In a world where innovation often means chasing the new, the exceptional brand available in our offer has taken a completely different direction. Instead of forcing breakthroughs, they turned to history – to places where good design has already been invented, though often forgotten or underappreciated. Their mission is to revive icons of Polish design and give them a second life through contemporary technologies and quality standards.
One of the most important designs in Vzór's portfolio is the RM58 armchair – a piece of furniture unique in every respect. It's not only a distinctively shaped object, but also a symbol of a bold approach to materials, ergonomics, and modernity at a time when Poland was just learning what industrial design truly meant.
Roman Modzelewski – an artist who was ahead of his time
The creator of the RM58 armchair was Roman Modzelewski , a figure of immense importance in the history of Polish design, though for years underappreciated. He was not only a furniture designer but also a painter, sculptor, sailor, and academic lecturer. As co-founder and first rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Modzelewski had a profound influence on the development of Polish art and design education.
In 1958, he presented the world with an armchair design that seemed almost futuristic at the time – the RM58. It was the first piece of furniture in Poland made of polyester-glass laminate, whose properties allowed for a uniform, closed seat shape. The armchair resembled an organic shell – streamlined, smooth, and without visible joints. This approach to design was completely innovative at the time, and the RM58 gained international recognition, attracting the attention of Le Corbusier, among others. Unfortunately, despite patenting the design in 1961, it never saw mass production. It remained a prototype – beautiful, but unavailable.
Modzelewski experimented not only with furniture. As a passionate sailor, he designed and built synthetic yachts, introducing modern technologies to the Polish boatbuilding industry. He was a man who sought new solutions regardless of the field—wherever form could serve function.
RM58 – from a forgotten prototype to a cult piece of furniture
For decades, the RM58 existed only as a legendary prototype. This changed only in 2012, when the Vzór brand, inspired by the work of design historian Professor Krystyna Łuczak-Surówka and the involvement of designer Jakub Sobiepanek, decided to revive Modzelewski's design.
Today's RM58, although manufactured using modern methods, remains completely faithful to the original. Vzór has created two versions of this iconic armchair: the RM58 Classic, made of glossy laminate, and the RM58 Soft – a softer, matte version manufactured using rotational molding, significantly more comfortable and adapted to modern ergonomic needs. This means the RM58 is no longer just a museum piece – it has become a fully-fledged element of contemporary interiors.
An armchair that won the hearts of architects
The modern incarnation of the RM58 quickly gained recognition among architects and designers. The armchair began appearing in interior design projects around the world – from modern apartments to commercial spaces, galleries, and even cultural institutions.
Designers appreciate the RM58 not only for its history but also for its functionality and versatility. Its soft, organic lines complement both minimalist and eclectic spaces. A choice of finishes—glossy laminate, matte coating, or upholstered Soft—makes the RM58 easily adaptable to the character of any interior.
Importantly, the furniture's modern form still commands attention—not as a "retro curiosity," but as a sculptural, timeless accent. It's a rare example of an object that combines utilitarian function with a clear aesthetic statement .
From galleries to MoMA – RM58 as an ambassador of Polish design
Roman Modzelewski's legacy has been recognized not only by design circles but also by the world's most important cultural institutions. One of the original RM58 armchairs became part of the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In 2018, a contemporary reissue, the Vzór, was introduced for sale by the MoMA Design Store in New York – a considerable distinction, reserved for the most iconic products of global design.
The RM58 has also gained popularity among film producers – it appears in classic Polish films, as well as in new scenographic arrangements where a piece of furniture with a distinctive character and unique form is needed.
A legacy that lives on
The Vzór brand didn't stop with the RM58. In subsequent years, it reintroduced other Modzelewski designs, including the RM56 and CK57 – each equally interesting, each worthy of attention. The company is also expanding its collection to include designs from other classics of Polish design from the mid-20th century – all with the same care, attention to detail, and respect for the original idea.
The story of the RM58 is a perfect example of how it's possible—and worthwhile—to draw on the past. The RM58 isn't just a designer armchair—it's a form with a history that lives , speaks, and inspires. The design demonstrates that contemporary design doesn't have to be new—it just needs to be authentic , grounded in culture, and reimagined. And the RM58 is proof that good design doesn't age. It simply matures.
