The Rise of Design Reissues: From Bauhaus to Radical Chic

Reissues, or 'riedizioni', have surged in the design world, with a notable peak at the Salone del Mobile. These re-productions range from bringing back out-of-production pieces to industrializing prototypes. The phenomenon dates back to the post-war era, notably Dino Gavina's 1962 reintroduction of Bauhaus pieces. Recent examples include Enzo Mari's Sof Sof (1972) for Driade, Stefano Giovannoni's Tivù (1990) for InternoItaliano, and new colored versions of Arne Jacobsen's Series 7™ (1955). Cassina, a leader in reissues since 1965 with its I Maestri collection based on Le Corbusier's drawings, exemplifies the philological rigor required. Molteni faced similar challenges in 2012 producing Gio Ponti's designs. Vitra partnered with G-Star RAW to reissue Jean Prouvé's 1940s office furniture with updated ergonomics. Two projects mark the contemporary zeitgeist: Stilnovo's revival of its lighting catalog with a scientific committee, and Gufram's reissue of Gianni Ruffi's La Cova (1972), a nest-like cocoon seat. The design community eagerly awaits truly novel proposals amid auctions and vintage fairs like Design Miami.