Barcelona Lounge Chair: Reproduction or Knoll?
I am looking for a Mies Barcelona Lounge Chair & Ottoman. There seem to be several places on the web selling Italian made reproductions that range in price from $1100 @ www.funkysofa.com to $1900 @ www.dwr.com (chair only). The Knoll web site lists the "official" Lounge Chair at over $4500. Is the quality of their chair substantially higher than the Italian reproductions? Perhaps the leather is a much higher quality(?) I've heard that Knoll has a spring sale for architects at 55% off their list prices bringing their chair down to a more affordable $2300. How many different Italian manufacturers can be producing this chair? Any info would be greatly appreciated!


www.knoll.com / www.dwr.com / www.funky sofa.com

fabricate yourself??
Can you explain a bit, I dont belive that it can be done by one person that has no craft/metalwork knowledge whatsoever.

I found somewhere a how-to guide for gerrit rietveld red/blue chair and gave it to cabinet-maker to make one.

For barcelona chair it takes a really skilfull person to make one, considering the complex nature of the chair.

Ahhhh..
USD 1,299.00 delivery included

DIY modern repros
hector, please share. i'd very much appreciate tips on fabricating the barcelona chair - and any other modern clasic for that matter. i realize it's a simple design w/ simple materials, but i'm doubtful on where i'd be able to source the bending, welding, chroming, quality leather, foam and sewing required to create a repro for anywhere under 1k. i'm in boston, usa, surrounded by high quality bicycle frame welders that do beautiful metal work, so if you have any substantial ideas to retain quality while keeping costs down, i think i know where to start.

tia.
matthew mangus

Knoll
Knoll's prices are difinitely a little intimidating, but reproduction pieces always show their ultimate value in the long run. If you call the Knoll showroom closest to you, they can tell you when their annual sale is. They usually knock off around 40-50% off their original price on any item in their entire catalogue, which can make a substantial difference on your visa bill. As for the quality difference, I remember reading an article in Wallpaper a couple of years back giving the main differences between the licensed and unlicensed versions of classics like the barcelona chairs, le corbusier pieces, etc. I believe much of the cost difference is attributed to the stitching of the leather, the quality of the leather, and ultimately the way the piece will look in a couple of years. I made the mistake of purchasing a unlicensed corbusier chair, and have regretted it ever since.

Look outside the US
it might be worth your time to try getting the real deal through a Knoll dealer in Canada. Your money will go a bit further and since its made in the states you shouldn't have to worry about the duty. There are only a couple of dealers in Toronto but they shoudl be able to help.

not so siple
I made one , you need a good work in metal and leather is not so easy
if you live in some place in south america that will be cheap ( 300 usd )
but if you live in U S A or another place.... ???

Barcelona Chair: Knoll or Knockoff?
I'm in process of buying Barcelona Ottoman. Last Christmas, my wife bought a chair. This year, the Ottoman. My quest is to determine which knockoff I have so I can get a matching Ottoman for less than the $1050 my store wants.

Here's what I have found about the Knoll version -- licensed in 1948.

1. The frame is made of stainless steel. (Stainless steel is non-magnetic...)
2. The parts are bent and welded. The welds are ground so the frame looks like one piece.
3. The whole is polished to a mirror finish.
4. Stainless screws are used to hold the belts -- 17 for the chair; 7 for the Ottoman.
5. Knoll chairs have Mies's signature stamped on them.
6. List Price: Chair $7531 / Ottoman $4359. Black leather.
7. Knoll delivery - 20 days.

Mine is NOT a Knoll. It's well made, but it's chrome-plated, magnetic steel. Ther's NO label or stamp. The welding/grinding is first rate, but on the underside, you can see slight machine marks and welding undercut. On top, end and back of the metal straps, the surface was polished to a mirror finish before plating. There are none of the wavey reflections seen on cheapies. Also, the ends of the legs are square all the way to the end. On cheapies, ends of pieces will be rounded off during grinding/polishing.

So, anyone have a clue as to who made my knockoff so I can get a matching piece????

More feedback please!
I am so glad to have found this forum! Like many, I am researching on the chair. I think I would be happy to settle for a good reproduction without license. Here are my questions:
1. For those of you, who are satisfied with your purchase on a reproduction, could you post the manufacturer name and where to buy?

2.I bought a bombo stool from www.Steelform.com. I am happy with both their service and their product. They offer money back guarantee and 5 year warranty on all of their products. So, I thought I may buy the chair from them. Any one has experience with Barcelona chair from Steelform?

