Both family companies, Vitra and Porsche, are connected by more than a common passion for exceptional design and technology. Some of their success stories began at the same time, with the realization of a dream: in 1948, Charles and Ray Eames presented a chair with a unique seat and back in a competition at the Museum of Modern Art. At a time when plastic was still considered an innovation, this chair with armrests went down in design history. That same year, Feri Porsche realized his vision of a sports car and, together with his team, designed the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster.
As part of a series production partnership Porsche Pepita Edition by VitraVitra produces three limited edition chairs for the sports car manufacturer. The special feature of these chairs is that they are covered with original Pepita fabric from Porsche. The iconic “pepita” pattern is made of small squares connected by diagonal lines. Pepita was first available as an official option for the Porsche 911 in 1965. Before that, it was offered as a special option in the final stage of the Porsche 356, but only on request and very rarely. Most recently, Pepita was reintroduced in the 2022 911 Sport Classic, another collector’s item from the Heritage Design series.
Porsche Pepita Edition by Vitra includes the following chair models: ‘Eames Plastic Side Chair Pepita Edition’, ‘ID Trim L Pepita Edition’ i ‘Petit Repos Pepita Edition’. The last two modern chairs were designed by the Milanese architect and designer Antonio Citterio.
The chairs were shown to the public for the first time as part of the event ‘The Art of Dreams’ in Milan. This latest installation in a global exhibition series focuses on geometry, symmetry, rhythm and repetition.
‘Eames Plastic Side Chair Pepita Edition’ combines functionality and design with precision manufacturing and high-quality materials. The seat shell is adapted to the contours of the body and provides comfortable support. Genuine Porsche Pepita fabric is upholstered on the seat and backrest, while a white shell and black maple wood plinth complete the look. Limited to 1,963 copies, the chair costs 911 euros. Design: Charles and Ray Eames, 1950.
‘ID Trim L Pepita Edition’ is a distinctive office chair, also upholstered in original Pepita fabric. An adjustable lumbar support adapts to individual needs, while a leather headrest embossed with the historic Porsche crest completes the design. The mechanism for adjusting the inclination and depth of the seat allows for a relaxed position, even during prolonged sitting. This edition is limited to 911 copies, with a price of 1,911 euros. Design: Antonio Chiterio, 2010/2021.
‘Petit Repos Pepita Edition’ is a compact armchair (99 copies, 3,911 euros) that offers exceptional comfort thanks to the upholstered Pepita fabric. Double stitching adds an accent to the design, while the underside is in Basic Dark. Design: Antonio Citerio, 2013.
Source: www.magazinauto.com
