Eames Elephants, Never Forget…

Eames

In 2007 Eames and elephant lovers alike rejoiced as Vitra released a limited edition of the famed Eames Plywood Elephants to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Charles Eames. Only 2 versions of these majestic creatures were ever created and only one remains in the permanent collection of the Eames Gallery.

With the success of the Plywood elephants Vitra has introduced a new kid friendly model made of durable polypropylene. The five different colors are available to order in store now.

HERMAN MILLER – LIFEWORK PORTFOLIO

 

lifework
AIRIA DESK and CABINET by Herman Miller

As master manufacturers of products for both Home and Office use, Herman Miller has introduced a collection of new and classic products for the Home Office.

The Lifework Portfolio is directed at providing functional, attractive, and affordable designs for everyday use. Sculptural details combined with intelligent storage solutions allow the series to fit seamlessly into many different living spaces.

Along with the new pieces in the collection, the classic Eames and Swag Leg Desks are still beautiful relevant work pieces for today. Each piece displays timeless qualities Herman Miller imbues in their furniture.

Check in store for pricing and lead times.

COPY and PASTE – Designer Knock Offs

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With our ever increasing need to own products that are new and trendy, the world of designer knock-offs continue to thrive off the unwary masses. Iconic pieces of furniture and product design are becoming the targets of mass manufacturing factories located in various parts of the world.

Often the resellers will market the pieces in ways to avoid direct copyright infringement in ways such as Eames like or Panton style, sometimes they will play off the recognizable names such as the Uchi Coffee Table (it is Noguchi, he didn’t have a pet name for his table), and the most daring (or lazy) of those will just identify the knock offs as “designed by”.

The most often imitated pieces are quite well known by now, the Knoll Barcelona Chair and Herman Miller Eames Lounge & Ottoman. These days inferior quality products can be produced and brought to market so quickly that not only the classics are in danger.

The strangest happening I have come across in my search for design is when knock-offs are priced higher than those of the licensed manufacturer.

Buyer beware, know what you are buying before handing over your hard earned cash.

CARL HANSEN – ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITIONS

Carl Hansen

In October of 2008, Carl Hansen & Son celebrated 100 years of business. A remarkable feat for any family owned business and especially for a company tied so closely to only one designer, Hans J. Wegner.

The collaboration began in 1949 when the Kold Kristensen a sales manager for Carl Hansen & Sons approached Wegner to move beyond yearly furniture fairs and to work with a manufacturer.

To celebrate the cooperative work of Craftsman and Designer, Carl Hansen & Sons has produced a limited number of CH445-446 Wingback Chair* and Ottoman and the CH07 Shell Chair**.

*100 sets upholstered in Rich Brown aniline leather

**250 pieces crafted in Zebrano Veneer with Rich Brown aniline leather