The story behind one of the 20th Century's most iconic furniture brands
Known for its mid-century designs, Vitra is the Swiss-owned family brand that creates iconic pieces with lasting appeal
Originality is at the core of every Vitra product. The furniture brand was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Willi Fehlbaum and his wife Erika. In 1953, on a trip to New York, they discovered chairs by Charles and Ray Eames: another husband and wife design duo who are credited with some of the most groundbreaking contributions to modern architecture and furniture design. Falling instantly in love, they bought the license to produce the designs and bring them to Europe for the first time. Along with the Eames designs, Vitra also bought the rights to produce furniture by Isamu Noguchi and other eminent designers.
The iconic Eames lounger and the Noguchi coffee table are still some of Vitra’s bestsellers and their shapes and finishes are instantly recognisable to fans of mid-century design. It’s these original pieces from the 20th century that form the core of the Vitra Home Collection. They have become ‘classics’ – a term applied by Vitra to styles from another era that are still in production and still inspire many.
At John Lewis & Partners, around 30 Vitra products are stocked, with the Eames moulded chairs (above), the Eames lounge armchair and the Noguchi coffee table most popular.
The Noguchi coffee table has been part of the Vitra portfolio since it was founded, but went out of production in the late 1970s. In 2004 it was relaunched as part of the Vitra Home Collection. ‘It’s the symbol of an era,’ says Eckart Maise, Vitra’s chief design officer, ‘and the work of a great sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, who regarded the table as his best furniture design. It has proved how it could fit into many different types of interiors through the generations.’
‘In the Vitra Design Museum collection, there is a beautiful historical sample of the Noguchi table in a light wood,’ explains Eckart. And now a solid oak version of the table, complete with a ‘special edition’ badge is exclusive to John Lewis & Partners.
‘I think Isamu would have liked the new version,’ says Eckart (Isamu died in 1988). ‘At the same time, he’d probably be amazed his design is loved by so many people, 75 years after its first production.’
