AB Concept unveils its first collaboration with Gebrüder Thonet Vienna

Hong Kong, 4 April 2023 – On occasion of this year’s edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan (18 to 23 April 2023), interior design and architecture practice AB Concept debuts its first collaboration with Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, presenting the Hagu dining chair.

Inspired by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna’s history and expertise in the wood craft, Ed Ng, Co-founder of AB Concept, explores new trends and innovative technical solutions to create Hagu, a dining chair that would evolve the Austrian brand’s bent-wood heritage while also integrating a new material. 

“Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, the iconic brand known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to design excellence, has invited us to collaborate on the creation of a new masterpiece - the HAGU chair. Drawing from almost two centuries of design evolution since the first Gebrüder Thonet chairs were produced, we have carefully crafted a chair that embodies the timeless elegance of the brand while incorporating modern materials and techniques.” - Ed Ng, Co-Founder of AB Concept

The Hagu chair is perfectly suitable to be placed in a contract setting as well as in a private residential environment, expressing the aesthetic values ​​of the brand while also offering something unexpected and fresh. 

The name Hagu, which translates as "hug" in English, is the fitting title for the chair design that surely does feel as embracing as a cocoon.

Elegant, lightweight, refined and comfortable, even for the long periods often necessary in fine dining restaurants, a slim metal frame supports a plywood shell that gently embraces an ergonomically angled, upholstered seat pad. Extending slightly further than the shell at the back, the frame provides an intuitive yet invisible ‘handle’ – ideal in a restaurant situation for waiting staff to pull out the chair for a guest. The A-shaped metal frame hints at the classical silhouette of a Gebrüder Thonet Vienna chair reimagined in a modern context, and add a touch of sophistication to the design.

“Our design philosophy is grounded in the pursuit of beauty and comfort, and we believe a chair should not only look stunning but also be emotionally inviting. The fluid and open-arm profiled wooden back of the Hagu chair envelops you in a warm embrace, while the plush upholstered seat invites you to sit and stay awhile.” - said Ed Ng, Co-Founder of AB Concept - “With each line and curve crafted with precision and passion, the Hagu chair is a testament to our unwavering commitment to design refinement. We are thrilled to introduce this new addition to the Gebrüder Thonet Vienna family, and we invite you to experience the beauty and comfort of the Hagu chair for yourself. Join us on this journey of design evolution as we bring together the best of the past and present to create a chair that is both timeless and contemporary.”

NOTES TO THE EDITORS

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna at Salone del Mobile.Milano

Tuesday 18 - ​ Sunday 23 April 2023

Rho Fieramilano

Opening Hours: 9.30am to 6.30pm daily

Pavilion 4, Booth G05

Press Preview / Preview Day:

Tuesday 18 April 

9.30am to 6.30pm

ABOUT GEBRÜDER THONET VIENNA 

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH (GTV) is part of a large European history and it helped to define the visual grammar of contemporary time.

Today, the company renews its stylistic features, the bent wood and woven cane, designing a new phase together with new designers from all over the world.

All products manufactured by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH (GTV) are characterised by the new trademark Wiener GTV Design. 

www.gebruederthonetvienna.com | @gebruber_thonet_vienna