Rattan has returned to the spotlight after a decades-long break. The Danish company GUBI has re-launched Basket, a stylish rattan collection that stays faithful to the original design of the 1960s.
THE BASKET COLLECTION was originally created by Joe Colombo in the 1960s and manufactured by Pierantonio Bonacina, an Italian furniture maker who is especially known for its rattan furniture.
Now the Danish company GUBI has relaunched the stylish collection, including a lounge chair, 2-seater sofa, and 3-seater sofa, all available in many upholstery and colors.
The new Basket collection has stayed faithful to Colombo’s original drawings back in 1967. Only a few minor changes have been made. The dimensions of the armchair and both sofas have been updated to meet the ergonomic needs of today better.
The original inner shell, made from fiberglass, has been replaced with an environmentally friendly carbon steel shell that also offers more stability and durability.
If one knows Joe Colombo and his works any better, one might be a little bit surprised by the rattan Basket collection. The Italian designer was best known for his passion for plastics and other synthetic materials – natural materials were not exactly his cup of tea.
However, a closer look at rattan chairs and sofas reveals recognizable elements that are related to the Colombo style: a modern aesthetic, a futuristic style, and innovative use of material are also present in the captivating rattan collection.
Colombo was also known for his desire to create furniture that would fit any space, regardless of the surrounding architecture. And yes, indeed, the Basket collection's soft lines, gentle retro feeling, and extreme comfort make it suitable for many different rooms and situations – these sofas and lounge chairs can be easily imagined in homes of the past, present, and future.
See also:
• All products designed by Joe Colombo >
• All sofas at Finnish Design Shop >
• All armchairs and lounge chairs at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: GUBI