design icons from the past don’t just live in history; objects resurrected from forgotten archives are reborn as re-editions that honor the original, or expanded and transformed with ideas and sustainable materials from contemporary designers. we’ve rounded up some exciting moments where the legacy of the past shines anew in today’s senses.
plastic meets wood:
an experiment by Cartel
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Utilizing modern industrial production systems, the same product could be realized in PMMA, replicating the curves of the original. sold by Cartel.[/caption]Joe Colombo – Armchair No. 4801: In 1964, this chair was created with only three bent plywood pieces, connected only by joints, without screws. in 2011, Cartel modernized it by building it to the same dimensions as the original, but replacing the material with PMMA plastic, a material that carries the brand’s identity.
Anna Castelli Ferrieri – Componibili ([translate:Componibili]): a circular modular cabinet created in 1967. Born out of her personal needs, the design has become a timeless cartel classic. The stackable modular structure is still contemporary and practical today.
Innovation in modules and plywood: USM and Fritz Hansen
The USM Haller System: In 1965, it ushered in the era of modular furniture, where just a few basic structures could be infinitely expanded to include desks, shelving, and even partitions.
sixty years later, the addition of ‘soft panels’ with a core of marine recycled plastic added a sustainability twist.
paul Kehlholm – PK0 A™ Chair: A sculptural chair introduced at Fritz Hansen in 1952.
its radical curves, formed from just two pieces of molded plywood, were reimagined in 2022 with a stronger structure and finer detailing, embracing artistry and functionality.
Reimagining Light and Structure: Cassina and Tonet
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The Galaxy light as re-edited by Cassina. © Paola Pansini[/caption]Charles & Ray Eames – Galaxy Pendant: 1949, an experimental light made of automobile parts and wooden spheres. cassina ([translate:Cassina]) brought the light into full production in 2024, realizing the original imagination with modern technology by adding an LED light source and a ‘plug and play’ system.
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Pauillac Grand Concours in dark green velvet. © Luca Merli[/caption][
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Chaise Longue a Reglaise Contienne LC4. © Luca Merli[/caption
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Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, Perriand – LC Collection: In 1965, Cassina achieved global success with the mass production of designs by the three masters
.sixty years later, the collection is still evolving, adding new materials and colors, such as mohair velvet and saddle leather, and collaborating with fashion houses like Chiton.
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A view of the Bauhaus Dessau atelier in everyday life with Midgard lighting and the B9 in action. © Bauhaus Archiv Berlin[/caption][
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Gathering around the Tonet B9 side table. © Bauhaus Archiv Berlin[/caption][
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The S64 chair and the B97 side table, a new collaboration with Jill Sander[/caption]Marcel Breuer – B9 stool: a piece of tubular steel
furnitureinspired by bicycle handlebars, created at the Bauhaus in the 1920s
.more than 100 years later, Thonet continues its legacy with special editions, outdoor versions, and variations in color and materials.
In this way, the heritage of the past meets contemporary technology and is given new life.
how icons from the archives find their way into our everyday lives and tell new stories is a testament to the power of design over time.
Frequently Asked
Questions Q.
how is a ‘Re-edition’ different from a replica?
A. Whereas a replica is a copy of a design without the permission of the original creator, a re-edition is a formal agreement with the original creator or design foundation to re-produce the original design, either as is or with a modern interpretation.
it is recognized for its authenticity and collectible value.
Q.
what material are the ‘Komponibili’ made of?
A. The Cartel’s Komponibili are primarily made of ABS plastic. it’s an iconic product that combines plastic, which was considered a cheap material at the time, with innovative design to create a high-end piece of furniture.
more recently, an eco-friendly bio-plastic version has also been launched.
Q.
what are the characteristics of Bauhaus furniture
? A. Bauhaus design prioritizes functionality and is characterized by simple, geometric shapes that exclude unnecessary ornamentation
.new industrial materials such as steel pipes, leather, and glass were actively utilized, as in the work of Marcel Breuer, to create furniture suitable for mass production
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