Knoll

Knoll is one of the most influential publishers of designer furniture in the 20th century, with a number of landmark creations. Today, these iconic pieces are an integral part of the reference collection at Maison Vachon.

THE ORIGINS OF "KNOLL STYLE"

Immersed in an entrepreneurial and family culture around furniture, Hans Knoll, son of Walter Knoll, follows in his father’s footsteps and leaves Germany in the 1930s. Arrived in the United States in 1937, he launched a furniture production workshop in New York: the Hans Knoll Furniture Company was born. Shortly, he will meet an American, Florence Knoll, who will become his partner and then his wife. As a student in architecture, she works alongside some of the best Bauhaus artists. A nice coincidence for the wife of a German entrepreneur. Just like him, she is above all full of creativity, passionate about new shapes and innovative materials.

KEY MODELS OF DESIGN

Together, they will put their enthusiasm to the benefit of aesthetics. They create within their company, a revolutionary service dedicated to customer support: the "Planning Unit". It will allow to meet the demands encompassing interior architecture, design, production, textile work and graphics. The American company is then flourishing, and gradually partners with big names in design. Among the most important collaborations, we find the Womb Chair designed by Eero Saarinen or several models by Harry Bertoia like the Diamond armchair. Knoll also counts on the acquisition of the reproduction rights for the furniture by designer Mies van der Rohe, to whom we owe the low armless chair Barcelona.

In 1955, Florence Knoll took over the company alone following her husband’s death. Space development projects continue to flow in, especially with large companies. Knoll notably publishes the Tulip collection designed by Eero Saarinen. The chair, just like the table, is today one of the largest and has become a design classic in the 20th century.

A BELIEF IN MODERN DESIGN

If Knoll underwent significant changes after the departure of Florence Knoll in 1965, the spirit of the house has been preserved. Giving pride of place to the creations, the reissues are also part of the flagship collections of the brand. Between elegance and subtlety, each piece of furniture must complement the architectural space without stifling it. With international recognition, Knoll offers an unparalleled offer in the design market.

Country of origin: USA – Manufacturing in North America and Italy