The Danish genius for cool living

Veekrit Palarit of Norse Republics continues making inroads into a furniture market dominated by Italian brands, adding two more big Danish names to a selection that began with Hay’s introduction to Thailand last year.
Veekrit has now given Thai homeowners some terrific designs from the brands Lightyears and Republic of Fritz Hansen. They’ll soon be available at the Hay’s outlet at Siam Discovery.
“Republic of Fritz Hansen best represents Nordic aesthetics,” Veekrit says. “The collection comprises the most iconic pieces of furniture from renowned Danish architects and designers, including Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Egg’, ‘Swan’ and ‘Series 7’ chairs and Poul Kjaerholm’s ‘PK22’ chair and ‘PK80’ daybed.

Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair

The philosophy at Fritz Hansen is that a single piece of furniture can beautify an entire room – or building – and improve the wellbeing of the inhabitants. Its designers include the internationally recognised Jaime Hayon, Piero Lissoni, Kasper Salto and Cecilie Manz.
“While Hay is actually a young brand, founded in 2002, it’s quickly become known internationally for its minimalist, playful and accessible furnishings,” says Veekrit, a graduate of the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan.
“Fritz Hansen, on the other hand, was established in 1872 and much of its history has involved collaborations with leading international designers. With these two brands I can fill in the needs of both professionals and homemakers.”
Arne Jacobsen’s 1952 “Ant” was the first chair to be made of pressure-moulded and sliced veneer. Different types of veneer are used today, finished with ash or lacquer in various colours. Its three or four legs are tubes of chromed steel.
The Egg lounge chair sprang from another technique that Jacobsen pioneered – an upholstered shell of sturdy foam whose tilting angle can be adjusted.

Poul Kjaerholm’s PK25 chair 

Poul Kjaerholm conceived the PK25 lounge chair in 1951 as his graduation project at Copenhagen’s School of Applied Arts. The frame is a single length of chromed-steel curved in such a way that there are no joints. The simplicity becomes complete in a seat and back fashioned from a flag halyard of nylon-reinforced linen that winds around the frame.
Lamps from Lightyears – founded in 2005 and part of Fritz Hansen since mid-2015 – are as beautiful as they are functional and made with durable copper, steel and acrylic. 
“Many restaurants and cafes in Bangkok are minimalist in style, so Scandinavian design is perfect for them,” Veekrit says. “Lightyears lamps are centrepieces for spectacular interior designs in restaurants, hotels, corporate headquarters, shops and private homes all over the world.”

Jo Hammerborg’s Orient lamp

Lightyears reintroduced Jo Hammerborg’s 1963 pendant light, the Orient, featuring a copper globe shade and rosewood case with narrow vertical slots at the top that soften the light.

Morten Voss’ Aeon Rocket lamp

Morten Voss’ Aeon Rocket was the first lamp to utilise the luminous qualities of metal and polypropylene. The simple upper shade directs ample light downward, while the lower polypropylene shade diffuses it. 
Meanwhile Hay’s latest furniture, accessories and stationery are decidedly playful in design.

The single-seat Can Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec 

 Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec offer an entirely new take on the sofa with a marvellously simplified “Can Sofa”, the frame, cover and cushions delivered flat-packed and easily assembled with one, two or three seats. “That makes it really practical for younger people living in compact spaces,” Veekrit says. “The single-seater is so light it can be easily carried around.”

About a Chair by Hee Welling

About a Chair, made in collaboration with designer Hee Welling, now comes in 14 new colours and is ideal for outdoors as well as indoors. The 13Eighty stool gets its name from the 1,380 perforations in the plastic shell-seat.

The Tann Toothbrush from tooth-care firm Jordan has a plastic handle and nylon brushes and is available in shades from soft grey and yellow to pale pink and green.
“Hay’s priority is furniture that’s functional and shows fine craftsmanship,” says Veekrit. “People these days pay attention to the details, and they want quality as well as style, whether it’s a coffee mug, a pen or even a toothbrush.”

Hay’s Tann Toothbrush comes in pastel shades

 FLYING IN FOR MAY
The Republic of Fritz Hansen and Lightyears collections go on sale in May at the Hay’s store on the third floor of Siam Discovery.
The store is open daily from 10 to 10. Call (090) 915 9788 or visit www.NorseRepublics.com.