Brand Focus: Vitra
Vitra is a Swiss, family-owned company that is not only renowned for iconic furniture designs, pioneering material innovations and famous collaborations with celebrated designers but the world-famous Vitra Campus and The Vitra Design Museum.
A leader in the world of design, Vitra carries a creative legacy that continues to redefine modern living.
Where is Vitra From?
Founded in Switzerland in 1950 by Swiss couple Willi and Erika Fehlbaum, Vitra has its headquarters in Birsfelden, Germany where the Vitra Campus (a celebrated hub of design and architecture) and the Vitra Design Museum (a globally acclaimed institution dedicated to architectural history and its future) also reside.
Vitra’s furniture design legacy
During a visit to the U.S in 1953, Willi Fehlbaum discovered the furniture designs of Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson. He took great inspiration from their work and decided to introduce their designs to Europe.
And such was the main aim of the Fehlbaums. To bring functional, innovative and beautiful furniture to a European audience. Thus, Vitra began, a company that reinvents design classics while crafting its contemporary pieces with leading designers in the field.
In 1957 Vitra began producing the same designs seen in the U.S — those of Charles and Ray Eames under a licensing agreement with Herman Miller. It was a partnership that stood to shape Vitra’s future identity, and arguably was the business move that cemented their reputation.
Further on in 1977, the Fehlbaum's son Rolf took over the company and sought to further expand its global influence. His leadership resulted in Vitra collaborating with world-famous architects and also establishing The Vitra Campus and the Vitra Design Museum.
For the Design Museum and other iconic structures on The Vitra Campus, Vitra worked with Frank Gehry creating a binding link with architecture that still defines the brand today.
Vitra furniture
Vitra played a huge role in revolutionising furniture design, notably in the 1960s, with some of their iconic pieces bringing innovative and cutting-edge features, materials and production techniques into the industry.
Vitra Chairs
Vitra chairs are some of the most recognisable and significant chair designs across the world still to this day. Many featured revolutionary new materials, designs in terms of early ergonomic adaptations and even innovative production techniques, putting Vitra at the forefront of cutting-edge design.
The Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair is the pinnacle of timeless luxury design.
The famous reclining armchair silhouette with matching ottoman features ergonomically moulded plywood, deep padded leather upholstery and a polished aluminium base for a sleek design that prioritises comfort.
Vitra has been responsible for its high-quality production, preserving its legacy across the decades.
The Panton Chair by Verner Panton
Designed in 1967, The Panton Chair is a cantilever chair and the first of its kind to be made from one piece of moulded plastic, in an S-shape form.
This sculptural, lightweight design as well as the vibrant colours it is available in has made it a mid-century classic with an avant-garde appeal.
Due to technical limitations during mass production, it was brought into full production by Vitra.
The Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé
A key piece in industrial modernism, designed by Jean Prouvé in 1934, this powder-coated steel framed chair with a wooden seat and angled ergonomic backrest has made it a practical, minimal and modern classic.
Further Vitra furniture collaborations
As well as Eames and Panton, Vitra has collaborated with many leading designers. Take Jasper Morrison and The Soft Modular Sofa.
This cushioned modular sofa system can be arranged in various configurations and is available in both soft fabric and leather upholstery. It was one of the first modular storage systems with this innovative design, allowing users to mix and match different units to create custom arrangements.
And too, The Alcove Sofa by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec was another famous collaboration with Vitra. A pioneering creation, like The Soft Modular Sofa, allowed for a high level of customisation, resulting in flexible configurations to span a diverse range of needs.
Named “alcove” due to its unique high backrests and side panels, the sofas carried an individual sense of enclosure. The benefit of this was a reduction in ambient noise due to an isolated space, making it a great choice for open-plan offices.
Modelled with clean lines, and soft curves and padded with advanced upholstery materials, it is a versatile sofa manufactured by Vitra.
Where can I buy Vitra furniture?
You can purchase a curated range of luxury Vitra Furniture from Holloways of Ludlow. As a trusted, high-end retailer of Vitra pieces, we proudly list items such as The Vitra Eames Classic Lounge Chair and The Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé as well as many other iconic designs.
For bespoke advice on Vitra pieces for your home, get in touch to speak to one of our expert team today. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757