FRITZ HANSEN LAUNCH LONDON FLAGSHIP STORE DURING THE LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER 2011

Republic of Fritz Hansen™, the world's most revered Danish furniture design brand, is joining forces with Skandium, London's much-loved Scandinavian design emporium, to launch the first Republic of Fritz Hansen store in the UK – during the London Design Festival (17-25 September 2011).
The Republic of Fritz Hansen flagship store will be in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district, and will uniquely showcase the entire furniture collection by Fritz Hansen alongside a specially curated range of the best interior accessories by some of the most premium Scandinavian design brands such as Iittala, Georg Jensen and Louis Poulsen.
The UK's love affair with Scandinavian design, which is all about clean, classically modern and fuss free interiors, is set to grow this Autumn, as the pared down aesthetic dominates design trends, with refined furniture pieces and neutral toned textiles conveying timelessness, sustainability and craftsmanship - perfect for today's economic climate of considered purchases..

Throughout its near 140-year history, Fritz Hansen has produced a rich portfolio of furniture classics, thanks to a series of partnerships with visionary designers and architects, including Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Kjærholm and Jaime Hayón, who designed the new FAVN™ sofa to be launched on the market in September 2011 and which will also be available at the new store. Many of the company's furniture designs are instantly recognisable, such as Arne Jacobsen’s Egg™ and Swan™ chairs.
A joint venture with Skandium – London's foremost retailer of contemporary Scandinavian furniture, lighting and kitchenware for the home and office – Skandium has sourced exclusive pieces and hand picked collections that will be initially available for sale exclusively at the Republic of Fritz Hansen Store. This includes a comprehensive glassware showcase, vintage and contemporary Danish accessories, and a discerning range of cookware and inspirational lifestyle books.
The Republic of Fritz Hansen Store makes a welcome and timely addition to London's design retail scene, and is set to be a veritable haven of Scandinavian cool, housing the dream combination of both design brands under one roof. The store's interior design and layout will exemplify Scandinavian design, with clean, simple lines and natural materials.
Housed in a magnificent duplex space in a period building, the store commands a prominent position, cornering Margaret Street and Great Titchfield Street. Large, double-volume windows flank both streets, which will be filled with enticing room set displays showcasing the very best and latest Fritz Hansen furniture and Scandinavian products. The store aims to be London's leading design pitt stop where buyers, interior designers, architects, stylists, journalists and design fans can meet, source the latest Scandinavian design offerings and be inspired.
Jan Vejsholt, Fritz Hansen's Vice President, UK and Ireland, comments: “We see enormous potential for Scandinavian design in one of the world’s most creative and design led cities. Our shared appreciation for quality design makes the Fritz Hansen and Skandium partnership the perfect combination for creating a successful Scandinavian retail experience."

“We are honoured to have been invited to help realise the retail vision of such a legendary Scandinavian manufacturer as Fritz Hansen," says Magnus Englund, Managing Director for Skandium. "Given free hands to come up with a selection of accessories that underline the Fritz Hansen brand… we're looking forward to the public’s impression of the latest addition to London's great design shops."