DESIGN /
INTERIOR
January 13, 2015
Herman Miller | Eames Chairs: Choose from Over 51,574 Combinations
Herman Miller
The World's Most Famous Chair Now Comes in 51,574 Variations
New Lineup Added to the Eames Shell Chair
A new lineup has been added to the Eames Shell Chair. In addition to nine new colors for the plastic shell chair, upholstered versions with fabric on the shell have also been introduced, further expanding the joy of choice.
Text by HAMADA Masaru (OPENERS)
New Finishes Added for the Base, Not Just Shell Colors
The Eames Shell Chair, first released by Herman Miller in 1950, has been loved worldwide ever since. Initially made of fiberglass, production of the shell was discontinued in 1989 (1997 in Japan) due to manufacturing process issues. It was subsequently changed to polypropylene in 2000, with the wood shell chair revived in 2013 and the fiberglass shell chair in 2014. The current shell chairs are available in three types: polypropylene (plastic), wood, and fiberglass.
Previously, the shell chair offered 230 variations, allowing customers to choose shell colors, materials, armrests, base types, and finishes. With the addition of new shell colors and base finishes, the variations have now dramatically increased to 51,574.
Specifically, nine new colors—including Brush, Pale Yellow, Blue Ice, and Kelly Green—have been added to the plastic shell chair, bringing the total to 14 colors.
Upholstered versions with fabric have been added to the plastic and fiberglass shell chairs.
The fabrics, designed by Alexander Girard, who was active as a textile designer for Herman Miller during the mid-century period alongside Eames, are available in 17 colors. For the wood shell chair, Ebony (black-stained ash) has been added, bringing the total to four types, including the existing Walnut, White Ash, and Santos Palisander.
Plastic Shell Chair, Pale Yellow
Plastic Shell Chair, Blue Ice
Plastic Shell Chair, Brush
Plastic Shell Chair, Kelly Green
New specifications have also been added to the supporting base, not just the shell. The Wire Base and 4-Leg Base now come in "White" in addition to the existing Trivalent Chrome and Black, making three finishes. The Wire version of the Dowel Base, previously only available in Black, now includes Trivalent Chrome and White. The wood options have expanded to four types (including Maple, Ebony, and Walnut) with the addition of White Ash.
Wire Base, White
Wire Base, Trivalent Chrome
Wire Base, Black
Dowel Base, Trivalent Chrome, White Ash
To commemorate the launch of the new specifications, Herman Miller Store and MoMA DESIGN STORE are holding a campaign. A special exhibition of Eames Shell Chairs is underway, and purchasers of the Eames Shell Chair will receive either "100 Quotes by Charles Eames" or "MoMA Eames Chair Coasters." Additionally, the first 100 visitors will receive a novelty gift.
Girard Throw
Herman Miller Japan will also launch the Girard Throw, a colorful blanket designed by Alexander Girard, on November 20 (Thursday). Made from a blend of 82% virgin wool and 18% cotton, it is breathable and resistant to wrinkles. It is available in four colors: Orange/Fuchsia, Teal/Aqua, Black/White, and Natural/White. The price is ¥39,500 (excluding tax).
Eames Shell Chair
Price | Eames Plastic Shell Chair from ¥35,000 (excl. tax)
Eames Wood Shell Chair from ¥85,000 (excl. tax)
Eames Fiberglass Shell Chair from ¥52,000 (excl. tax)
Girard Throw
Price | ¥39,500 (excl. tax)
Colors | Orange/Fuchsia, Teal/Aqua, Black/White, Natural/White
Herman Miller Japan
Tel. +81-3-3201-1830
http://www.hermanmiller.co.jp/