What an interesting history this handsome chair set has. At a glance, you think the iconic, Norwegian ‘Falcon’ chair, designed by Sigurd Ressell for Vatne Mobler in 1970. But look more closely and you’ll notice that it’s missing signature Falcon features… leather buckles and belts here, instead of classic metal loops; a different, smaller cushion design; and the canvas hammock seat doesn’t curl round at the edges in quite the same way. It’s frequently wrongly attributed when in fact it’s the Danish ‘Superstar’ lounge chair by Genega Møbler, designed in 1973 to emulate the popular Falcon. The Vatne Møbler went on to challenge the makers of this chair design in court, wielding their patent rights, and such was the obvious imitation, they deservedly won. Production of the Superstar ‘copy-cat’ chair came to a somewhat abrupt halt and that was the end of its brief moment in the limelight. Staying true to its ostentatious name, the Superstar chair had its 30 seconds of fame and was withdrawn. Now with several decades of water under the bridge, this chair is as almost as desirable as the Falcon. It’s a very good looking piece and an unusual, statement design with leather straps on its four corners, mooring the sling chair to the striking bentwood base. A controversial chair in its day with a wonderful story to tell.
