Icons Re/Outfitted
The Visionary Lab breathes new life into pre-used Vitra chairs with repurposed denim from Levi’s®.
Icons Re/Outfitted is an artistic project initiated and curated by creative studio The Visionary Lab, and designed to merge design, fashion and storytelling, while bringing attention to the issue of textile-waste. The artfully re-outfitted chairs from Vitra - including chairs by luminaries like Charles & Ray Eames, Verner Panton, and George Nelson - explore a rich tapestry of innovative techniques, varying from digital 3D weaving and the development of new biotextiles, to the transformation of end-of-life Levi’s denim into luxurious felt. Additionally, some of these creations draw inspiration from traditional Japanese and African crafts, seamlessly blending age-old techniques with modern design concepts.
Each upcycled chair serves as a testament to our commitment to reducing waste and finding beauty in unexpected places. They make a bold statement, changing the conventional notions of waste and sparking a vital dialogue about our impact on the environment.
The Coconut Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Tim Dekkers
This unique chair features a zero-waste cutting pattern. Organic-shaped ornaments, crafted from recycled Levi’s denim felt by the 'social factory' i-did, adorn the chair, giving it an 'overgrown' appearance. To infuse a touch of color, a natural dye from turmeric has been applied to the felt, complemented by biodegradable crystals cultivated through an organic process. This symbolic gesture reminds us to respect and not disrupt nature's intricate dance.
The Eames Shell Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Norman Monsanto
A fusion of modern design with what could be deemed the world's oldest form of seating entails the distinctive process of 'melting' the iconic chair into a sturdy olive tree trunk. This remarkable transformation embodies an organic essence as the denim-layered slate appearance of the seat seamlessly integrates with the trunk's structure, gradually adorned by the growth of denim fungi crafted from fabric waste.
The Wire Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Hannah Brabon
Fascination with the natural world served as inspiration for reviving two iconic Wire Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames with voluminous forms. Using a variety of techniques, a creator achieved a multi-textured and layered effect by cutting, fraying, hand knitting, and dyeing discarded denim fabrics. Each loop was meticulously sewn and knotted into the chair’s grid, resulting in a dynamic appearance. Placing the two chairs side by side emphasizes the importance of communication and highlights how coming together as a community is vital to drive positive change.
Eames Lounge Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Kelly Konings
To re-outfit this iconic Vitra chair, artfully recomposed from several pre-used Eames Lounge Chairs, surprises emerge with the creation of the illusion of holes using an innovative 2D weaving technique that yields a 3D effect, resulting in a distressed look. Using deadstock yarns from Levi's and pioneering an innovative digital weaving technique that achieves an organic gradient structure from blue to almost white without the need for bleaching—a testament to the transformative power of modern weaving.
The Panton Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Sarmite Polakova
For the classic Panton Chair, an innovative (unwoven) biotextile has been developed using end-of-life Levi’s denim. This new material, robust yet lightweight, with a suede-like appearance, is meticulously shaped not only around the chair as a dress but also extends seamlessly into the form of a carpet. This design skillfully blends an air of mystery and rediscovery through an interplay of shapes, all while paying tribute to the iconic chair by merging modern, future-proof textiles with its iconic design.
As for the biotextile space dividers, boasting a 'solid water' look, the Levi’s denim dye is extracted and recycled, then mixed with natural binders. The result is a unique material with a translucent quality, representing a remarkable innovation in the realm of space dividers.
The Belleville Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Barbara Polderman
Drawing inspiration from the globally recognized game of ‘musical chairs’ and imbued with deeper symbolism related to scarcity, inclusion, and social dynamics, this remarkable denim sculpture is nestled within a slightly unbalanced denim-dressed Belleville chair. The sculpture transcends individual identities, resonating instead with collective human experiences and inviting viewers to reflect on the role each of us can play in creating a more inclusive world while respecting its natural resources.
The Amoebe Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Nkwo Onwuka
While working with and supporting a local group of women, the work of Nigerian fashion designer Nkwo Onwuka harmonizes contemporary style with the revival of a rich tapestry of traditional African crafts. The upcycling of the iconic Amoebe Chair, using discarded Levi’s jeans from a second-hand market in Lagos, not only embraces sustainable design but also elevates it to an art form. Adorned with denim beads, intricate fringes of sisal fibers, raffia accents, and mirror details, all against the backdrop of the Amoebe Chair's majestic high-back design, this piece exudes an undeniable regal charm, reminiscent of a throne.
The Plywood Chair Re/Outfitted by The Visionary Lab in collaboration with Sophie Cagniart
Reviving a pre-used Plywood Chair by Charles & Ray Eames through age-old embroidery techniques such as Sashiko, Boro, and Sakiori not only enhances the fabric's aesthetic appeal but also imbues it with structure, meaning, elegance, and a fresh tactile experience.
Curated by The Visionary Lab, Scenography Studio Marcel van Doorn