The After Series: Michael Anastassiades Reimagines Design Heritage for Fritz Hansen

The After Series: Michael Anastassiades Reimagines Design Heritage for Fritz Hansen

In the realm of design, certain forms resonate with an almost primal familiarity. The column, a foundational element of architecture, stands as a testament to enduring strength and timeless elegance. It is this profound connection to history and form that Michael Anastassiades masterfully explores in his captivating “After Series” for Fritz Hansen, a collection that seamlessly marries the humility of Danish design with an unparalleled level of finish.

A Dialogue with Design Ancestry

The “After Series” is more than just a new furniture line; it’s a thoughtful conversation across centuries. Anastassiades delves deep into the genesis of the built environment, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek seating and the revered legacies of design luminaries like Kaare Klint and Poul Kjærholm. The result is a dining collection that feels both refreshingly contemporary and deeply rooted in a rich design lineage. Each piece, from chair to table, exudes a balanced and clean aesthetic, standing firmly on a solid footprint of design history while pushing its boundaries.

Crafted in Contrast: Materials, Hues, and Light

Anastassiades’ meticulous attention to materiality and color is a hallmark of the “After Series.” The collection is primarily crafted from solid oak, celebrated through two distinct finishes that create a dynamic interplay of light and texture:

• Deep Burgundy Lazur:

  This rich, evocative hue speaks to the depth of Anastassiades’ work, embodying a sophisticated fusion of industrial production and artisanal techniques. It expertly highlights the balanced proportions of the forms, adding a luxurious dimension.
• Natural Oak: In striking contrast, the natural finish embraces the raw beauty of the solid oak. It emphasizes the wood’s inherent materiality and the soft, subtle undulations of its grain, offering an unimpeded view of its organic charm.

The collection’s elegance is further elevated by the choice of tabletops. The “After” table, designed to complement its chair counterpart, is available with a stunning Rosso Levanto marble top. This gorgeous marble, with its deep veins and polished, glossy finish, perfectly enhances the burgundy lazur colorway, introducing a fantastic textural element and a touch of opulent luxury. For those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, a natural, unadorned version allows the inherent beauty of the oak to shine through.

Subtle Sculpturality: The Art of Detail

The magic of the “After Series” lies in its finely wrought details, a testament to the collaborative synergy between Anastassiades and Fritz Hansen. The “After” chair features a seat that slopes ever so slightly, its thoughtful edge remaining subtly offset – a small yet delicate detail that speaks volumes about ergonomic consideration and refined craftsmanship. Similarly, the “After” table’s top appears to float just above its legs, imbuing the form with a specific lightness that beautifully counterpoints the structural qualities of the chair. This ethereal quality is particularly noticeable in the natural oak colorway, where shadows and tones within the recognizable material become more pronounced, adding depth and character.

Sculptural details abound throughout the series, defining its character. Planes meet with deliberate precision, sometimes flush, sometimes creating subtle offsets, in an interplay of smooth surfaces that intersect with dynamic right angles. This thoughtful articulation of form ensures that each piece is not merely functional but a work of art, constructed from heirloom-quality materials designed to last for generations.

A Timeless Collaboration

The “After Series” stands as a powerful statement from Michael Anastassiades and Fritz Hansen, a collection that honors design heritage while forging a path for contemporary expression. It’s an invitation to experience furniture that transcends mere utility, offering pieces that are both grand in their presence and intimately familiar in their form, destined to become cherished elements within any refined interior.

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