Prouvé RAW – The G-Star RAW Crossover with Vitra continues. On April 18th, 2012 G-Star RAW and Vitra will launch the next Prouvé RAW furniture collection including the new iconic Anthony chair at Salone del Mobile, Milan. The Prouvé RAW collection is a respectful reinterpretation of furniture pieces originally designed by French modernist Jean Prouvé.

Highlight in Milan is the introduction of a new chair that G-Star and Vitra have added to the Prouvé RAW collection, the Antony. This chair was one of Prouvé’s last designs, combining an unconventional structure with a dynamic shape. Like the existing Prouvé RAW designs, the new interpretation of the Antony embraces quality, functionality, innovation, pure aesthetics and subtle design. The original collection, launched at Art Basel in June 2011, featured 17 classic designs, of which 9 are being sold in a numbered edition. To follow up on the success of the Prouvé RAW designs in both the media and retail environment, also two additional designs have been made available to buy; Fauteuil de Salon and Compas Direction.

Jean Prouvé’s designs stand for a language of necessity and construction, all the while giving the technical object a poetic aura. Born in 1901 in Paris, he was trained as a metal-smith and engineer before turning his attention to crafting furniture and starting his own industrial manufacturing. The iconic designs of Jean Prouvé have always been an inspiration to the G-Star team. Already for many years, some of his designs and original pieces have been present in several G-Star offices and showrooms. His focus on balance, logic and use of pure and raw materials, mirrors G-Star’s own product-approach.

The Prouvé RAW line extends the Crossover Series of RAW Defender, RAW Ferry and RAW Cannondale; unique design experiments that fuse G-Star’s core DNA with that of other product manufacturers committed to innovation, technology and craftsmanship. Vitra works with leading contemporary designers and represents outstanding classic furniture collections, such as the works of Jean Prouvé. G-Star RAW. Just the Product.

Antony, 1954
The Antony chair was put into production by Ateliers Jean Prouvé after the French architect’s design won a competition to furnish student accommodations of the Cité Universitaire in Antony, near Paris. In a manner typical of Prouvé, the chair’s robust frame – which supports the light and expressive plywood seat – is reminiscent of architectural structures. For greater comfort, the shell can be covered with a cushioned wadding. Originally called the “seagull chair” – due to the shape of the chair’s curved seat – Antony is a low chair, well-suited for different uses at home as well as in public spaces.

Fauteuil de Salon, 1951
The Fauteuil de Salon is a new member in the Prouvé family. Rediscovered in the rich archives of Jean Prouvé, this armchair was developed out of the Standard chair. It is based on the same construction principles, using strong, folded sheet metal for the conic back legs. The pin-like legs in the front develop into the armrests of the chair and create a perfect counterbalance to this constructive chair mobilé. As with the Standard, the Fauteuil de Salon is a robust, functionally versatile chair, which works equally well at home or lobbies and lounge areas.

Compas Direction, 1953
Jean Prouvé developed the Compas Direction desk in various models around 1950, applying the construction principles that he is known for. All share elegantly splayed, narrow legs in metal, a formal reminder of a compass – in French, “le compas”. With its compact dimensions, the table is ideal for the contemporary, largely paperless, home office, where it cuts a fine figure, particularly in combination with the Fauteuil Direction.