Much Thanks

Zoe

ottoman is cheaper
hey rick, www.whiteonwhite.com/ chair is 750.00 and the ottoman is 425.00. to all looking for this item. i have a knoll and a knockoff . side by side you can't tell them apart, up close (up very very close) the metal work and the leather of knoll is superior (with a magnifying glass), however, if you do not have heavy usage, which most people do not, the look and feel of a lower priced reproductions. if you have heavy usage as in commercial or you entertain several times a week, over a period of years, or if you entertain philip johnson get the knoll!!!

DIY Barcelona
Mattew, did you have any luck locating plans to build a Barcelona? I'd be quite keen to give it a go, but can't find anything with more detailed dimensions than the standard 75x75x75 that's on all the furnature web sites... Drop me a line if you have something?!

barcelona
forgot to include their web address:
www.whiteonwhite.com

Knock offs
Knoll or knock off. I'm in the market for a barcelona pair and recently decided to move ahead with the knock off, provided the chair is the same weight of the Knoll and the leather is acceptable. I've heard too many tales from reliable industry types that tell me its hard to tell the difference.

For my entry design, I cannot justify the Knoll cost especially since the chairs will not be sat in every day. Does anyone have any personal experience with whiteonwhite.com?

Markings stamped on the steel legs
I bought two barcelona chairs, and they have a stamping under the front legs that reads INDUSTRIAARGENTINA. They are chrome plated, and the metalframe is held together countersunk "allen" bolts. The ends of the legs are cut square. they seem to be re-upholstered in brown non leather matterial. What is happening here. Any info. will be appreciated.

Barcelona chair
I just came back from Peru, and found a replica of the Barcelona Chair for $189 in the store call Ripley. I cannot tell the difference with the original (really!!)

Are you for real?
Barney, is this your real name or are you going by a pseudonym? I cannot believe that you would actually put casters on these beautifully designed chairs. I really don't think that it will work, unless you want to design a platform that the chair sits on and install casters on the underside of the platform. Talk about a new look! Please, do not do it. You will surely kill the integrity of the design. If anyone else reads this, please confirm my objections with a reply to this "nut". Thanks.

the contract market skinny
i sell both at my shop in portland, or (idcollection.net). I am told by my repro manuf. (malik.com) that the same factories in tuscany, italy make all of them. that knoll actually buys thier chrome frames from the same place as the dwr and malik, and pallezetti, and gordon, leatherform, designitalia... the list goes on. the ONE difference is the stainless steel frame. as far as i know only knoll subcontracts for that one. knoll uses spinneybeck leather, 1mm to 1.3mm thick, malik offers it in a 2-2.5mm thick version. i have done blind tests between the knoll chrome, malik chrome and dwr chrome... can not tell the difference except price, knoll is over twice more expensive: for the mies stamp

Barcelona Reproduction
I have two that I bought in the early 70's the cusions carried the Name Selig Manufacturing Company Inc., Green Street,Leominster, Mass. I dont think Selig is still in business. The chairs looked good but the upholstery wore out years ago. I would like to get new cushions and straps. The fram is held toger with screws at each crosspiece. Anyone have any suggestions?
Forest

Knoll Barcelona Charis
I have also been shopping for barcelona chairs and the comments have been great. Based on experience essentially with Knoll you are paying a lot for the leather and the workmanship. I have a Cassina sofa with the same quality leather as Knoll and there is no comparison with North American leather sofas or cheaper italian sofas. I payed $7000 for the sofa, so paying $8500 or for 2 chairs is in line. Also note Knoll has a sale coming up (55% list) - so go for the X or Y leather as it does make a differnce.

Knoll Annual Sale
Anybody know when Knoll is having their next annual sale.

Appreciate if you can let me know.

knoll/sale
Knoll,Knoll, there's nothing like Knoll!
Their sale is in May: let's go for a stroll!

BUY VINTAGE KNOLL
LOTS OF HIGH END OFFICES AND BANKS REG DUMP THEIR OLD FURNITURE.I HAVE A 7 FT F.KNOLL SOFA I PAID 50.00 FOR ALSO A PLATTNER TABLE 100.00 FROM THE MISTRESS OF A DEVELOPER IN AUSTIN TXS IN THE 1960S.

