Header: Courtesy of Thonet
Jil Sander is known for fashion that speaks in a quiet but confident voice; refined cuts, high-end materials, and an instinct for subtle detail. Now, she’s turned her attention to furniture. In her first furniture collaboration, the legendary designer has reimagined the S 64 cantilever chair by Marcel Breuer — one of the most iconic pieces of Bauhaus design — for the German furniture brand Thonet. The result? A collection that brings a new level of elegance to a beloved classic.
Two styles, one vision: SERIOUS and NORDIC
Sander’s JS . THONET collection introduces two lines: SERIOUS and NORDIC. Both stay true to the original spirit of the 1920s chair while updating every element carefully. SERIOUS is all about sharp definition and modern polish. The tubular steel frame is given a glossy titanium-like finish, paired with leather upholstery in four rich shades. There’s also a version with dark-toned canework in the seat and back. Matching high-gloss lacquered wood on the armrests and frame adds to the upscale feel. NORDIC brings warmth and lightness. It pairs a soft, matte nickel silver frame with white-pigmented oak. You can choose white or natural leather for the seat and back, or go with a version that features light-coloured canework. The overall vibe is calm, clean, and bright — a nod to Scandinavian aesthetics.
More than a makeover: An elevated take on a classic
This wasn’t about reinventing the wheel or the chair. As Sander explains, “I wasn’t interested in completely redesigning these classics. It was more about taking them to the next level.” She took inspiration from a range of sources: the mirror-like surface of a Steinway piano, the feel of vintage English car leather, and the soft shine of architectural metals.
She also paid close attention to craft. While visiting Thonet’s workshop in Frankenberg, Sander was fascinated by their traditional wood-bending techniques. Her respect for this level of craftsmanship is clear in every detail of the collection.
Why Thonet and Jil Sander work together so well
At first glance, fashion and furniture might seem like very different worlds, but in this case, they’re cut from the same cloth. Sander and Thonet care deeply about quality, long-term value, and clean design. Neither is interested in trends that come and go. Instead, they focus on creating pieces that people will love and live with for decades.
Norbert Ruf, Thonet’s Creative Director, says it best:
“Jil Sander’s designs have always represented laid-back, elegant luxury and her clothes are worn with pleasure year after year – just as Thonet furniture often accompanies people throughout their lives. Just like us here at Thonet, Jil Sander wants to use her products to convey a sense of value.”
Her focus on timeless luxury fits perfectly with Thonet’s legacy of designing furniture that lasts.
A table to match
The JS . THONET collection also includes a reworked version of Thonet’s B 97 side table from 1933. It’s compact, practical, and made to fit right into modern living. Thanks to its open-sided shape, it can slide over the arm of a sofa or bed. And like the chairs, it features subtle updates in material and finish to align with both the SERIOUS and NORDIC lines.
Balancing classic style and modern taste
What makes this collection stand out is not just its good looks but its thoughtful design choices. Each chair is a careful upgrade—not too loud, not too safe. It’s modern, but it honours the original. Whether it’s the reflective lacquer, the soft matte metal, or the choice between leather and cane work, everything feels well considered and intentional.
Jil Sander has always believed that real luxury lies in quality and simplicity and this project proves it. With JS . THONET, she has created pieces that are meant to last, in every sense. These chairs and tables are built for a lifetime and to look good the whole way through.
