As one of the brands that managed to maintain an interesting presentation amidst a largely predictable Salone del Mobile, e15 dug deep for its new collection this year. In addition to new designs by Andrea Mikutta, Farah Ebrahimi and its very own Philipp Mainzer, e15 also produced re-editions of Kramer’s designs to create The Ferdinand Kramer® Collection.

The modernist architect was highly influenced by the Bauhaus movement and was keenly interested in ideas of design mass production. Kramer’s socially oriented works made him one of the most significant architects and designers from the early period of modernism and post-war modernism.

FK02 Karnak chairs

The 1927 version of the Karnak chair

e15 worked closely with Kramer’s family to present eight iconic pieces from the designer, all designed between 1925 and 1959. The FK01 Theban daybed, FK02 Karnak side chair and FK03 Aswan stool were all designed in 1925 and feature hand-woven surfaces in textile band or vegetable tanned leather that will develop a beautiful patina over time. Forms are reduced and lines kept spare but essential.

FK04 Calvert and FK05 Charlotte

FK08 Uni Coat Rack

Kramer’s penchant for simple but clever designs is evident in the FK04 Calvert and FK05 Charlotte coffee tables. Both coffee tables share the same base, which can be inverted for a different profile – one for FK04 Calvert (square surface) and FK05 Charlotte (round surface) respectively. The latter is easily collapsible and is also part of the successful Ferdinand Kramer® Knock Down series.

The orginal daybed from 1925

Also part of the Ferdinand Kramer® Knock Down series is the FK06 Alden table. Functional, well constructed, well proportioned and elegant all at once, it was part of a furniture series for both interior and outdoor use. The table, which can be broken down into parts for easy transportation, clearly points to Bauhaus influences.

E15 is available in Singapore at P5.

Check out issue 56 of Cubes to read more about what we saw at Milan Design Week 2012.