Funky Sofa
At one time, Funky sofa had the Pavilion Chair (advertised as the "Rohe Chair") listed at $279 and the ottoman at $150 during the latter part of 2001.
By 2002 the price jumped to $1200. I called to inquire and was informed that Funky Sofa no longer dealt with the particular manufacturer due to quality issues. At that price it was worth it purely to satisfy curiosity. Coaster Company of America was the manuf. To date, I've been unable to find anyone at Coaster who knows about that model. Perhaps someone more skilled in the pursuasive arts can try and benefit all interested (me particularly).

Ripley store
Good research!! You may want to check this website instead: www.ripley.cl to check out the chair.

U.S. KNOLL GUALITY
In my view the guality of the U.S. Knoll chair is unmatched. Leather grain matching, welting finishing and other details are clearly superior. The frame above all else is incredible in its mirror finish stainless perfection. The chairs made for the European market by Knoll have regular chromium plated frames and in my estimation a somewhat lower grade of leather.

Phillippe Starck
I hear Phillippe Starck has a few of these chairs he is willing to sell real cheap!

Barcelona chairs in tan suede?
I'm looking at a Barcelona chair said to be knoll (though from reading all the messages, I can go back and look to see if the signs/stickers/stamp is there). The cost is $700. My question is, the upholstery and straps are brown suede. Did Knoll offer this option in the 70s?

SusanC

About the Barcelona and Steelform
Hi everyone,

Wondering about wether to buy an "official" or "unofficial" product always amuses me : the fact that this question so often arises is symptomatic.
The real question you should ask yourself is : do you really want the product because you find it attractive or do you want it because of the stamp of the designer?

If one could remove the stamp off the Knoll Barcelona chair, I am convinced that everyone could be fooled with an "unofficial" one and you couldn't tell the difference. BTW, do you think there really is 4500$ spent by Knoll on producing a single chair? One tip is that they magically once or twice in a year cut half its price!!

So, my piece of advice is to go for products that simply respect the vision and craftsmanship of their authors and designers, in other words that are honest (not like the ones that are over charged at Knoll, simply because Knoll paid a hell of a money to get the exclusive license to sell them worldwide). I'm quite convinced too that some of the dead democratic designers (such as Le Corbusier or Eames) would have hated that (be selling to a minority of wealth people) : design is supposed to be democratic, not the other way round.

At last, Steelform is a good company and you can ask on their website for leather samples.
For those who had some problems with them, this may be due to overseas shipping which may be longer and above all christmas period (I experienced it).

Hope this helps to make your mind.

Philippe.

Barcelona & steelform
Just purchased two Steelform black BCs (I live
in the UK). Slow delivery seems symptomatic:
a promised 2 weeks (or even less) shipping time
came to some weeks extra. Email contact was
useless, but telephone contact was friendly.
Some persistence in tracking your order may be
useful; I called them four times or so just to make
sure that my order was put through.

The chairs are good value and fine quality.
I am quite happy with my purchase. I should
imagine that if money is no object (at least
less than in my case) do go to Knoll to be on
the save side. If money is important than I found
Steelform satisfactory.

DWR
The Design Within Reach version is certainly on the expensive side of the knockoffs at $1,995, but I'm not sure it's any better than the ones you can find for $1,300 or so. I've linked one of the less expensive options below, and they also have a 5-year warranty against defects. I haven't purchased anything from them yet, though, so take that for what it's worth.
http://modernclassics.com/group.htm?group=SOFA

Barcelona Chair & Ottoman
I've been researching for both the chair & ottoman on the internet. I found a website calls Alphavilledesign.com selling both the chair and ottoman for $888.00 including shipping. The frame is stainless steel and is made of Italian leather. Has anyone heard of this website or bought anything from this company? My main concern is the quality of the leather. I've sat in reproductions that cost less than $1000. It was a very uncomtable experience.

analin leather
To "anonymous" (15-Apr-03)

Actually i know these folks of white.
I'm often in New York and was always happy to find some new replicas over there.

The thickness of the leather you are talking about is based on the standard qulaities, which is 3.25-3.75 oz and between 1.3-1.5 mm.

Their tone and intensity is completely natural.
The drape of the leather is excellent.

I don't know what you mean with "poor"

The quality of the hides of analin resides in regular practices that protect the hides from scaring and the superior tanning process, presenting the natural grain rather than simply covering the surface with a heavy pigment finish to disguise blemishes as is the case in the treatment of poor quality leathers, i.e. colour coated and corrected grain.

