Products Unique to the Memorial Year Also on Display

At the press preview held at Cassina ixc. Aoyama, Barbara Lehman, head of Archives at Cassina S.p.A., who played a leading role in the planning, VMD (Visual Merchandising), and historical interpretation of the "LC50" project, visited Japan to explain the exhibition's content and historical background.

"This year marks 50 years since Le Corbusier's death, and also the 50th anniversary of Cassina's revival production of the LC Collection. The LC Collection, embodying the spirit of mechanization and industrial production, began with its presentation at the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion in Bologna, Italy, in 1925. At the time, it was groundbreaking for furniture that fused form and function to be used in residences," said Barbara.

Initiatives for Environmental Impact Aligned with the Creator's Intent Also Launched

"Charlotte Perriand, who collaborated with Le Corbusier on design from 1927 and was involved in furniture production, worked with her daughter and successor, Pernette Perriand, until her death in 1999. Since the revival production began at Cassina in 1965, they continuously contributed to material updates and innovations in manufacturing techniques for the details," she continued.

Barbara also stated, "Cassina strives to maintain high quality while faithfully reproducing the originals in its revival production. Furthermore, we have switched from highly toxic hexavalent chromium, used for corrosion prevention and a beautiful finish, to trivalent chromium, which is less toxic and causes less environmental damage from waste. We have also newly adopted organic leather, which does not use toxic chemicals in the tanning process, and environmentally friendly WATERBORN fabric. Currently, products are accompanied by ID cards that include certifications conforming to environmental impact standards, and 'eco-friendly' cards."

Special Edition Model for the 90th Anniversary of the Maison La Roche

The "LC2 Maison La Roche" (LC2 Maison La Roche Specification), produced in a limited edition of 90 units (5 units imported to Japan) for the special exhibition "LC50," was designed in 1928 and adopted as furniture for the residence of Raoul La Roche, a Swiss banker and friend of Le Corbusier.

The Maison La Roche, a modern architectural masterpiece designed by Le Corbusier with Pierre Jeanneret, was conceived to beautifully display Mr. La Roche's art collection, which included works by Picasso, Braque, and Léger. It is now open to the public as a museum.

The "LC2 Maison La Roche" is one of the first prototypes of the armchair, and compared to the standard LC2, there is a significant difference in the contrast of materials that emphasizes the softness of the cushions. The tobacco-colored soft leather with a brown frame and its exceptionally soft appearance are due to the filling, which uses feathers exclusively. This special edition model is engraved with the limited edition number, serial number, signatures of the creators, and the "Cassina I MAESTRI" logo.

Period of the Special Exhibition "LC50" Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the "LC Collection" Revival
Cassina ixc. Aoyama Main Store
1-2-14 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Unimat Aoyama Building 1F-3F
Period: Until Sunday, June 14, 2015

Cassina ixc. Fukuoka Store
4-8-28 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka FT Scala Building 1F
Period: Until Tuesday, June 9

Cassina ixc. Osaka Store
4-2-4 Minamisemba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Nissei Midosuji Building 1F, 2F
Period: Thursday, June 18 - Tuesday, July 14

Cassina ixc. Nagoya Store
5-215 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya 2F (1F The Conran Shop)
Period: Thursday, June 18 - Tuesday, July 14

"LC50" Special Website
http://www.cassina-ixc.jp/lc50/index.html