Vitra, the Swiss design company, has unveiled its new showroom in Manhattan’s Chinatown at 46 Bowery just south of Canal Street.
Coinciding with NYCxDESIGN, the space occupies a 6,266 square foot third-floor loft in the building that formerly housed the famous Jing Fong restaurant, the showroom features an entire wall of windows overlooking the striking Beaux-Arts gateway to the Manhattan Bridge.
New York holds a special significance for the company, having played a central role in its origin story – it was on a walk through the city during his inaugural trip to America in 1953 that Willi Fehlbaum, the founder of Vitra, first encountered chair designs by Charles and Ray Eames, inspiring him to become a furniture manufacturer.
This new showroom will serve as a beacon for that inspiration and a hub for the Vitra and Artek teams in New York, providing a venue to present concepts for public spaces, offices, and the home as well as a future platform for collaborations and events.
“The history of Vitra is closely linked to New York. My grandfather discovered an Eames chair there, which inspired him to start with furniture production. I am delighted that Vitra is entering a new era with a move to Chinatown – to a space that will hopefully be a discovery even for our Manhattan community,” explained Nora Fehlbaum, CEO, Vitra.
The showroom’s initial presentation will highlight both iconic Vitra projects and new, exciting launches and collaborations. The recently introduced Anagram Sofa by designers Panter&Tourron will be featured at the heart of the space, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to innovative works by designers prioritizing flexibility and sustainability.
Similarly, in a nod to Vitra’s trademark mid-century classics, there will be a range of tables and seating by the French designer and engineer Jean Prouvé, with a selection of products that were recently reissued in new palettes and finishes. These Vitra standouts are augmented by a range of furnishings from Artek, including tables, chairs, room dividers, and of course the legendary Stool 60.
“The Vitra showroom is designed to serve as a multifunctional hub for New York’s design community – a working environment for the exploration of colour, material, and products and a forum for inspiration through talks and programming – both organized by Vitra, and as a host venue for friends and partners of the brand – as well as a space to meet, gather, and collaborate,” the company added.
