Reinventing Classics with Simone Haag

Messing with a Classic: Simone Haag, Eames Controversy & The Future of Timeless Design

Mar 14, 2025

Well, that was fun. The launch party episode of The Design Anatomy Podcast (my podcast with Bree Banfield) was a glorious mix of big design chats, even bigger opinions, and some truly excellent furniture. Generously hosted in the stunning Living Edge showroom (a candy store for design lovers), we gathered under the warm glow of designer lighting, surrounded by iconic chairs and equally iconic minds.

The one and only Simone Haag—stylist, curator, furniture whisperer, and certified risk-taker. The night’s theme was about Classic pieces and what makes them timeless. Or, in Simone’s case—can you mess with a classic and still sleep at night? (Spoiler: yes, yes you can.)

Interior decoration by Simone Haag, Photo by Lillie Thompson

Here we are at the launch: Simone Haag, Bree Banfield, me (Lauren Li), Lucy Feagins and Esther Navarro-Orejon

Reupholstering an Eames? The Internet Might Break.

Let’s get straight to the juicy bit. Simone took an Eames Lounge Chair—yes, that chair, the one that’s basically worshipped in the design world—and reupholstered it in teal mohair leopard print fabric.

I’ll give you a moment.

Now, for the Eames purists out there, this might sound like design sacrilege. But Simone sees it as something else: evolution. And honestly, she’s got a point. The Eames duo were all about innovation—experimenting with materials, pushing boundaries—so why wouldn’t they be cool with a little leopard-print moment?

Of course, there was a lively debate about whether this move would get Simone trolled into oblivion by mid-century diehards, but as we all agreed, you haven’t truly made it until you’ve been trolled on Instagram.

Interior decoration by Simone Haag, photos courtesy of Capella.

From Residential to Hospitality: The Big Shift

Simone also shared how she’s evolved from residential interiors to working with luxury hotels like Capella Sydney and Singapore. And while residential projects are deeply personal (read: clients who have many, many opinions), hospitality design is a different beast—bigger budgets, bigger teams, and a need to create spaces that feel both iconic and practical.

And then there’s her own Mountain House, a personal project that she’s balancing with, as she put it, “a husband who is working at a glacial pace.” (Relatable.)

So, What Makes a Classic… Classic?

The big question of the night: how do you know when a piece is a true classic, not just another trend?

The answer? It’s not just about age—it’s about impact. Some pieces—think Eames, Scarpa, Memphis-era—were radical when they launched. They pushed design forward. And right now, we’re seeing new designers do the same—playing with materiality, form, and sustainability in ways that might just create the next iconic piece.

But there’s also the art of reinvention. Simone has a knack for taking well-loved furniture and giving it a whole new life—whether that’s an unexpected fabric choice, a reimagined finish, or a completely new context.

An unexpected fabric upholstery transforms a classic: the Gubi Pacha in a colourful Pierre Frey Fabric and the Arne Jacobson in a cream boucle. By Simone Haag

My fabulous Design Anatomy Podcast host Bree Banfireld in red with Simone Haag deep in conversation

I do hope that you can listen in - it was a fabulous discussion.

Final Thoughts: If It Sparks Joy (or Controversy), It’s Worth It.

At the end of the day, a classic isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s a feeling. It’s a

chair that does something when you see it. Whether that’s an Eames Lounge, a vintage Scarpa chair, or a bold Mexican design gem, what makes something timeless is its ability to keep people talking.

And if that means throwing a little teal mohair leopard print into the mix? Well, why the hell not.