landi Chair Hans Coray, 1938

Panton Chair Classic Verner Panton, 1959/1960

Vegetal Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2008

Invest in an original, for it will always retain its worth. An imitation will never be anything but a copy, a stolen idea. Appreciate the differences – not just the quality and more obvious variances but also the sensory and emotional appeal of the authentic product. An original is a lifelong companion and may well outlive you to be gratefully received by the next generation. But that’s a story for the future. Tell us your story with a picture of your original: #VitraOriginal

Repos & Grand Repos Antonio Citterio, 2011

Physix Alberto Meda, 2012

Alcove Highback Sofa Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2006/08

Cone Chair Verner Panton, 1958

www.vitra.com/original

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