The friendship between the founding family of Vitra and Charles and Ray Eames has shaped our company up to the present day. Since these beginnings, Vitra has maintained close relationships with its designers – whom we refer to as authors – and the result of these collaborations is always an original.

It all began in 1953: Willi Fehlbaum, the founder of Vitra, discovered chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames on a trip to the USA and decided to become a furniture manufacturer. He met the designer couple in person a short time later and developed a lasting friendship that has shaped our company ever since. Vitra maintains a close relationship with its designers – whom we refer to as authors – and the result of these collaborations is always an original.

Together with the manufacturer, designers dedicate their time, expertise and craftsmanship to the development and launch of new products. They conceive objects that are more than mere things – this is their special talent. Their aim is to design a product that not only looks great but also creates a unique experience for the user. Other aspects, such as sustainability and longevity, are also integral to the design process. All of these factors enhance the appearance and value of the products as they age. Originals do not simply get older – they become more beautiful.

Taking all this into account at Vitra, we develop our products in Switzerland and manufacture them in Europe, or locally in the case of certain products for markets in Asia and North America. Thus we can guarantee that they are made precisely as the author intended.

When a Vitra product arrives in your home, it already looks back on a long history. And you continue to add to this history, in your own home, with all of its special characteristics and its own stories. Tell your own story and share your #VitraOriginal pictures with us on social media.