Stool
Sori Yanagi (1915–2011) was a famous Japanese product designer, who updated traditional Japanese forms for the modern age.
Stock pot
In 1550 a pan-hammer mill was founded in Ybbsitz, Austria, which developed into a flourishing metal working business.
Tent
Founded in 1948 by Machiel de Waard, De Waard is the manufacturer of the most iconic tent, the Albatross.
Toothbrush (electric)
The world’s first automatic toothbrush was invented in Switzerland in 1956 by Dr. Philippe Guy Woog.
Watch (GMT)
Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London as Wilsdorf and Davis, Rolex SA is a Swiss luxury watchmaker.
Headphones
The history of the headphone is tied together with a string of brands and innovations. Heritage-wise you are well off buying AKG or Koss
Boots (Veldtschoen)
Founded in 1886 by Joseph Cheaney, Cheaney Shoes Ltd. has been making fine shoes for five generations.
Darts
Founded in 1937 by Frank Lowy, Unicorn is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dart equipment.
Chair (three-legged)
Hans Wegner (1914-2007) was a famous Danish furniture designer, who contributed to the popularity of mid-century Danish design.
Bread basket
Founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi, Alessi is a manufacturer of housewares and kitchen utensils, mostly known for their dreadful ‘designer’ objects.
Weight scale
Founded in 1840 by metalworker A.C.C. Joachims as Germany’s first scale factory, Seca is market leader in the field of high-precision scales and measuring systems.
Umbrella (men’s)
Founded in 1836 by Thomas Brigg as Thomas Brigg & Sons, Swaine Adeney Brigg is the manufacturer of the iconic Brigg umbrella.
Flatware (modern)
Founded in 1895 by Wilhelm Seibel, Mono is a manufacturer of flatware and designer products, known for its high standards of production.
Jacket (down)
The first quilted goose down jacket was created by Eddie Bauer, which he would patent in 1940 as the ‘Skyliner’.
Cooler
Created in 1952 by Malley’s, a Sydney refrigeration business, Esky is an Australian brand of portable coolers.
Women’s shoes (moccasins)
Founded in 1920 by Dorino Della Valle as a small shoe workshop, Tod’s is an Italian manufacturer of luxury shoes and leather goods.
Sofa (contemporary)
Trained by Achille Castiglioni and Vico Magistretti, Patricia Urquiola (1961) is a famous Spanish furniture designer.
Stethoscope
In the early 1960s David Littmann, a Harvard Medical School professor, created a new stethoscope with improved acoustic performances for auscultation.
Weightlifting equipment
The history of Eleiko began in 1957 in a small factory in Halmstad that manufactured electrical equipment.
Coat rack
Charles (1907–1978) and Ray Eames (1912–1988) were American designers who made major contributions to modern architecture and furniture.
Brush & Dustpan
Founded in 1935 by Friedrich Redecker, Bürstenhaus Redecker is a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer of handmade brushes.
Women’s shoes (pump)
Founded in 1928 by Salvatore Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. is an Italian luxury goods company, specialized in shoes and leather goods.
Fishing/game bag
Founded in 1870 by John and Albert Brady, Brady was originally a manufacturer of high-quality gun cases and leather bags for use in field sports.
Paint (mineral)
Founded in 1878 in Abensberg by Adolf Wilhelm Keim, Keimfarben is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of silicate paints.
Jacket (driving)
Founded in 1975 by Massimo Osti as Chester Perry Company, C.P. Company is a manufacturer of functional outerwear, mostly known for its innovative fabrics and processing techniques.
Radial arm saw
In 1922 inventor and entrepreneur Raymond Elmer DeWalt invented the radial arm saw in 1922. He founded DeWalt Products Company in 1924 to manufacture his radial arm saw, which he called the ‘wonder-worker’.
Belt (leather)
Founded in 1963 by Erich Kreis, Kreis Ledermanufaktur is a second-generation leather-goods makers, especially known for their handmade belts.
Clutch pencil sharpener
Invented and patented in 1939 by Georges Dessonnaz, and named after the first letters of its inventor’s name, the Gedess is the world’s first sharpener for clutch pencils.
Bicycle pedal
Founded in 1951, originally as a manufacturer of ski equipment, Look today manufactures high-end ski bindings, bicycle frames and cycling equipment.
Door handle
Founded in 1881 by Franz Schneider as a producer of furniture knobs, Franz Schneider Brakel (FSB) is a manufacturer of door handles and door fittings.
Car (electric)
Founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, JB Straubel, Ian Wright and Elon Musk, Tesla Motors is an American car manufacturer.
Hedge shears
Founded in 1940 by blacksmith Tsuneichi Okano, Okatsune (an acronym of the founder’s name) is the undisputed number 1 shear manufacturer in Japan.
Sweater (lambswool)
Founded in 1874 by William Lockie, William Lockie & Co Ltd. is a manufacturer of luxury knitwear, renowned for traditional technique and lasting quality.
Saxophone
Founded in 1885 by Henry Selmer, Henri Selmer Paris is a manufacturer of musical instruments, best known for its professional-grade saxophones and clarinets.
Fragrance (Women’s III)
Founded in 1909 by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, Chanel is a high fashion house that specializes in haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes, luxury goods and fashion accessories.
Tennis sneakers
Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, Adidas is a designer and manufacturer of sports shoes, clothing and accessories.
Coffee grinder
Founded in 1952 by Luigi Mazzer, Mazzer is a leading company for the manufacture of coffee grinders and grinder-dosers.
Exercise bike
Founded in 1968 by Ray Wilson and Augie Neato, Life Fitness is an American fitness equipment company, specialized in the production of exercise bikes and treadmills.
Kitchen timer
Founded in 1946 by Paul Terraillon, Terraillon is a producer of household goods, specialized in kitchen scales and kitchen timers.
Telescopic lamp
Designed in 1965 by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce, the Pipistrello has become one of the classic icons of 20th century design.
Jacket (parka)
Founded in 1947 by Roy and Alice Holubar, Holubar Mountaineering was a manufacturer of innovative mountaineering equipment.
String trimmer
Founded in 1971 by George C. Ballas, Weed Eater is the manufacturer and inventor of the original string trimmer, weed eater or weed whacker.
Canvas bag
Founded in 1897 by C.C. Filson, Filson is a manufacturer of goods for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dartboard
Two big names feature in the history of the dartboard: Nodor, founded in 1919, and Winmau, founded in 1945 as H.A. Hicks.
Coffee maker (slow drip)
Founded in 1921 by Hiromu Shibata as Hiromu Shibata Works, Hario is a laboratory glassware manufacturer, specialized in heat-resistant glass products.
Fitness equipment
Founded in 1983 by Nerio Alessandri, Technogym is the manufacturer of the most iconic fitness equipment.
Chair (café)
Designed in 1898 by Adolf Loos to furnish the famous Café Museum in Vienna, the Museum Chair is the most iconic café chair.
Push bin
Founded in 1867 by M. Westermann as Westermann & Co., Wesco is the manufacturer of the most iconic push bin, the Pushboy.
Trousers
Founded in 1967 by ‘Ingénieur Pantalonnier’ Bernard Zins, Maison Bernard Zins makes the most iconic trousers.
Raclette set
Founded in 1946 by the Spring brothers in Switzerland, home of fondue, raclette and other monstrosities you cook at the dining table, Spring International is the manufacturer of the most iconic fondue set.