Design icons are timeless. Far from being frozen in the past, these cult pieces of furniture are now enjoying a true renaissance. How do the great names in design manage to reinvent these iconic pieces without betraying their heritage?
As an expert in designer furniture, Jbonet closely follows bold reissues, innovative collaborations, and the use of eco-friendly materials that give design legends a new lease of life. Today, we look at the work being done by Vitra and Cassina, who revisit their classics without losing the exceptional aura of these emblematic design pieces. Sofa, chair, armchair, table, or lamp—designer furniture publishers offer reimagined versions of their historic masterpieces. A revival that allows each design icon to blend even more seamlessly into our contemporary interiors…
Designer furniture: 5 design icons reimagined without betraying their heritage
By exploring the collections of Vitra and Cassina, you can find several recent examples that perfectly illustrate designer furniture’s ability to reinvent itself without losing its aura. A closer look at the reimagined versions of these iconic pieces.
Piece No. 1: Eames Lounge Chair limited edition – Vitra
No introduction is needed for the legendary Eames Lounge Chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames! This cult designer armchair created in the 1950s takes on a fresh new touch with Vitra’s limited edition. Traditionally in black or white leather, this reimagined version from the Winter 2023/24 season features a soft dark green textile. It is a Phlox fabric, a corduroy velvet that, combined with the rosewood shell, highlights the iconic character of this spacious armchair. A plant-inspired shade that anchors this design icon in a more contemporary aesthetic and showcases the more eco-friendly approach of designers who replace leather with fabric…
For design lovers based in the south of France, head to the Jbonet showroom in Nice and be won over by the limited-edition Eames.
Piece No. 2: Panton limited edition – Vitra
Designed in the 1960s by Verner Panton, the Panton Chair returns as a limited edition at Vitra. This cult chair, famous for its fluid shapes and undulating silhouette, was released in two new finishes in 2018: the Panton Chrome, with a chrome finish, and the Panton Glow, with a fluorescent finish. The vibrant shades of the limited-edition Panton are more faithful than ever to the bold spirit of its designer! With these reissues, this icon of Scandinavian design shows that a cult piece can remain daring even 60 years after its creation.
Piece No. 3: Le Corbusier®, Jeanneret®, Perriand® Collection, sustainable version – Cassina
Another design icon revisited by Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld’s Utrecht Chair is now available in an outdoor version. The armchair with its iconic geometric lines leaves the living room to take its place on the terrace. To suit this new use, the cult piece is dressed in technical, weather-resistant fabrics. A transformation that proves an iconic piece can stand the test of time and reinvent itself while retaining its unique silhouette… What if the outdoor version of the Utrecht Chair enhanced your outdoor spaces? Elevate your terrace or garden with this icon of Scandinavian design.
Piece No. 4: Ultrecht outdoor version – Cassina
Piece No. 5: Ultrecht limited edition Christmas 2023 – Cassina
Beyond the outdoor version, Cassina also offers a Utrecht Christmas limited edition. This time, the cult chair is dressed in a sumptuous fabric whose motif is inspired by nature: Scots pine needles crossed by a glowing red sunset. Rich, deep colours that make it possible to integrate this design icon into a festive setting… The reinterpreted cult piece thus becomes a luxurious decorative object, perfect for enhancing a chic contemporary interior. Another example that perfectly illustrates how modernised design classics can become truly exceptional pieces!
Between tradition and innovation: a design icon always adapts to its time
Far from being a simple museum piece, a design icon is constantly reinventing itself. This cult piece adapts to its time, in an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. Reissues give it a new lease of life by dressing it in innovative materials, adorning it with new colours, or dedicating it to modern use. Far from betraying their essence, these new versions embody design’s ability to evolve without ever renouncing its identity. As part of a quest for meaning and sustainability, these iconic pieces have never been more relevant. Reissued with eco-responsible materials and rethought for our contemporary lifestyles, these emblematic pieces prove that the heritage of great designers can resonate with today’s aspirations.
At Jbonet, we believe these reinvented classics have a rightful place in your contemporary interiors. Whether it is the Eames Lounge Chair, the Panton Chair, the Utrecht armchair, or the pieces from the Le Corbusier®, Jeanneret®, Perriand® Collection, each reimagined piece is an opportunity to enhance your living space with a cult piece that evokes exceptional emotions. What if you invited one of these iconic pieces into your home? Discover at Jbonet a unique selection of emblematic pieces revisited by the greatest names in design. The perfect opportunity to give your living space the design icon it deserves…
