What is a classic?
“A classic is not a classic from the very beginning. It starts
by breaking the mould. It doesn’t become a classic
by conforming to established norms; instead, it questions
these established norms. A classic becomes a classic
because it wins the battle: first against the products that
already exist and then against all of the new products
that it must beat out. A classic comes from a different era
and yet is contemporary and current. It is iconic without
trying to be iconic. It has the qualities of a piece of art
without trying to be art. It is forever fresh. When it was
presented for the first time, it was new – and it will stay
new until another product breaks the mould and
challenges it and questions the established norms. It is
important to Vitra to produce these outstanding products
from the past until they are no longer relevant. At the
same time, we develop products together with the most
talented people of our age – in the hope that one
of them will one day become a classic.”
Rolf Fehlbaum
Vitra Chairman
Charles and Ray Eames working on the design of the Aluminium Chair
in their workshop in santa Monica, California around 1958.
