Vergés, founded by the Vergés-Picart couple in 1970, is a Spanish company with over fifty years of history rooted in Mediterranean design. Initially a small workshop in La Garrotxa, Girona, specialising in traditional bulrush chairs, it has evolved under the leadership of the founders' sons, Joan and Esteve Vergés. Today, Vergés boasts a dynamic factory with 50 employees, blending craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. We interview the company about their new products at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Can you tell us about the history of Vergés?
'Vergés is a company with more than fifty years of history rooted in the tradition of Mediterranean design. Founded by the Vergés-Picart couple in 1970, the company is still rooted today in La Garrotxa (Girona, Spain), in a privileged rural landscape, far from the big cities, halfway between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
In its beginnings, Vergés was a small workshop dedicated to the handmade manufacture of traditional bulrush chairs, a vegetable fibre that grew in the nearby rivers and was very popular in the area. With the generational handover, it is now the sons, Joan and Esteve Vergés, who are driving the new stage of the company to maintain and evolve in an increasingly demanding market: incorporating the latest technologies, optimising resources and converting the original modest workshop into a dynamic factory with 50 employees.
Despite evolution and change, Vergés has not renounced its origins, tradition, passion for wood and attention to the smallest details. These principles are reflected in the current collections, which establish a dialogue between the handcrafted and the contemporary, where innovation goes hand in hand with good design and the quality of the materials and finishes.
Vergés relies on contemporary designers who know how to interpret the company's philosophy by providing functional, timeless and honest designs. Among them are Estudi Manel Molina, Ramos i Bassols, Andreu Carulla, Tolvanen Studio, Yago Sarri, Sandra Tarruella and Emiliana Design Studio (Ana Mir + Emili Padrós).'
In what markets is the brand active?
'We can get anywhere. We are very well established at the national level (in Spain) and in France. However, our focus is on continuing to open markets in other European countries and the USA.'
You were recently at Salone del Mobile in Milan. What did you think of the fair?
'It had a large turnout of visitors; we are very happy to had participated for another year and with the reception that the new products presented received.'
Which products were on show at the fair?
1. VERGÉS CARE: An inclusive furniture line designed by emiliana design studio.
The collection was created to accommodate the different abilities and capacities of people, favouring a safer and more autonomous life The design focuses on well-being, ergonomics, accessibility, comfort and maintenance of the adapted furniture.
2. Eolo collection designed by Estudi Manel Molina
Eolo is a very comfortable modular sofa with rounded shapes and smooth lines designed by Estudi Manel Molina. Its name refers to Eolo, the mythological god of the winds. The folding and stitching of its armrests give it personality and character, and make it a sofa with a youthful and casual look, making it suitable for all kinds of communal areas. Its modules allow multiple configurations to adapt to the dynamic situations of contemporary interiors.
3. Tau collection designed by Estudi Manel Molina
Tau is a versatile collection of very light and stylised tables that adapts to all types of environments. It is characterised by the delicate triangular section of its wooden leg that combines two straight faces with an elegant radius on its external face.
4. Rento collection designed by Studio Tolvanen
Rento is a collection of very comfortable, warm and friendly armchairs designed by the Finnish designers Studio Tolvanen. True to their style, Julie and Mika Tolvanen pursue a formal look that combines bentwood profiles with textile slings to bring a fresh perspective to the classic lounge chair. Seen from above, the armrests and backrest of the Rento form an almost perfect circle with comfortable pillows which invite the person to sit and relax comfortably.
5. Catalina collection designed by Andreu Carulla
Catalina is an honest, elegant, stackable and very versatile chair. With a minimalist aesthetic, it is inspired by 20th century Catalan rationalist architecture, Catalina is a version of the traditional bulrush seat chair. Its refined lines and intentionally simple geometry give centre stage to materials such as ash wood, rope and leather.
What does the future hold for Vergés? Any other fairs on the program?
'Right now we're working on some new designs to present on the Salone 2025.
For the moment we exhibited on Salone Mobile Milano and HD Expo & Conference Las Vegas. And the next months we will be attending Feria Hábitat València and Boutique Design New York.'
More information:
Vergés
[email protected]
www.verges.design
Spain