I buy for a couple of european interior designers or showrooms and they never complained about the quality or thickness.

Barcelona
Is it possible to get the Barcelona Chair slightly narrower ?

found pavilion(barcelona) chair
Sometimes the gods of design shine on you. Just this morning at about 7 am, on my way to work, I spotted a pavilion chair in the garbage, immeadiatly went to the shoulder and skidded in the dirt, did a rockford and threw dirt everywhere. There it was, brown leather,only missing the bottom snap straps, no tears, no rips, no skuffs. In front of the home were two old mini vans, both priced less than what the chair was worth. I pop'ed the trunk. The chair will not fit and its HEAVY. I managed to stick it in the trunk and used my coat to keep it from getting marred, found a bungi cord and strapped it in. Took me a long time to get to work, hoping it did't fly out the back. Probally would do some heavy damage to a car. Anyways I have recieved a gift and wish that you all have the same good fortune!

Barcelona Chair for Sale
Original Barcelona chair and ottoman for sale in the Hamptons, LI. We are an established antique store and dealer and have been in business for over 20 years. We have an ORIGINAL Barcelona chair in mint condition. Please email us if you want photos sent or to visit us. $2500.00 for the set. You can not find a better price for this set.

Azure Chicken
I would like very much to know where you have found these wonderful 2nd hand finds at incredible prices. Please reply.

Help on portfolio
can anyone tell me the dims for this chair and the cushion, I would like to make it part of my portfolio and I just can not seem to make it look right, I am doing it in 3D max

Stainless Steel Barcelona
I just found out, that whiteonwhite.com has a new side project called http://www.retrokraftfurniture.com with 15 new items.

They offer now a stainless steel barcelona for $450.

I send a friend over there, who saw a sample of the steel base and said, it's almost no difference to the chrome.

That rocks.

Chairs are available in the next 8-12 weeks, Ottomans are coming later

I've seen that retrokrapt one also. What's the difference btw the chrome-plated & stainless steel frames? The chrome-plated ones tend to cost more.

DUCT TAPE
I REPAIRED MY EARY BARCELONA I USE IN THE GARAGE WITH BLACK DUCT TAPE ITS A NEAR MATCH I GOT MY CHAIR FROM PHILIP JOHNSONS LETS SAY FRIEND IN 1948.SO I THINK ITS EARLY.

I TYPE IN LARGE LETTERS
ITS NOT YELLING JUST AS LOWER CASE DOES NOT MEAN IM WHISPERING OR A SMILEY FACE DOSENT MEAN YOUR SMILING.I NOTICE YOU DID NOT DID A THING TO THE THREAD.ITS EASY TO READ.I THINK IT LOOKS BETTER.ALL LOWER CASE PEOPLE ARE THEY e.e. cummings/im SURE you will have to look him up.

can't believe it
You're still assuming the knoll one is the ORIGINAL.

Thank you!
I am the wife of a very high-end furniture retailer in Manhattan. I will tell you upfront and in no uncertain terms that you, the "upper middle class label whore" are our marketing target.

I am not typing this to insult you. I greatly appreciate the business of the nouveau riche - you pay for my childs education. But I find it highly inappropriate and arrogant for you to claim that anyone who only spends $2000 when they can purchase a chair for $7000 to be "inferior". They aren't inferior - they're smarter.

If you for one minute believe that a manufacturer spends upwards of $5500 to create a chair for you, you're kidding yourself. It is a standard practice for retailers to charge 400% above wholesale in this business - for no other reason that because we know the nouveau riche are insecure enough to purchase the item which is the most expensive, erroneously believing its quality surpasses all others.

Yes, very inferior products are out there. They can be spotted from 20 feet away. It doesn't take a trained or familiar eye. However, when it comes to "exclusive rights", the customer pays more for the signature than, we the retailer paid for the entire item.

So while I congratulate you on your ability to purchase grossly over-priced reproductions with the designer signature on the back, I consider the savvy shopper who researched and took some time to locate the highest quality chair for the most reasonable price to be far more admirable.

Possum, You must think that your husbands store is the only game in town for so called label brands. I only purchase my Knoll and Herman Miller pieces used. They just seem to last forever.

The Barcelona chair is uncomfortable
Does nobody care that this chair is extremely uncomfortable to sit on - no lumbar support - as is the famous Eames recliner. Surely a supposedly great chair should not wreck the back. try Stokke instead!

