The Swiss brand Vitra was founded in 1950 when Willy and Erika Fehlbaum took over a company dealing with the production of shop equipment, window-dressing and accessories. The company’s motto is: ‘To improve the quality of life in every sphere with the power of design’. Vitra can be characterized as a brand actively supporting the creative quests of designers and the technical realization of their designs. Vitra’s significance and expertise is attested to by their collaborations with designers such as Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, R. & E. Bouroullec, Jasper Morrison, Barber & Osgerby and others. Vitra produces furniture for private premises, offices and public spaces, embracing ‘full assembly’ in every area. They are a leader in furniture design and also actively participate in educating the public on various design-associated issues – at the Vitra Design Museum, established by the company. Owing directly to their collaboration with the company, many initially unknown architects have acquired world renown and ‘starchitect’ status. Among them: Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Hercog & De Meuron and others.

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