Danish modern reborn

Anton Assaad wanted to be a diplomat when he grew up. Instead, the Melburnian turned to international relations from an unexpected angle, reviving vintage Scandinavian furniture designs for contemporary devotees in Australia.

Assaad’s company, Great Dane, is a darling of the glossy magazine set, who borrow his striking furniture for photo shoots. Design hunters, meanwhile, find the classics he has brought back into production, such as the late Illum Wikkelso’s 1965 V11 three-seater leather sofa with tapered legs, in Sydney and Melbourne showrooms.

”It’s an investment,” Assaad says, as the sofa’s $14,950 price tag is noted. ”[Wikkelso’s] son and daughter were really particular [about how we revived the design]. I think they’re quite proud that their dad’s work is being appreciated.”