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Collection by Luke Hopping

Best of #ModernMonday: Reissuing Classic Furniture

Every Monday, @dwell and @designmilk invite fans and experts to weigh in on trending topics in design on Twitter. Herman Miller and Be Original Americas joined #ModernMonday this week to discuss the pros and cons of reissuing iconic pieces of furniture. Check out a few of our favorite responses, and use the hashtag #ModernMonday to join the conversation next week at 1pm EST / 10am PST.

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What are some tasteful and appealing updates reissues can offer? @Allie_Weiss: When an iconic shape is remade in new materials, it starts a new life. @MDossous: Modern finishes and colors, as well as answering a new need for updates due to technological advances.
What are some tasteful and appealing updates reissues can offer? @Allie_Weiss: When an iconic shape is remade in new materials, it starts a new life. @MDossous: Modern finishes and colors, as well as answering a new need for updates due to technological advances.
What was the collaborative process like? At first it was just trying to understand who he was. His family would send me old catalogues and brochures, and I'd go through and look for trends in his work. I wanted to get a basic understanding of what's important to him, both in his business and design philosophy, then I'd go to his home and interview him. Finally, when I felt comfortable with who he was, I started looking for ways to put a contemporary twist on his work.
What was the collaborative process like? At first it was just trying to understand who he was. His family would send me old catalogues and brochures, and I'd go through and look for trends in his work. I wanted to get a basic understanding of what's important to him, both in his business and design philosophy, then I'd go to his home and interview him. Finally, when I felt comfortable with who he was, I started looking for ways to put a contemporary twist on his work.
Boris Berlin, one half of Iskos—Berlin, explains that, true to Muuto's focus on Nordic design, their Fiber chair is made entirely in Scandinavia, with an eco-composite shell made in Denmark, and chair legs made Sweden (save for the wooden base, which comes from Danish wood).
Boris Berlin, one half of Iskos—Berlin, explains that, true to Muuto's focus on Nordic design, their Fiber chair is made entirely in Scandinavia, with an eco-composite shell made in Denmark, and chair legs made Sweden (save for the wooden base, which comes from Danish wood).
What can reissues and updates do to appeal to new generations of buyers and fit in with current trends? @HermanMiller: The Eameses always updated materials and processes—1946 plywood chair became plastic in 1972. @erikaheet: Try new colors and eco-friendly fabrics. I like to think the iconic designers would approve! @thisisheatherc: Reissues shouldn't try to be what brands think today's customers want; they remind us why a design was so good all along.
What can reissues and updates do to appeal to new generations of buyers and fit in with current trends? @HermanMiller: The Eameses always updated materials and processes—1946 plywood chair became plastic in 1972. @erikaheet: Try new colors and eco-friendly fabrics. I like to think the iconic designers would approve! @thisisheatherc: Reissues shouldn't try to be what brands think today's customers want; they remind us why a design was so good all along.
A limited number of Drop chairs were made for the hotel, then production ceased. In 2014, Fritz Hansen revived the design. Hayon upholstered this particular one with bold, blue fur.
A limited number of Drop chairs were made for the hotel, then production ceased. In 2014, Fritz Hansen revived the design. Hayon upholstered this particular one with bold, blue fur.