If brands were products, then Cassina would be the ultimate design classic. Sure, the pedigree Italian manufacturer has more history-shaping furniture and lighting pieces in its collection than you could shake a stick at – authored by such maestri as Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Gerrit Rietveld, Gio Ponti, and Charles and Ray Eames – but it also maintains its relevance via judiciously selected, forward-facing collaborations, driven by research, innovation and experimentation. ‘In the middle of the desert, waiting for your chauffeur, it is always good to sit on your bag,' says design legend Philippe Starck of his latest project for Cassina, the sartorially sophisticated Somewhere El-S seating collection, which some of you may seen its exquisitely finished flesh during Milan Design Week. What does the mercurial creative mean by this? I invite you to read on to find out. And, while you’re at it, discover Cassina’s specially curated presentation of modernist visionary Charlotte Perriand’s work to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its eponymously named collection, as well as bold new additions to the brand’s portfolio courtesy of Patricia Urquiola, Carlo Scarpa and Barber Osgerby. Simon Keane-Cowell – Editor-in-Chief | |