Stop all this “Disposable Consumption” – designers are trying to put FOOD on the table over here! Getting the look-for-less is a common theme found in fashion and home decor magazines. It is also a colourful sport among friends who compete for the most fabulous finds at the cheapest price. Nowadays it seems like it’s less about what you got as it is about how little you paid for it! At the center of this heated debate seems to be chair design, with big hitters like Emeco and Fritz Hansen starring in recent articles decrying the appropriation of original designs into more affordable formats that * gasp * the GENERAL PUBLIC could enjoy. In regards to the booming knock-off market, Sara Ost – Dwell’s Digital Content Editor as well as the author of a recent article regarding the impact of knock-off designs — had the following to say: We can assume that this sentiment extends even to us Canadians — what with our love of Ikea furniture and meatballs we can’t help but be lumped in with our neighbours to the South!
For those (like me!) who are close to clueless about the exact make/origin/era of their dining room chairs, or any chairs for that matter, this issue may seem a wee bit…dare I say…pretentious? However in the world of design nothing instigates a more heated discussion than the issue of “knock-offs”. At Dwell’s recent 2013 conference the topic was the focal point for their “Can You Spot the Fake” panel, and quite a few good points were raised regarding the negative impact the knock-off industry can have on even regular folk like you and me. The discussion focused on the Emeco Navy chair and the knock-off version touted by Restoration Hardware For some, Restoration Hardware may be a higher-end option for their Ikea staples, so it may come as a bit of a surprise to hear that in fact Restoration Hardware is being outed as a “cheap” option for the REAL thing. Despite a general distaste for arguments that seem to be defending the high prices associated with getting a “brand” name there are some good arguments to be made:
As a counter-argument, interviewer Jaime Gill brought up a good point when questioning Fritz Hansen’s Vice President of Sales. He suggested that people buying knock-offs and people buying the pricey original design were two completely different markets, and therefore knock-offs weren’t stealing business from the original designer or manufacturer. Fritz Hansen’s Director of Sales had nothing good to say about this sentiment, and essentially spat on the concept of knockoffs EVER being considered acceptable let alone beneficial. Now when it comes to price, it is hard to sympathize with large companies that seem to be charging extraordinary prices for the aura of an original design (a Fritz Hansen Series 7 Chair sells for $600 a pop, whereas the knock-off is only $60). However, I think what is most important when it comes to this issue is to focus on what design and quality really mean to various people. Even our company deals with the sticker-shock that can come with getting custom-made, high-quality material.
There is a time and a place for less-expensive products, but the consumer should always be aware of the durability and maintenance issues that come with lesser-quality materials and production processes. When it comes to original designs and the designers behind them there is a less tangible cost associated with going with a knock-off. This price comes at the expense of hardworking artists and artisans who put a great deal of blood sweat and tears to see there designs come to fruition. These designs often reflect the care put into them in the materials and manufacturing processes used. Original design shouldn’t always have to be astronomically priced, however there is a price tag associated with this level of work. What we really need to focus on is supporting true artisans and craftsmen/women. Take Brian Boggs Chairmakers – this is the perfect example of original designs created by a true artist, whose company also invests in environmentally conscious practices and work that supports the local economy and betters the community around them.
THIS is exactly who we need to think about when choosing between purchasing a knock-off item or an original design. In many cases brand names like Fritz Hansen do charge a premium to buy a product that bears their name – but it’s often with sound reasoning. They have more over-head to cover and more money from each purchase is spent on advertising and branding their designs so that they continue to hold a special status.While this may not be an appealing reason for their high prices, they also often invest more time and money into developing original designs and working with craftspeople like Brian Boggs. Although at first glance it may seem like you are supporting some high-paid CEO to sit with his white siberian tiger drinking expensive Syrah while he laughs at the foolish folk who actually pay for his over-priced products, the reasoning behind the pricing is far more legitimate. On the other hand, a 2009 study by the Harvard School of Business revealed that women who bought knockoff handbags would eventually move up to the real deal.
This article’sauthor summarized the findings saying: So don’t feel ashamed of your Ikea custom shelving unit, or your not-quite-expensive-enough Restoration Hardware furnishings, you’re just one “cheap-fix” away from getting that handcrafted gem you’ve been drooling over! For a fun, if subjective “test” of a knock-off vs. the real deal watch this video of a Fritz Hansen employee stomping on a knock-off versions of their Series 7 chair, and then gently bouncing on the original. According to Fritz Hansen: Quality -> proven! The Southern Table: Brighten Up Your Table (Pages 17-18)Designers: Genifer Sohr and Meghan Kelly, Nashville; .Table: 1966 Collection Porcelain Dining Table in White (29721) by Richard Schultz; .Chairs: 111 Navy Chair in Standard White; emeco.net.Flatware: Dipped Flatware 5-Piece Place Setting in Red; .Cake stand: for a similar look, try the Bianca Red Scalloped Pedestal Plate (15114145); .Mason jars: Ball Regular Mouth Jars; .Napkins: for a similar look, try the Grate Napkin Set in Begonia;
..Floral dishes, white vases, and yellow mugs: vintage, from Lincoln Road Flea Market, Miami; .Calligraphy: The English Letter, Ginger English, Nashville; .Paper straws: Paper Party Drinking Straws in Peaches & Cream; .Flags on straws: Martha Stewart Doily Lace Paper Tape in Gold Metallic; .Place mats (at coffee station): Confetti Paper Placemat; .Quote poster: Ernest Hemingway 8 x 10; .White frame: for a similar look, try the Canopy 8 x 10 Gallery Picture Frame in White (001733476); . Drink dispenser: for a similar look, try the 2-Gallon Glass Hand Etched Beverage Dispenser (J210964GB); . Decanter: Tall Glass Whiskey Bottle with Wood Stopper; . Floral journals: Botanicals Notebook Collection by Rifle Paper Co. for Chronicle Books; . Calling cards: Custom Illustrated Calling Card; Before & After: Rightsize Your Remodel (Pages 22-27)Architect: Heather Wilson, Heather A. Wilson Architect, Charleston, SC; .Designer: Jen Langston, Jen Langston Interiors, Charleston, SC; Ceiling lights: Davey Lighting’s Large Oval Bulkhead Light (22739) in Brass;
.Cabinetry paint: custom match to Viking Blue. For a similar look, try Calypso Blue (727); .Countertops: South African Bianco Avion Marble and Backsplash: Handmade 4 x 6 Ahnzu Subway Tile in Matte White, both fabricated by Sarah Miles, Tile and Stone Design Studio, Charleston, SC; .Refrigerator: 24-Inch Built-In Fresh Food Column (T24IR800SP) and Freezer: (T24IF800SP); .Range: 36" Custom Sealed Burner Self-Cleaning Range in Viking Blue (VGSC5366BVB); .Shelf (above range): handcrafted by Roberto Puig, Charleston, SC; 843/860-9029.Sconces: Mast Light with Transformer Box (24412) in Polished Bronze; .Teapot: Simplex Heritage 2 Quart Tea Kettle in Copper; .Wood dish (with oranges): Wood Bark Bowl (442797); .Island paint: White River (1499); .Sink: Original Fireclay Single Bowl Apron Kitchen Sink (RC2418WH); .Faucet: Parche Prep Faucet in Polished Brass; Stools: Adjustable Industrial Stool (7944937); .Blue-and-white vases, fan, and seltzer bottles: vintage, similar items available from Antiques of South Windmere, Charleston, SC;