01. B&B Italia Moon System Sofa
From S$19,115 at Space Furniture
When a well-known designer passes away, it's inevitable that his or her works become more sought-after. A case in point would be the Moon System Sofa by the late Zaha Hadid, celebrated for her distinctive aesthetic. The organic-shaped sofa is characteristic of Hadid's curved geometric style. The Moon System is best displayed in the middle of the living room, where the sofa looks like an object from outer space – a perfect conversation piece.
02. Carl Hansen & Son Shell Chair
From S$3,955, at Xtra
The three-legged chair by Hans J Wegner is a classic example of Scandinavian design. Although it's been around since 1963, it still remains a hot favourite among the design crowd. Its wing-shaped seat and geometric form make it one of the most recognisable chairs. This new limited edition collection features a collaboration with Jim Thompson, where the chairs are upholstered in its signature silk textiles in colour themes of red, blue, yellow and green.
03. Flexform Thomas Armchair
From S$1,980, at Flexform
Designed by Antonio Citterio, the Thomas is an armchair that you can't wait to flop into. It looks like a big ottoman with a wooden back, and from other angles it appears like a high cushion floating off the ground. The cushion is upholstered in your choice of cashmere, cotton or leather.
04. Poltrona Frau Vanity Fair Armchair
From S$10,665 at Proof Living
It is said that the 904 model armchair from Poltrona Frau is the archetype of the modern armchair. The Vanity Fair is a replica of that celebrated model, known for its typical round shape and the row of leather-covered nails that add the finishing touch to the back of the seat and the arms. The padding uses horsehair, and the seat cushion is filled with goose down, making it one armchair you want to sink into.
05. Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman
From S$7,599, at Xtra
The Eames Lounge & Ottoman is an icon that just gets better with age. Designed by married couple Charles and Ray Eames, there was nothing like it when it was introduced in 1956. The chair is permanently tilted at a 15-degree angle to take the weight off the lower spine and distribute it to the back of the chair, making it extremely comfortable to lie back in. The only manufacturing change that has been made over the years is switching to the use of veneers from sustainably managed forests.
06. Giorgetti Progetti Pure Armchair
From S$7,570 at Space Furniture
When the Progetti armchair by Umberto Asnago was first introduced in 1987, it wowed the design world with its unusual armrests that resembled the handle of an antique walking stick. For its 30th anniversary in 2017, it has released a new version where its beech wood structure is left exposed to showcase Giorgetti's intricate craftsmanship within.
07. Zanotta Sacco Seat
S$685, at W. Atelier
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Sacco easy chair. Designers Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro wanted to create a universal seat that would adapt to any body, in any position.
The result is Sacco, a bean bag with plenty of clout. When it was first launched, it represented a new poetic aspect of design: open, flexible and dynamic. Sacco comes in three sizes to fit all users.
08. Cassina Utrecht Armchair
Price upon enquiry, at Space Furniture
Despite being designed in 1935, the Utrecht Armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld looks just as relevant today. Over the years, customers have had a wide choice of customised options, from zig-zag stitching to new colours and sizes.
Now, the Utrecht gets an even more updated look with the new BoxBlocks fabric, which comes in colourful geometric prints.
09. Panton Chrome and Panton Glow Chairs
Price upon enquiry at Vitra by Grafunkt
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, designer Verner Panton should be proud of his all-plastic cantilevered chair, which has since spawned many copies.
Fifty years after its launch, Vitra is issuing two limited editions of this classic: one in a chrome finish, and another which glows. With better technology today, Panton's dream of having a mirrored surface chair is now a reality. The dazzling mirrored effect of Panton Chrome is the result of a process where metal particles are embedded in multiple layers of varnish. The Panton Chrome will be available in March. The Panton Glow has five layers of a varnish containing phosphorescent pigments. The pigments absorb daylight and emit a blue glow in the dark. The Panton Glow will be available in June.
10. Fritz Hansen Egg Chair
From S$10,380, at W. Atelier
Another recognisable icon that has stood the test of time, the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen was designed in 1958 for the first commission for the lobby and reception areas of Copenhagen's SAS Royal Hotel.
The Egg sprang from a new technique which Jacobsen pioneered: a strong foam inner shell beneath the upholstery. The design is available in a wide range of fabric upholstery as well as leather, and is always combined with a star base in aluminium mounted on a satin-polished steel pedestal. A matching footstool is also available.
11. Molteni&C D.655.2 Chest of Drawers
S$8,430, at P5
Keep things neat with this chest of drawers by the late Giovanni Ponti, who was considered one of the Italian masters of architecture and furniture design. The D.655.2 chest has hand-painted white drawers with handles in different kinds of wood including elm and mahogany. Ponti designed several versions from 1952 to 1955. This new version is produced from original drawings kept in the Giovanni Ponti Archives.
Originally written by Tay Suan Chiang for The Business Times.