In collaboration with the Prouvé family, Vitra presented its latest collection entitled Prouvé RAW Office Edition by G-Star RAW at this year’s edition of Salone Del Mobile in Milan, Italy. The installation of products such as Bureau Métallique, Fauteuil Direction Pivotant, Bureau Présidence and Lampe de Bureau, proudly furnished the G-Star RAW store on Via Dante.
The original series of furniture and lighting products was designed by Jean Prouvé in the 1940s for the office needs of major French industrial companies. This new edition revives the original, applying a contemporary look while maintaining its authentic style. Certain products reveal leather and heavy-duty upholstery fabrics, finishes in industrial shades of green and other details to respect the furnishings’ past uses and environments. The tables, chairs and cabinets are made of steel and solid wood.
Dutch fashion label G-Star RAW has been inspired by Jean Prouvé and his designs for a long time. In 2014, the jean and fashion brand moved into a new headquarters designed by Rem Koolhaas. This generated another opportunity to modernize and reuse Jean Prouvé’s office furniture concepts.
The crossover project between Vitra and G-Star RAW began in 2011 with their first Prouvé RAW edition. This new collection has adapted the designs to today’s office requirements and standards while developing user-defined colors and details with the art directors at G-Star. The desk Bureau Métallique, for example, offers integrated storage space and a cable channel for power connections. Its green tone at the base and melamine top hold onto the industrial attitude, providing a robust work surface measuring 160 x 80 cm.
The desk Bureau Présidence provides access to four power sockets with its sleek electrical flap. Other products focus on the quality of an individual’s space. The legs of Table Flavigny are positioned at a 45° angle, stretching the legs outward for maximum leg room. As our differences run full-speed, individuality plays a huge part in design. The chair Fauteuil Direction Pivotant has a backward tilt mechanism that can be adjusted to the weight of the user.
Many companies are looking for individuality and want to set themselves apart from the norm. Classics such as the furniture pieces by Jean Prouvé, which are clearly from a different era yet have lost none of their relevance, quality or impact, are perfect for achieving this goal by means of office furnishings.
Vitra’s PR team from their New York headquarters explained to ArchiExpo e-Magazine that “with the latest Prouvé RAW Office Edition, we want to address an audience that appreciates this pure, industrial style.” Jean Prouvé’s distinctive designs, which are crafted in high-quality materials, offer extraordinary differentiation potential for specialist retailers, architects and customers.
The Prouvé RAW Office Edition by G-Star includes ten different furniture and lighting products and will be available for purchase at the Vitra store in New York (29 Ninth Avenue) and online from May 2015 through 2016.
