EVENT︱Alcova 2025

BLOG | Reimagining the past: How 1970s design feels fresh today

Why the bold, expressive spirit of the 70s is reshaping modern interiors Once seen as retro or nostalgic, 1970s design is now at the forefront of contemporary interiors. Its rich textures, sculptural forms, and warm tones are being rediscovered by a new generation of designers, collectors, and design lovers. At Source Édition, we’re proud to contribute to this revival by offering faithful reissues of iconic mid-century pieces. In this article, we explore what defines 1970s design, why it resonates today, and how our reissued collections give it a second life in the 21st century. 1. Sculptural forms and bold silhouettes The 1970s marked a shift from minimalism to sensual, curved, and sculptural design. Furniture became more expressive—sofas with generous volumes, low-slung armchairs, and organic shapes that blurred the line between art and utility.Today, these forms feel more relevant than ever. As interiors move away from strict minimalism, the bold silhouettes of the 70s offer comfort, character, and a visually rich experience. 2. Earthy colors and rich materials The 70s palette was warm and natural—think terracotta, ochre, avocado green, and deep browns—paired with tactile materials like velvet, chrome, smoked and blown glass, and solid wood. This combination creates interiors that feel both grounded and luxurious.At Source Édition, our reissues embrace these materials, using original techniques and finishes to retain the mood of the era while meeting modern standards. 3. A spirit of experimentation The 1970s were a playground for radical creativity. Designers challenged norms, experimented with new materials like plastics and tubular metals, and designed furniture with playful proportions and unexpected functionality.Reissuing these pieces means honoring this spirit. Whether it’s a flat-pack table by Turenne Chevallereau or a minimalist porcelain vase by Claude Courtecuisse, we bring back pieces that were ahead of their time—and still feel avant-garde today. 4. Design that resonates with today’s values Beyond style, 70s design speaks to current values: comfort, individuality, and environmental awareness. Instead of disposable furniture, people are now investing in meaningful, well-crafted pieces that tell a story and stand the test of time.That’s where our reissued 1970s collections come in. Made in France and Italy, using sustainable practices and authentic materials, each Source Édition piece is a timeless answer to the fast-paced trends of today. 5. A New generation of collectors and creators Designers, stylists, and tastemakers are looking back to the 1970s not for nostalgia, but for inspiration. The era’s boldness and freedom resonate with a younger audience seeking individual expression, creative comfort, and emotional design.Our mission is to connect these audiences to the past through design that feels contemporary and unique. With each reissue, we reintroduce the world to forgotten icons—and give them a new platform to shine. Conclusion: A fresh take on a bold era Far from being frozen in the past, 1970s design is once again leading the way. Its emotional power, sculptural elegance, and ecological relevance make it a perfect match for today’s interiors. At Source Édition, we are proud to reimagine the past, one faithful reissue at a time.Explore our curated selection of 1970s furniture reissues and discover how the bold beauty of this iconic decade can transform your space—with authenticity, craft, and timeless style.  

BLOG | Behind the scenes of a faithful design revival

At Source Édition, reissuing iconic design isn’t about imitation—it’s about precision, integrity, and storytelling. Every chair, table, or light featured in our catalog has gone through a meticulous revival process that bridges the past and present with care. In this article, we take you behind the scenes of how a faithful design reissue is born—from archive discovery to workshop production.Whether you’re a design professional, a collector, or simply passionate about mid-century modern furniture, understanding how we work reveals why our pieces are more than beautiful objects—they’re authentic works of design heritage. Step 1: Archival research – rediscovering design legends The journey begins with original documentation. We dig deep into private collections, designer estates, museum archives, and forgotten prototypes to locate the source materials: sketches, technical drawings, photographs, and first editions.This historical dive ensures that every reissue design stays faithful to the creator’s vision. We treat the archive not as nostalgia, but as design archaeology, a critical first step in authentic design revival. Step 2: Securing the rights – Ethical reissues only Before production begins, we ensure all necessary rights are legally secured. At Source Édition, we work closely with designers' families, foundations, or representative estates to obtain official permissions for each design. This guarantees that our reissues are legally authorized and ethically produced.This transparent approach isn’t just legal, it’s part of our value system: a reissue must be respectful, documented, and honest. Step 3: Prototyping with purpose – Engineering authenticity Using the original documents, we recreate the design with modern prototyping techniques, while staying loyal to the original construction. Our artisans translate old measurements into 3D models, build test versions, and refine details until the proportions, ergonomics, and materials are just right.Every prototype is carefully compared to the original—when one exists—or adjusted based on notes left by the designer. This stage is about precision, not approximation. Step 4: Material selection – recreating the look and feel Mid-century masters selected their materials with intention. That’s why we go to great lengths to source original or equivalent materials when the original one is, protected or bad for the people and/or the planet. We use varnished walnut veneer as a sustainable alternative to palissander, a protected and endangered wood species or we also use glass instead of opaline.We favor sustainable, local production across France and Italy. By choosing partners who share our values, we combine the craftsmanship of the past with the environmental ethics of today. Step 5: Signature and story – Making every piece traceable Once production is complete, every Source Édition piece receives its aluminum authenticity plaque, engraved with the designer’s name, creation year, and our brand’s signature. This final touch ensures traceability and confirms the piece’s official status as a reissue.But we don’t stop there. Each product comes with a printed certificate of authenticity, telling the history of the design and our journey to bring it back to life. We believe that context enriches the object—and helps people connect with its meaning. Why it matters In an era of mass-market replicas and diluted heritage, Source Édition stands apart by reviving original designs with rigor, passion, and full transparency. Our process is long, demanding, and never rushed—but that’s what makes the result so special.To own a Source Édition piece is to own a fragment of design history— beautifully crafted, and made to last for generations.

BLOG︱What makes a reissue authentic?