Continue reading on page 13
The ClassiCon headquarters building in Munich is a spectacularly minimalist
cube made of exposed concrete. Closed on the street side like a vault and com-
pletely glazed at the rear, it sets the stage for the brand’s furniture. The pieces
are showcased like sculptures in a modern gallery, signalling: we are the icons
of today and tomorrow. At Oliver Holy’s home, on the other hand, they are above
all companions, friends and silent family members. “Just drop by,” he suggested.
The sole proprietor of ClassiCon lives in the centre of Munich’s Schwabing
district in an Art Nouveau house: parquet floors, mullioned windows, stucco
ceilings, contemporary art on the walls. Konstantin Grcic’s Odin Sofa and the
Saturn Coat Stand by Barber Osgerby are positioned up front in the entrance
area, the Bibendum Armchair by Eileen Gray can be found outside the bedroom
door and Grcic’s Pallas Table in the dining room. These are complemented by
other classics, such as Eero Saarinen’s Tulip table and chairs, or the Rag Chair
made of layered pieces of clothing by the Dutch group Droog Design. The kitchen
is custom-made according to Holy’s designs, an almost floor-to-ceiling frame-
work with worktops and open compartments, made entirely of walnut, only the
side panels are yellow, “inspired by Donald Judd,” he says with a grin.
Gabriele Thiels (GT)
Looking around your home, Mr Holy, ClassiCon furniture tends to play a
rather minor role.
Oliver Holy (OH)
No, but there are just so many other beautiful things that I like to have
around me. Take a look at these knives. Two guys from Aschau make them
in their own manufactory from countless layers of steel and then add these
interesting handles made of mammoth tooth or moor oak. This is crafts-
manship in its purest form. If I wanted to establish an accessory line one
day, it would be with these guys – just build a nice display case, put the
knives in it and let it do its magic. And I bet there are enough people who
would like to know the story behind it. And telling stories is my thing.
GT
Quality is obviously also your thing ...
OH Anything that is well designed, well executed and made of good materials
inspires me. That could be the knives or this ceramic pot here on the kitchen
table. It’s actually a milk jug. I found it in Soglio, an ancient mountain village
in Switzerland – the green dots on the pink background are beautiful, aren’t
they? A particularly soft cashmere jumper makes me just as happy as a
writing pad made of open-pored leather or a mango truffle that melts in my
mouth. Where there is quality, there are stories. That’s what connects all
the pieces here in my home and in the ClassiCon collection.
GT
You once wanted to become a designer, but then you studied law. However,
when the offer to join ClassiCon came shortly before your first state exam,
you accepted without hesitation and immediately abandoned your studies.
What made you so sure?
OH
I simply realised that it was the right thing for me. I had the confidence to
do it. I didn’t know why exactly, but I often don’t know that. I just go for it.
P 11
