Fritz Hansen reveals its soft side

Fritz Hansen is expanding its collection with two notable additions: an updated version of the Ant™ chair and the PK4™ lounge chair. These pieces celebrate the legacy of Danish mid-century design while introducing modern enhancements. The Ant™ chair, a creation of Arne Jacobsen from 1952, receives its most significant update to date. This includes a new front upholstery option available in both textile and leather, increasing the chair's aesthetic versatility and comfort. Jacobsen, a pivotal figure in Danish design, influenced architecture and design through his detailed hand-painted watercolor sketches and an uncompromising approach to his creations. His work spanned across various disciplines, from furniture to architectural masterpieces and everyday objects. The Ant chair, originally designed for the Novo Nordisk canteen, introduced a radical curved single-piece seat and back made from nine layers of pressure-molded veneer. This innovative design subsequently inspired other iconic chairs like the Series 7™ (1955), Grand Prix™ (1957), and Lily™ (1970). The new upholstery version maintains the chair's distinctive silhouette while providing enhanced comfort and customization. According to Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director at Fritz Hansen, the updated Ant chair is a result of persistent experimentation and innovation, allowing for an elegant front upholstery that highlights the chair's design and creates a dynamic contrast between inner and outer materials. The chair will be available in 16 curated colorways, as well as the full range of Fritz Hansen textiles and leathers. Poul Kjærholm's PK4™ lounge chair, one of his earliest designs from 1952, joins the Kjærholm range of easy chairs crafted in stainless steel. Fritz Hansen has been manufacturing this collection in collaboration with the Kjærholm estate since 1982. Kjærholm championed the use of construction materials like steel, believing they deserved the same respect as wood in furniture design. His minimalist expression, which valued tradition while being distinctly his own, contributed to a new wave of Danish modernism. Although his association with Fritz Hansen was brief, the Kjærholm family later entrusted the company with the production and sales of "The Kjærholm Collection." The PK4 lounge chair, the third in a series of new Kjærholm releases, showcases Kjærholm’s fascination with geometry and stands out with its tubular steel construction, offering a lighter and more playful visual appearance compared to the spring steel used in the PK25™. The chair is constructed from seven tubular steel pieces welded into a frame, with the back and seat made from a single length of halyard, a rope used in sailing. This design reflects Kjærholm’s ability to translate complex technical ideas into attractive and functional objects, also subtly referencing the International Modernism movement of the mid-century. The new PK4 features improved structural integrity and includes a seat cushion for added comfort, ensuring the historic design is respectfully updated. The lounge chair will be displayed in Fritz Hansen showrooms globally and is available in satin-brushed stainless steel or black powder-coated stainless steel, with halyard in natural or black. Fritz Hansen also announced the appointment of Josef Kaiser as CEO. With 13 years of experience in the furniture industry, including a role as Chief Sales Officer at Vitra, Kaiser aims to transform organizational product and process development through design thinking, combining his passion for Danish design with a human-centric business approach. #FritzHansen #ArneJacobsen #PoulKjærholm #AntChair #PK4LoungeChair #DanishDesign #MidCenturyModern #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign

Danish design brand Herman Cph has unveiled its inaugural product collection, featuring a series of side tables and a dining table, alongside a range of fabric products. Founded by designers Jonas Herman Pedersen and Helle Herman Mortensen, the brand emphasizes simplicity, honesty, and quality in its designs, maintaining complete control from conception to production. This approach reflects a belief that people connect best with products stemming from good and honest intentions, and that quality materials develop character and beauty over time. The centerpiece of the collection is the Frisbee table series. The side tables, available in three different heights, are characterized by their round oak surfaces, which can be oiled or black stained, and slender, powder-coated steel legs. The design of the legs is specifically conceived to maximize under-table space. These side tables are designed for consumer convenience, arriving flat-packed and requiring only a single screw for assembly, which joins the metal legs together. Complementing the side tables is a dining table from the same Frisbee collection, which comfortably seats three to six people. This larger table also features steel legs, but with a square section, incorporating wooden feet that slot into their ends, showcasing a consistent design language across the table range. Beyond tables, Herman Cph's debut also includes a selection of fabric products. This range features limited-edition cushions and bedspreads, crafted from recycled wool fabrics, highlighting the brand's commitment to material quality and potentially sustainability. Additionally, a wall-mounted storage pocket with leather detailing is part of the initial offering, demonstrating the brand's exploration of various home furnishings. The design process for these pieces takes place at Pedersen and Mortensen's studio in Fredriksberg, Denmark. For manufacturing, Herman Cph collaborates with local Danish companies, ensuring that the production aligns with their standards and supports local craftsmanship. This integrated approach, from design to local manufacturing, underscores the brand's dedication to its founding principles of creating high-quality, thoughtfully designed furniture and home accessories. #DanishDesign #FurnitureDesign #OakTables #SteelLegs #HermanCph #FlatPackFurniture #HomeDecor #SustainableMaterials #ProductLaunch