What would you like to know about the Knoll barcelona chair?

Maybe some details such as dimensions and specific materials used. If you know alot about the chair maybe you could tell me why the materials were used or why it is the shape it is. That would be great but any info would be help me!thanks

as far as accepting anything other than a mercedes in your garage, well...i'm 25, i have a very limited income considering my tastes...as a result i've found that buying used is the best way to go. i have considered getting lc1's that are not cassina made if the specs are right. same goes for the two wassily chairs i have, they are not capped the leather is extremely thick and all the angles are right, unlike the cheap wobbly ones in stores. are they knoll? dont know, i bought them used.
if you really want to take the real/fake thing as far as it will go, i think the only person in this country with a real barcelona chair might be philip johnson. he may have replaced his recently with knoll (knoll probably gave them to him since pictures of his house serve as free advertisment) but if he still has the original ones from the apartment that mies did for him, those would be it...since knoll was not even in the picture then. are knoll ones fake then? i think the question here is quality, and that the piece is made exactly as the designer inteded...but then you'd get into the whole modernica thing, and them making fiberglass eames chairs, with herman miler molds etc.
speaking of philip johnson, was the person who posted here about getting a chair that belonged to him for real? sorry to be so naiive if it was a joke, humour seldom translates over the internet. also...its okay to say it was from his boyfriend, the guy has lived a fairly open gay lifestyle since like the 30's.

...by the way, I forgot to mention that I am speaking of Barcelona chairs.

Steel Form Barcelona Chairs
Needless to say, I was very happy to discover this Forum. I must have looked at 6 or 7 various manufacturers and distributors for Barcelona Chairs. Alphaville Design never returned my calls and took 3 days to respond to an email. So I have just placed an order with Steel Form. I'll keep everyone posted as soon as my order comes in.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If it were my money, I would forget about the knock-off barcelona, and since the Knoll piece must be out your budget...rethink and snag yourself a used Knoll bruno flatiron chair ,also a Mies piece. I've looked at plenty of them on EBAY, and most sell for under a grand. This way, down the road, get the Knoll barcelona. The stainless frames will match perfectly. They will look great together. You won't regret it.

A well worn ball gown can be an interesting fashion statement much the same as a well worn (I prefer to use the term "well loved") Knoll or Herman Miller piece of furniture...depending on the quality/style of the garmet. As for the Levi's comment, maybe in the wild west, but not in my lifetime. But some may find beauty in well loved herculan plaid. Bad taste is better than no taste at all.

In the end one always gets what one pays for. anon

barcelona chairs for sale
I forgot to mention that the chairs are location in Greenwich Village - New York, NY.

GUESS WHAT BOYS?
So I checked out your chair. I couldn't get past the word "chromed". And what's up with the way the back cushion fits in the middle picture? You seem insecure about your choice and are looking for some confirmation. NO WAY POSSUM. It's the Knoll, or nothing at all. BARCELONAZERCONIA SMELLS

WEIRDO
Dude, Why would you want people to look at a shitty copy of a fab chair? Bring better food for thought to the table.

another guy
I saw another guy selling the barcelona at www.wholesale-interiors.com i have no idea what they are charging for it though

Apology to Kirill
On behalf of Alphaville Design, I wish to apologize publicly to Kirill. Back on 7/10, we got 'flamed' in a way. Researching our emails and phone calls in that time frame, we received an overwhelming number of inquiries from all over the world for some strange reason. We acknowledge that we are not geared up to handle inquiries outside of the USA at this time, unless the client provided their own shipping broker to work with. Kirill is in Canada and our toll-free phone number does not work there. For now, all of our efforts are focused on processing orders each day to our local US market... we are busy shipping HUNDREDS of product each month. We are unique in that very few can deliver complete Barcelona chairs, daybeds, benches, and even Le Corbusier sofas all in the SAME LEATHER and shipped in an industry-leading 1-8 weeks. Kirill, I'm sorry you had to go elsewhere and I'm sure Steel Form offers a great product. If we could be service to you in the future, we would like to offer you a $50 discount towards the purchase of one our highly polished stainless steel, solid core, fully welded, Barcelona chairs. Cheers!
alphavilledesign.com

Found one at www.chiasso.com
www.chiasso.com
They have a cheaper one at abour $228 dollars for the chair and around $185?? for the ottoman. But they cut they price by changing the leather with the vynil or the canvas. But if you can get someone to change it to leather, it still look ok ...

