Vitra

Vitra is a Swiss furniture manufacturer founded in 1950 in Birsfelden, near Basel, by Willi Fehlbaum. The company began by producing furniture under license and quickly developed into one of the most influential and design-driven manufacturers of modern and contemporary furniture. Vitra is especially known for its close, long-term collaborations with leading designers and architects, as well as its commitment to design as a cultural discipline.

A defining moment in Vitra’s history came through its relationship with Charles and Ray Eames, whose furniture Vitra has produced for Europe since the 1950s. Iconic designs such as the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Eames Plastic Chairs, and Eames Aluminum Group remain central to the company’s collection. Vitra also works with designers including Jean Prouvé, Verner Panton, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, Jasper Morrison, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, and Antonio Citterio, creating a portfolio that spans classic modernism and contemporary design.

Vitra’s furniture ranges from residential and office seating to tables, storage systems, and accessories. The company is known for combining industrial precision with exceptional material quality, often reengineering historic designs to meet modern standards while preserving their original character. Innovation in ergonomics, sustainability, and production technology is a core part of Vitra’s philosophy.

Beyond manufacturing, Vitra plays an important role in design research and education through the Vitra Campus, which includes landmark architectural works by designers such as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, and Tadao Ando, as well as the Vitra Design Museum.