High-end fashion brand Han Kjøbenhavn, in collaboration with Fritz Hansen, has created a homage to one of Arne Jacobsen’s iconic chairs – the Grand Prix™. The result is a contemporary interpretation of the iconic design, while still following the same values for craftsmanship, materials and aesthetics.
Image © Fritz Hansen
The collaboration with Han Kjøbenhavn has been inspiring and constructive, because we have a shared value set that revolves around designing simple, functional and aesthetic products of the highest quality. We are always interested in presenting our brand from a new perspective that will be interesting to our customers. And we are always interested in working together with strong brands, like Han Kjøbenhavn, that share our values.
– Christoffer Back, Vice President Brand & Communications, Fritz Hansen
Image © Fritz Hansen
Han Kjøbenhavn reinterpreted the Grand Prix Chair by designing the back of the chair in black tubular steel and woven flag halyard. The legs of the chair come in a black stained oak finish, while the seat is available in oil-finished oak or walnut.
Danish design has always been a key source of inspiration for our work, so to be able to work with Fritz Hansen and to interpret one of Arne Jacobsen’s award-winning designs has been a fun and interesting challenge. He is one of the major figures in the field, so obviously we approached the task with a high degree of humility. It was essential for us to bring our own DNA to the table and to add new life to the chair while still maintaining the balance and preserving the chair’s timeless expression.
– Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen & Tim Faith Hancock, founders and owners, Han Kjøbenhavn
Image © Fritz Hansen
In addition to the chair, Tim Faith Hancock and Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen, the owners of the successful fashion brand, have designed a leather jacket and an eyeglass case made of the scraps of leather left over from the production of Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan chairs. Han Kjøbenhavn has also designed a unique eyeglass frame made of the same veneer as the Grand Prix Chair. All the elements in the installation will be available for sale in a limited edition.
Image © Fritz Hansen
About Arne Jacobsen’s Grand Prix: The Grand Prix™ chair was designed by the Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen in 1957 and was first presented at the Spring Exhibition for Danish crafts and furniture design. The chair was originally presented as Model 3130 but was renamed after being awarded the prestigious Grand Prix at Triennale di Milano in 1957. It is a great example of a furniture design that is able to enhance an entire room with its mere presence.
Image © Fritz Hansen
*All images and information courtesy of Fritz Hansen.
