Introducing, Re-imagined Classics.
If you didn't already know, Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is celebrating its 75th birthday by giving customers a treat – a limited edition collection called Re-imagined Classics.
On the 28th July 1943, Ingvar Kamprad founded Ikea in the outskirts of Älmhult. What started as a small post order business, operated by a teenager on a bike, has now become a 75-year old brand.
The Re-imagined Classics collection embraces some of Ikea's most iconic products which have stood the test of time in terms of quality and design style. Products in the range take inspiration from the decades of the 50s to 00s, so there's a return of some fan favourites which have been given a modern twist, and old classics which have been transformed into new classics.
'The new Re-imagined Classics collection is to be kept and looked after in the home forever,' says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design leader from Ikea UK and Ireland. 'The products within the collection were favourites when they were first introduced and Ikea is showing that these designs are still current now, decades after they were first created.'
Released in three stages – August, October and December – explore the full collection below:
This is a time in Ikea that brought about some of its very first iconic products. The designs capture a sombre expression where darker woods meet classic lines.
'An icon is an icon because it’s unexpected, or considered an innovation of its time. Like the LÖVBACKEN table (previously known as LÖVET), such a cool statement piece, with only three legs, the tips covered in metal. It was our first flat-pack product,' says Karin Gustavsson, Ikea creative leader.
Ironically, the flat-pack idea came about by chance. Ikea co-worker, Gillis Lundgren spontaneously decided to remove the legs of the table to make it fit into his tiny car and avoid damage during transit. Today, almost all Ikea products are flat-packaged.
'Some of the products are icons of vintage furniture – they’re everywhere today,' says Gustavsson. 'I still buy Ikea vintage in auctions and second-hand shops.'
Ikea launched the handmade GANGET armchair in 1958 when its first store opened in Älmhult, Sweden. During the grand opening, all journalists had the chance to sit in the armchair’s round design – a representation of a more optimistic future.
This era was bold, colourful and fun, and of course, the beloved KLIPPAN sofa has to get a mention here.
'I just love the covers that are like puffy jackets – they’re cool and colourful. It’s a tribute to the Memphis group, an 80s design movement that was very popular during that time,' explains Karin. 'The KLIPPAN sofa was one of the first affordable sofas we had to offer, which is why it’s an icon of its time.'
KLIPPAN was created with the idea of a sofa that could withstand the human need to play. For this launch, new covers will come in a bright yellow, fiery red and a striking cobalt blue.
When launched in 1983, the mesh-designed RÅANE armchair was called JÄRPEN. Designer Niels Gammelgaard wanted to challenge the idea of an armchair and see if it was possible to make it comfortable without any filling or fabric.
'During the 80s Åsa Gray made some beautiful colourful designs for Ikea. She was one of our iconic designers and so very Scandinavian. I particularly like the rugs and cushions – they’re significant for that time period,' explains Karin.
This era was simple and minimal, mixing untreated, blonde Scandinavian woods with graphic patterns.
'During the 90s, we went for a more natural expression. I think the sculptural furniture of Thomas Sandell is iconic. The small bench with wheels on one end, and legs on the other, was a design piece desired by so many people at that time,' says Karin.
Its sleek design comes with a good dose of functionality thanks to its hidden storage. Place in the hallway, the bedroom, or use it as a small bench in the living room.
The Ikea PS bench was launched in the first PS collection back in 1995. Using ‘PS’ in letters means ‘Post Scriptum’ – an addition to what you’ve already been writing. It symbolises that Ikea added something extra to its offering. With the PS collection Ikea wanted to challenge and explore what Scandinavian modern design could be and look like.
The BJURÅN chair, formerly known as ÖGLA, was first launched back in 1961. To this day it’s still manufactured by the same factory in Poland, and the solid wood bent in the same artisanal way. It’s a real statement piece.
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