The Presidential Mandate

Jacob Holm, president and CEO of The Republic of Fritz Hansen, believes that overcoming geographical barriers is critical to establishing a united nation of design. In an exclusive interview with Tatler Homes, he talks about how the Nordic way of life has ignited a worldwide love for Scandinavian designs.

- Young Lim

With the passion and zeal of a politician talking about his administration, Jacob Holm says, “Fritz Hansen’s DNA is very much about honesty and transparency.” In this instance, however, he is referring to the design style of the much-loved Danish furniture brand. He continues, “It’s very much about less being more and a focus on functionality. Transparency means understanding the design because of its simplicity, so there is no sense of a hidden agenda, no sort of corruption to the eye and no difficult design language or illogical solutions.”

Looking around the new 2,153sqft showroom, located in a converted warehouse in the design zone of Copenhagen’s harbourfront known as Pakhus 48, Holm goes on to point out various pieces that prove his point. These range from iconic designs, such as the Series 7 chair by Arne Jacobsen, the China chair by Hans J Wegner and the PK11 by Poul Kjærholm to the recently launched Ro easy chair by Jaime Hayon. While they may be the creations of design legends who hail from various parts of the world, these pieces exhibit a common design language underscored by soft lines, sensual curves and an unpretentious nature. There is also a strong hint of understated style that has come to be associated with many Scandinavian furniture brands and designers.