Issue 07

In the design world, it is one thing to have carte blanche to define, communicate and evolve your works. For Nadia Lassen, director and owner of by Lassen in Copenhagen, her job comes with a different set of responsibilities and challenges: to carry forward the design legacy left by her great-grandfather and his brother (her great-grand-uncle), Mogens and Flemming Lassen.

Mogens Lassen (1901-1987) and Flemming Lassen (1902-1984) were famous Danish architects who were part of the modernist architecture movement. During the era in which the brothers designed buildings, it was not uncommon to also have a hand in their interior design. This led to the creation of chairs, tables, kitchens and accessories all in sync with their respective exteriors, leaving behind a legacy of iconic products. One such product is Mogen Lassen’s Kubus candlestick, launched in 1962.

“I am proud to carry forth the legacy of my great-grandfather and great-grand-uncle and I am sure that they would both appreciate by Lassen today,” says Nadia. “For this reason, I would never make the Kubus candelabra in pink. We try to be as authentic and true to their designs as possible.” Branded with a logo that pays homage to the city in which the company resides, the by Lassen line that Nadia oversees stays true to its roots and reflects a Nordic design aesthetic that is simple on the surface. Yet, there is nothing simple about their products. “No detail has been left to chance. Because Mogens and Flemming were architects and keen on designing great products that would last for generations, they were detail-oriented – something we respect.”

It usually takes Nadia and her team 12 to 18 months to launch a new product when working from existing designs. “We have a designer who looks through all the old sketches before we choose which design we would like to pursue,” says Lassen. So far the company has focused more on Mogens’ products, including his ML42 stool, Frame box, Kubus candelabras and bowls and his ML33 chair.

This year saw the launch of Flemming Lassen’s Mingle sofa, with plans to produce more designs from Nadia’s great-grand-uncle. In keeping with tradition, the products are made of steel and European wood. She is keen to keep production local, which is why the entire Kubus collection is still produced in Denmark.

Photo Source: By Lassen