Vitra

The original has been signed by Vitra... Swiss design house Vitra produces some of the grandest, most iconic creations which have contributed to the history of XXth Century design. Today, Vitra also combines its technical and design know-how with the creativity of contemporary designs, constantly pushing the limits of design.

Treat yourself to an original piece with Vitra. Indeed, an original always keeps its value. An imitation is, and always will be, a cheap copy, a stolen idea. Pieces signed by Vitra are not simply designed and produced to be enjoyed over a lifetime, they are also created to be passed on from one generation to the next. This is the basis for the motivation behind each decision during the development and production processes, and it enables Vitra to offer a 10- to 30-year guarantee on a wide range of products.

The vitra story began in 1953, when the founder of Vitra, Willi Fehlbaum, discovered chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames during a trip to the United States and, which inspired him to start creating furniture. He met the designer couple in person shortly after, and formed a lifelong friendship which has shaped the company ever since. Over the past decades, Vitra has worked closely alongside some of the biggest designs in the world and their descendants.

These collaborations paved the way for the production of several classics: furnishings from a time gone-by, which still remain current and essential, and which continue to awe and inspire us. As a furniture creator, Vitra works closely with its designers, and this unique collaboration guarantees a result of astonishing, original pieces. In collaboration with Vitra, the designers devote their time, expertise and know-how to the development and launch of new products.

Truly in the style of Charles and Ray Eames, the durability of the design is always top of Vitra's priority list. The family-run business believes in the power of designs which buck stylistic rends and which shrug off superfluous details. The longevity of Vitra products is the combined result of their design, function and quality. Vitra products are designed and developed in Switzerland. Products are produced in Germany and in other European countries, using elements sourced in the EU and materials boasting strictly-controlled quality and longevity.

Vitra's commitment to culture outside of business is of the utmost importance. Vitra also includes Vitra Campus, designed by leading international architects, the Vitra Design Museum and its design and architecture exhibitions, the design archives and the impressive property collection. The company has managed to create an atmosphere which stimulates innovation, which provides a source of inspiration for visitors, and which creates a piquancy to spark the design process.

The Vitra Design Museum, founded in 1989, is one of the major feathers in Vitra's cap when it comes to its cultural commitment. This isn't a museum dedicated to the business, but rather a cultural institution which is renowned around the globe as an independent foundation, generating research and sharing design and architecture. The Vitra Design Museum has one of the largest furniture collections from industrial production, conserves some work from iconic creators and prints publications dedicated to design and architecture.

Vitra has set itself three objectives for the coming years: in 2030, Vitra aims to have a positive impact on the environment, looking at all of the indicators for its carbon footprint. In 2030, Vitra shall accompany each product throughout its lifespan, ensuring that each product is used for as long as possible, and shall handle its recycling and disposal. In 2030, customers will be able to make their purchasing decision based on detailed information regarding production location and procedures, as well as further information on the partners involved.

Rolf Fehlbaum, President Emeritus of Vitra: "A classic is not a classic when it is first created. It becomes a classic by breaking out of the mould. It doesn't become a classic by conforming to the established norms. On the contrary, it calls those norms into question. A classic becomes a classic when it wears the battle: initially, the battle against existing products, and then against any new products which attempt to challenge it. A classic comes from another time, whilst being contemporary and current. It is iconic without trying to be iconic. It has the qualities of a work of art, without trying to be artistic. It never stops being innovative. When it was presented for the very first time, it was new - and it will remain new until another product breaks the mould, ousts the competition and once again calls the norms into question.It is important for Vitra to produce these exceptional creations from the past until they lose their relevance. In parallel, we are developing products alongside the biggest talents of our times, in the hope that one of these creations will one day become a classic."

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