Charles and Ray Eames Set of 6 ‘Bikini’ Wire Frame Chairs Vitra 1980s

Around 1950, amidst the hum of post-war optimism, Charles and Ray Eames embarked on a quest to reimagine the very essence of seating. The result of their relentless innovation was the wire chair, a marvel of modern design that married form and function with an elegance that spoke to the spirit of the age.

Charles, with his architectural precision, saw the potential in industrial materials to create something both utilitarian and beautiful. Ray, with her artistic sensibilities, envisioned a chair that was not just an object but an experience. Together, they embarked on a journey of exploration, sketching, prototyping, and refining their ideas. In 1951 the DKR wire chair was born.

These padded versions are so called ‘Bikini’ chairs – officially DKR-2 – and are constructed from a lattice of welded steel wire. The chair possessed an airy transparency that made it appear almost weightless. This design was a radical departure from the solid, bulky furniture of the past, offering a glimpse into a future where space and light danced harmoniously together. To complement the skeletal frame, Charles and Ray devised a cover they affectionately called the “bikini.” This two-piece pad added both comfort and personality to the chair, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any environment.

Our set of chairs come from the late 1980s and has only seen one owner. They have their original Bikini pads in dark grey – these are made out of ‘Naugahyde’, developed in 1936 by the U.S. Rubber Company. It is an artificial leather product meant as an alternative to cowhide upholstery. The name “Naugahyde” comes from the town of Naugatuck, Connecticut, where it was first produced.

This particular set of chairs comes directly from their first owners and shows a humble patina from age and use. As these chairs get older, they always show a little surface rust on the frame – especially where the pads are placed. A sign of honesty and originality which gives them character and history. Overall in a very good condition!