Vintage: the art of revamping
Vintage is definitely part of our DNA. First of all, through the very mandate of our upholstery service which offers to revamp your sofas, chairs and favorite benches. A small gesture to help the environment. We are avid scrap dealers! The majority of furniture thrown on the street is more often than not recoverable. Pay special attention to those on your path next time, and try imagining them with a little youthful treatment, and you'll see!
Beyond upholstery, the vintage style also and always inspires us when developing our textiles and collections. We’ll come back to it later.
All you should know about vintage
What is the official definition of vintage? Two things are implied when it comes to vintage. It qualifies any original object that dates back to a 20th century era. And rare items that many love to collect.
We recently read that to qualify as “vintage”, a product must meet three criteria:
1. Be at least 20 years old;
2. Represent a design period that impacted an era;
3. Be in a good state of conservation for the original parts.
Nowadays, the word vintage is more and more used to characterize contemporary objects – combining authenticity and modernity – inspired by old times. We are talking about neo-retro for this second category of vintage. Thin furniture legs, return of teak furniture, retro lamps and so on.
Where does this trend come from?
Thrift stores, vinyl shops and second-hand dealers are popular. The number of vintage markets also confirms this trend.
It would be difficult to explain this popularity with a single factor. Having emerged in the 80s, vintage is now everywhere. Our increased environmental awareness in the recent years has probably generated an interest for second-hand objects, « slow fashion » and retro. Consuming sustainably is becoming more and more entrenched in our practices, and, hopefully, will continue to be more so.
The trend can also be explained by a fascination for the past, a hint of nostalgia. We search, discover, reminisce, and appropriate to ourselves goods that have been praised by other generations. Textile, accessories, cars, appliances, vintage is the trend of the moment. Who does not have a vintage piece at home?
The success of vintage furniture
Furniture is no exception to this trend. The 20th century brought a lot of original furniture designs with unique lines that continue to influence contemporary designers today.
Vintage furniture is also synonymous with quality manufacturing techniques combined with noble materials such as teak, rosewood and brass. It is not a coincidence they are still in very good condition decades later. Alongside modern items, this kind of furniture from the last century is sure to bring a lot of character to a home.
Our favorite eras
Opinions are opinions. At Foutu Tissu, we have a slight preference for the 50s and 60s, two decades close in time, but very different!
Furniture with curvy shapes, graphic patterns, acid colors. The post-war period is known for the revolutions of styles and shapes in furniture and interior design, but more so for its new industrial techniques (use of steel, aluminum, molding, etc.).
Designers from this era have become icons which are still considered as such today: Charles & Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, Arne Jacobsen, etc.
This era then gave way to the 60s when plastic becomes the go-to material. It is now all about curves, zig zag, color, psychedelic. Long live the pop years!
The 60s are the years of Verner Panton and Joe Colombo.
When designing its textile, Foutu Tissu likes the 60s for its madness, repetition and psychedelic touch. We love to mix all of this with the designs and look of furniture of the 50s with the presence of wood, and the friendly, mellow and inviting touch.
What about you?
