A COLLECTION OF A MINI-SERIES OF NEAR SEATS REMINISCING SPORTS CAR CLASSES.

Vitra, the Swiss designer furniture company, has created three of its own limited edition Porsche chairs. Upholstered in the original Pepita fabric from the Stuttgart company, the chairs were presented in the context of the Milanese event “Art of Dreams”, which will be held at Palazzo Clerici from 16 to 21 April.

Padua/Milan. Vitra and Porsche, both family companies, are united by something that goes far beyond a passion for technology and unique design. Some of their most successful projects began at the same time, with the realization of a dream. In 1948, Charles and Ray Eames submitted an armchair with seat and back made in one piece to the Museum of Modern Art competition. In an era when plastic was still considered an invention, this armchair was part of design history. In the same year, Ferry Porsche realized his vision of a sports car by designing, together with his team, the Porsche 356 “No.1” Roadster.

As part of the collaboration that resulted in the Porsche Pepita Edition collection with Vitra, Vitra has created three seats for the sports car manufacturer that will be produced in a limited edition. The special thing about these pieces is that they are covered with Porsche’s original Pepita fabric. The iconic houndstooth pattern is made up of small squares connected by diagonal lines. Pepita fabric debuted as an official optional upholstery for the Porsche 911 in 1965. Previously, it had been offered as a special feature on later Porsche 356 units, but only on request and occasionally. Recently, the Pepita trim was offered for the 2022 911 Sport Classic – the second of the Heritage Design models.

Vitra’s Porsche Pepita Edition Collection includes the “Eames Side Chair Pepita Edition”, “Identity Trim L” and “Petit Repos Pepita Edition”. The last two were created by the Milanese architect and designer Antonio Cittero.

“The Porsche Pepita Vitra Edition represents the perfect combination of our companies’ DNA: iconic design combined with excellent craftsmanship and high performance,” said Robert Ader, Marketing Director of Porsche AG. “The timeless Pepita motif gives the chairs a sophisticated look, both in the living room and in the office.”

The chairs will be presented to the public for the first time as part of the “Dream Art” event that will take place in Milan from April 16 to 21. This new edition of the international series of installations focuses on structure, rhythm, repetition and symmetry, a theme that artists of different disciplines will work on inspired by the motif of Pepita. Among the latter is the joint design of Numbers / By Use, which produced the interactive sculpture “Airlines”.

Reasons for the campaign by Jonas Lindstroem
Advertising campaigns in various design, luxury, fashion and architecture magazines that accompany the collaboration are also artistic. The campaign features images created by internationally renowned photographer and director Jonas Lindstroem. The creative idea has as its common thread the repetitive nature of the Pepita motif. Lindstroem uses these geometric shapes to create original graphic patterns, using Vitra furniture and Porsche designs.

Porsche Pepita and Vitra Edition Collection in detail
The “Eames Plastic Side Chair Pepita Edition” combines functionality and design with careful craftsmanship and high quality materials. The seat shell follows the shape of the body providing pleasant support. Upholstery made entirely of original Porsche Pepita fabric covers the seat and backrest and contrasts beautifully with the white shell. The base is in black lacquered wood and the tubular design, in the Dark Base color, completes the look of this collector’s piece. Felt pads on the feet prevent any scratches on hard floors. Produced in a limited series of 1,963 examples, the chair retails for 911 euros. Design: Charles & Ray Eames, 1950.

The special “ID Trim L Pepita Edition” office chair is also upholstered in original Porsche Pepita fabric. Lumbar support can be adjusted to suit individual needs. The look is completed by the leather upholstery of the headliner emblazoned with the historic Porsche logo. The flow movement mechanism allows you to adjust the direction and depth of the seat and promote a relaxed posture, even when sitting for a long time. The series is limited to 911 models, each of which sells for 1,911 euros. Design: Antonio Cittero, 2010/2021.

The “Petit Repos Pepita Edition” armchair guarantees exceptional comfort with a pad covered in original Pepita fabric. Double stitching adds a touch of style, while the bottom is in a Dark Base color. Design: Antonio Cittero, 2013.

The sale will start on Monday (April 22, 2024), starting at 9:00 CET. The Porsche Pepita by Vitra Edition Collection is exclusively available online: at the Porsche Store and the Porsche Design Online Store.