Further Thoughts...
I visited a DWR store and spoke with a very knowledgable salesperson and here is what I found. When comparing the Barcelona chair check that the straps are riveted to the steel frame (this prevents them from sliding around. Inquire as to the type of leather used...full grain or top grain. If full grain where was the cow raised...Texas no good, northern Europe good. I was also show a separate piece if leather showing how it is stitched on the underside. Does the tubing between the leather squares trvel below the buttons or does it end just underneath the buttons (cheaper to make and more likely to unravel over time...when new the difference is undetectable). I visited ABC carpets where they sell the chair made by Alivar...upon close inspection the stitching beneath the buttons was already starting to unravel. Good luck

all RESEARCH vs all research
has shown that caps are easiest to read.-stop- vs -STOP-.its a well known fact.you prefer the common.

real vs. fake
I've been reading the entries in this forum with some interest. I've attached a link to an auction of a "real" barcelona chair. Note that the chair was not made by knoll, wasn't chromed or polished nor did it have leather straps. Something to think about.
http://www2.icollector.com/catalogs/view_lots_forprint.cfm?7...

Caps vs CAPS
For a single word such as STOP, it's probably easier to recognize and react, but I (not you) prefer lower case. It's certainly a curiosity that almost all (%99.99) of the books published do so, observing the normal conventions of writing. I think writing in caps is indicitive of an insecure author. But that;s only my opinion. Additionally, using icons to describe emotion or actions, such as 'smiling' or 'laughing' are an accepted form when communicating on the web. Just as an exclamation mark or a question mark in written text is not only valid, it's USEFUL.

to knock or not?
Well its good to know I am not the only one trying to figure out the ethics of the modern classics. I too have been plundering all over the web and los angeles looking for certain pieces.In doing so i have learned that there are 2 types of knock offs.
A. Italian and B. Asian. Some how the Italian repro's seem to be more authentic along the lines of "the real deal" as far as leather quality. Which I guess I will have to live with.

www.puredesignonline.com
www.dwr.com
www.highbrow.com
www.bluedot.com
www.hermanmiller.com
www.blueprintfurniture.com
www.themagizineinfo.com

dear michael
what is missy smiley face doing all day-doting her i with a circle-you must be into *u**y.I HAVE NOUTHING TO DO WITH AUTOCAD.ALL CAPS WERE ORIGINALY USED ON COMPUTERS.IF THIS UPSETS MISSY SMILEY FACE G O O D AND IF IT UPSETS YOU BETTER.
C A P K I N G

MISS CONVENTIONAL GIRL
I SEE MY PERCEPTIONS WERE ON TARGET.SMILE

if im not mistaken
this gal attacked the caps guy. dont care for caps myself but he sure gets attacked alot why.

By the way...................
Anyone who chastises someone for caps usage not being correct and or conventional in this context is a real dullard.And is very likely female and or a lower grade school teacher.

Alphavilledesign for me
After many hours of research, I think Alphavilledesign will get my order for Barcelona chairs. Theirs is the only website with a lot of information and a willingness to stand behind their product. And that is at an excellent price! I looked at E-furnco.com
but since no one here had any real thoughts on them, I decided against them. So unless one of you has a horror story to tell, I'm ordering Alphavilledesign and I'll ask for David...

conclusion vs. likely
I am female and also a lower grade school teacher.And however sassy D. Smith is I have to concur.Way too many of my fellow teachers have this attitude.I had to laugh.This P.C. stuff is so boring.Also there is a difference in saying likely and reaching a conclusion.

too much bickering
Have you all forgotten about the Barcelona chairs? If you've found the right ones, do tell or move on to a chatroom about chatting, not design.

Why so bitchy?
This real vs. fake debate is absolutely hilarious.
First and foremost, to those who can afford a "real" Barcelona chair, lower your condescending voice to those who can not. Your association with the "have's" of society has been made clear, as has the depth to which you are shallow.
What us poor "have not's" need to understand is that $7000 to some of America's rich is a paltry sum to part with for a piece of furniture. For me, it would be a completely unrealistic and irresponsible purchase. But because of this fact, should I should not be denied the right to own this piece--and I damn well should not be thought to be in bad taste for purchasing a replica's replica.
To address the question of whether or not this piece will withstand the test of time, I'm sure a great deal of the cheaper ones will. As mentioned above, this is not a comfortable chair, hence, it will not see the mileage a more comfortable (read:practical) chair would.
My pretend Barcelona looks great in the space I have designated for it, just like the painting I have hung above it.
The painting is an original, the chair is not... and the funny thing is, the authenticity of either of them is completely...and fashionably irrelavant.

