Kauppi & Kauppi on the process behind the expanded Classic family.

Hej Kauppi & Kauppi! What were your initial thoughts on this project?

When Robert (Bladh, CEO / Essem) invited us to expand the company’s design legacy with new contemporary designs, inspired by the Classic hat rack, we were both excited and honored to start the new collaboration.

Can you tell us about the design process of making the new Classic items?

Designing new pieces that fit within the Classic family felt like a good and fun challenge. The hat rack is such an iconic and recognizable item with its simple, straightforward form, made from bent metal tubes and a flat net. Our design take has been to contribute and expand the range with entirely new and independent designs, utilizing some of the Classic materials and dimensions – but also add something new, pointing in a new direction.

— The hat rack is such an iconic and recognizable item with its simple, straightforward form, made from bent metal tubes and a flat net.

The original hat and shoe rack designed by Gunnar Bolin, in the late 1950s.

Tell us more about the keys to this project, what pushed the work forwards?

Our design work began with adding a simple, pragmatic, and useful knob – a new key element for both the Classic family and Essem’s range. The knob, or hook is designed as a functional and aesthetic detail, seamlessly binding together the new collection with its distinct airy and minimalistic expression, all based on thin metal tubes.

What new items are you launching?

The items launching in 2025 include several categories such as a slender freestanding coat stand with an airy bow-like top, an efficient coat hanger nodding to the 50s hat rack by its shape, a slim minimalist hook strip, and a hallway mirror with extra hooks for a keychain or other essentials. And of course, the wall mounted hooks, available in two sizes. All five new designs in the Classic 2025 range, are produced locally in southern Sweden and available in several colors, lengths and versions.

The new Classic products will be available for sales 1st of July.