A big discussion is going on in the modern design community about whether many of today's modern furniture designs are authentic and original enough to stand on their own accord or should they simply be dismissed as knock offs or reproductions. Sometimes the conversation turns to generalizations that lead to the idea that many if not all of these new modern designs should be given zero respect or credibility. And certainly there exists a valid point regarding obvious knock offs that resemble the original design so closely the difference is hard to tell unless it is advertised. This is obviously a deceitful practice and should not be advocated.
At the same time, not all modern furniture designs conceptualized and produced today--that incorporate a single or similar elements to those of the iconic modern pieces (from designers such as Eames or van der Rohe)--are reproductions or knock offs. Instead, each in its own way, celebrates the genius of the great classics but are in essence original designs in their own right.
Many of today’s young furniture designers are creative artisans producing high quality modern designs with classic reference but true original concepts that should be recognized as such and can stand firmly on their own accord, and perhaps, even rank with the modern classics one day.
Parsons Table by Mies van der Rohe
Mies Table by Gino Lemson of Kubikoff
1. The Mies Table by Gino Lemson celebrates the clean form and straight forward lines of Mies van der Rohe's Parsons Table yet presents an entirely unique design through two versions, both with substantial, sculpted legs made of luxurious German acrylic--one with a sophisticated high gloss white lacquer top and the other with a natural, matte finished open grained American Walnut top. While still in his teens, Lemson discovered a passion for furniture design that continues to the present.
Eames Molded Plastic Rocking Chair
Diamond Rocker Chair by Stolt Design for Kubikoff
2. The Diamond Rocking Chair by Stolt Design exalts the brilliant form of the Eames Molded Plastic Rocking Chair's shell through its inspired form interpreted in a gem-like transparent seat set upon a diamond inspired wire base which is unique and brilliant in its own right. From the beginning of their collaboration, this trio of young designers has aimed to design long-lasting pieces that offer high quality, functionality and value.
Eiffel MW Dining Chair by sohoConcept
3. The Eiffel MW Dining Chair by sohoConcept gives a nod to Mid-century modern design with a wire and wood base inspired by the iconic Eames Molded Plastic Chair (for which Eames found inspiration in the design of the Eiffel Tower) yet it features a unique upholstered shell in leather and wool with an ergonomic waterfall edge seat.
Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi
PI Stool by Alp Nuhoglu for B & T Design
4. The PI Stool by Alp Nuhoglu gives a nod to the minimalist nature of Sori Yanagi's Butterfly Stool manufactured in1957 yet is defined by its own character and upholstered persona through Nuhoglu's mathematical nuances and modern hues and materials. Nuhoglu is known as a prolific and ground-breaking designer.
Followers of modern design stand in awe of the iconic masters and their designs while at the same time respecting their counterparts--today's emerging designers-- who uphold their predecessors’ genius; all the while forging their own path by creating brilliant modern furniture pieces often with an icon-worthy presence of their own. Kudos go to these creative designers of modern furniture from the past, in the present and on into the future. It bears remembering that while the modern classic pieces are priced out of many design enthusiast’s reach, and understandably so, due to their high quality and prestigious designs; many of today's emerging designer pieces are equally high quality and beautifully designed, yet are just gaining a following and thus are currently affordable to a wider audience. This allows even budget-minded modern design lovers to experience the brilliant form and function of designer modern furniture in our homes today.
Iconic furniture Images via HighFashionHome.com; HermanMiller,com; Houizz.com; Bauhaus2YourHouse.com.
Diamond Rocker Chair, PI Stool and Mies Table available from 212Concept.com.