Barcelona search, Part 2
The Knoll chair is very nice, but not worth the price tag in my opinion. The DWR chair ($2000) is also nice, but I agree with the previous poster that the cushioning is too soft (much softer than others) and takes away from the chair's character in my opinion. Also, the DWR leather, while good quality, is not worth the $2000 in my opinion. The White on White chairs were actually pretty good for the $700 price tag, but some of the details were lacking, including the use of smaller buttons that I didn't find as striking as the larger buttons used on most other Barcelona chairs. Finally, I came accross the chair at a store called Nuovo Mellodrome in NYC and new I had found the one. Stiff cushioning, very nice leather, for $840. Also, this store orders directly from Italy and had other leather options (and many swatches), so I actually chose a leather upgrade and got a very nice leather, which raised the cost to $1250 per chair. Much nicer than the Steelform chair (no comparison really) and as good as the DWR chair. That's my story...hope it helps.

Kudos Caleb
Thanks for the info. You're the second person to mention Nuovo. I heard about the store this past weekend when I was at DWR. A customer there said that they had what appears to be a good product at a very reasonable price. I will post my results after I make a visit.
David

alphaville samples
I received my leather samples from Alphaville. They seem nice. So now I have to decide between them and Nuovo. David, please help!!!!!!!!!

Canadian sellers
First let me say this site has been very helpful, I now have a list of about 20 online retailers of the Barcelona chair and ottoman. What I was wondering was if anyone is monitoring this site from the actual retailers and/or if anyone knows if any of these companies are able to deliver to Canada, or even better, have Canadian showrooms. I have only found this chair at 2 retailers here in Calgary, one I believe is a Knoll reseller (no 55% discount for me) and the other is a company called Home Evolution that gets their chairs from Chairtech in China. The prices for chair and ottoman are $9,000Cdn for the Knoll and $2,100 for the chairtech. If anyone has info about this I would love to hear it. Thanks in advance.

Any experience with Leatherform?
Has anyone purchased from this Italian manufacturer...a local shop here in Hong Kong had a pretty nice chair - measured to spec with all good details and cost HK$14000 (USD1800). Wanted to know what comments people had on this company.

Claank
I spoke to Walter at Claank. They are very proud of their chair and insist that it is high quality-somewhere between Knoll and DWR but for less money. I need to make a decision here between them, Alphaville and Nuovo. I'd like suggestions!

where have you found quality knock offs? How do they differ?
I can't afford to buy an original. I live in dc/nyc. I am interested in buying barcelona chair and ottoman. Are the knock offs good quality? How is your experience buying it without seeing it. Or do you find its safer to buy where you can go see it.
Is there a real difference in quality. i see the chair for 2000 and then i see the chair for 800.

continued...
This is not the case with the dwr version (aka 'pavillion'. dwr is the only version I've seen that runs the tubing long as well as incorporating 'dog ears' on the corners of each square so that the seam is really an full inch or more beneath the buttons. This is a very sturdy way on constructing the cushion. I know of this only because at dwr they have a sample showing it as well as a sample of the conventional way. That said, I also found the seat cushion to be too long. This is my preference. I prefer the cushion to end exactly at the edge of the metal frame. This way when viewed head on you see the chrome with the leather straps. If the cushion sits back you see the top tops of the straps and I think it looks sloppy. Again just my opinion. This by the way is my issue with the version at dwr. The cushion is too small...it sits too far back. As for the way the seat cushion is anchored to the frame, Knoll has the sturdiest belt configuration. Knoll's is also a firmer cushion. The dwr is the softest. The Nuovo is somewhere in the middle. I'm not sure from whom I will buy this chair. Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Claank
I'm going to give them a call and see if I can personally see the chair. They're located in Brooklyn, though they don't indicate that they have a showroom. I'll keep you posted.

thanks David
Thanks for sharing yor research. I am anxious for you to make a decision you are happy with-then I will follow suit. What exactly did you think of Alphaville? Another David seems to like them so I am confused...

I ended up with a White on White tulip table( ebay scam..advertised as Saarinan). The quality was a joke. I donated it to hospice resale. They let it go for $34.00. I'm not sure if the current owner paid too much or not? Lesson learned.