All black

Among Vitra’s novelties presented at Maison&Objet the collection of new and classic accessories and design objects in shades of black and some new Home Complements.

Presented at Maison&Objet, the new Vitra’s Black Collection is an assortment of novel accessories and design objects along with new editions of classic pieces in shades of black.

The highlight of the collection consists of five re-editions of design classics by Charles and Ray Eames: the Eames Elephant in black, the Hang it all coat rack in black and brown, the RAR rocking armchair in basic dark, the LTR occasional table in black and three more new colours, and George Nelson’s Triangle Clock. The dark colours create a tasteful contrast to the playful organic shapes of these objects.

Top: Hang it all in black or brown. Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames as a children's coat rack and previously produced in bright colours or lighter shades, 'Hang it all' is now being offered in two new dark-hued versions as part of the Black Collection. In contrast to the brightly coloured models of 'Hang it all', whose balls are coated with an opaque layer of paint, the natural beauty of the wood grain remains visible in the new edition. The dark-hued edition is available in two different shades: a black model with wooden balls made of black ash, and a brown model with balls made of walnut. Above: Eames Elephant in black. In 1945, Charles and Ray Eames developed a toy elephant made of plywood, which never went into production. Since the launch of the Eames Elephant in plastic several years ago, it has become a cherished playmate of many children. At the same time, it enjoys increasing popularity among adults as a decorative interior object

The collection also includes treasured classics from the Vitra Home Complements, such as the House Bird by Charles and Ray Eames or the black Eames Wool Blanket, George Nelson's Sunburst Clock and Sunflower Clock in black ash, and the Wooden Doll figures Cat and Dog by Alexander Girard.

On view in Paris were also the series Home Complements with new design objects based on research findings and inspirations from the archive of Alexander Girard. “The collection consists of classic and contemporary objects and accessories that make everyday life more beautiful and enriching. Vitra Home Complements are designed to accompany their owners over a lifetime. And as life needs colours, the collection is full of inspiring, playful prints by Girard, coloured objects from the Eames world and contemporary pieces with exciting shapes and ideas”, explains Mirkku Kullberg, Head of Vitra Home.

The LTR (Low Table Rod Base, 1950) is a small, versatile occasional table designed by Charles and Ray Eames, who used it in their own home in a variety of different ways. Positioned next to an armchair or a sofa, the side table provides a practical surface for small items. This product is included in the Black Collection in a new version that combines a black table top with a powder-coated black wire base. The dark colour composition lends the petite Eames classic an aura of cool contemporaneity. In addition, the black base of this practical occasional table is offered in combination with table tops in three new colours, which correspond to the hues of the panels in the EDU/ESU product family
Embroidered Pillow. Girard attracted special attention with his interior design of the legendary Miller House, for which he personally selected each individual object. The centrepiece of the house was a so-called 'conversation pit', a sunken seating area in the living room, with built-in sofas covered in fabrics by Girard and decorated with embroidered pillows made specifically for this setting. Taking inspiration from this masterful work by Girard, Vitra has augmented the Home Complements Collection with a cushion exhibiting one of the designer's characteristic patterns. The elaborately stitched Embroidered Pillow features the motif 'Home Sweet Home', which was chosen by Vitra in consultation with the Girard family from his vast oeuvre of textiles and motifs
Nativity Scene. In 1962/63, Alexander Girard organised the international exhibition 'The Nativity' at the Nelson Gallery of Art, for which he conceived a modern nativity set. He took inspiration for the design from his extensive collection of folk art. Modelled on the original from the Girard estate in the holdings of the Vitra Design Museum, the Nativity Scene is now being produced as a special limited edition. With its gold-leaf base and hand-painted figures, it provides a colourful and playful addition to all types of Christmas decorations
<b>Left</b>: Little Devil. The decorative Wooden Dolls, designed and made by Girard for his own home in Santa Fe, were likewise inspired by his extensive personal collection of folk art. Part decorative object, part toy, the Wooden Dolls were originally developed for Girard’s own use. With the Little Devil, Vitra has now further enlarged the whimsical assortment of dolls, which provide a charming enhancement to any interior. The new Little Devil may not be the most imposing of the Wooden Dolls in terms of size, but with its bright red colour and mischievous, saucy expression, it makes a devilishly delightful eye-catcher. <b>Right</b>: Greeting card