Powerhouse Spanish designer Jaime Hayon discusses his work with Fritz Hansen, developing modern icons that combine beauty and purpose.
5 min read
Words: Harry McKinley
It may sound grandiose to describe Fritz Hansen as a cultural force, as much as a furniture brand. But since its founding in 1872 it has stood at the vanguard of beautiful, purposeful design – creating items that have not only become enduring emblems of Danish design, but which have shaped the way we consider, use and value furniture. Pieces developed with Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s – including the Swan, Egg and Drop chairs – are as popular and relevant today as when they were conceived.
Yet despite a legacy few makers can boast, Fritz Hansen isn’t caught in the past – continuing to surprise, innovate and invent. When Jaime Hayon joined the fold in 2011, it was considered a radical and even controversial choice; a Spanish designer known for rampant colour and pattern now a figurehead within the most Danish of brands.
“For me, the spirit of Fritz Hansen is characterized by a reverence for design excellence and an unwavering commitment to impeccable craftsmanship,” he says, discussing the meeting of their worlds. “It’s rooted in Danish design tradition and pays homage to the rich heritage of the Scandinavian aesthetic, of course, but also while embracing modernity. They are open to creativity and exploration; authenticity, integrity and passion for design a common ground on which we have achieved really cool things.”
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