Eames Aluminum Lounge - weird stitching  

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I seem to recall the factory process is a heat fusion, not stitched. If i am correct, it seems something went wrong and the process failed over time. (inconsistent heat or the fusing fabric layer was missing the heat activated glue?)
I would think it could be stitched as a fix solution but i would do all seams so it looks the same overall. A shame it failed so soon.

darn - I thought that...
darn - I thought that already, and won't trust the chair.
Price is too good to be true. I sent an email to HM to hear what the problem is.
Thanks,
J

Well, HM hasn't answered yet...
Well, HM hasn't answered yet - usually takes them a few hours, now it's been almost two days. Didn't mean to embarress them 😀
I wonder if it's a big deal to take off the upholstery, and have it stitched (which could add a nice touch in my opinion), and put it back on.
Anyone done that yet - or know anyone who will/can do it?

It's heat sealed fabric (mayb...
It's heat sealed fabric pleats (probably vinyl?). People do sometimes redo the upholstery with stitches on HM chairs with the heat sealed fabric like this. I have a tandem sling with heat sealed upholstery. I would consider contacting some marine or automotive upholstery shops since they deal with heat sealing more often and they could probably reseal the parts that have came unsealed. HM probably still sells replacement seat/ottoman pads for this chair but they probably won't be too cheap.

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It can be stitched without removing the fabric. I love the fabric and color and it is a wonderful chair. I would not attempt to re-seal as the internal bonding failed.
(not sure but a decent guess)
But it has not been purchased? Consider the cost. Is 500 too much? Probably.
An upholsterer could better answer the stitching issue but does not seem difficult.

Agreed,
very handsome color and fabric.
How much does the current owner ask?

I haven't gotten them yet,...
I haven't gotten them yet, but will pick them up this weekend.
I like the color/fabric, and if I'd know that the chairs stay free of this weird defect, I'd be happy to pay 500$/set, even when considered that I will slaughter the ottoman.
I don't like the five-star base, and plan on using the ottomans four-star for the chair.
Maybe someone on ebay is willing to spend a few bucks for a five star ottoman with f&^$#@-up stitching 😀

Four-star vs
five is not an aesthetic matter, it's one of stability. Otherwise the designer and maker would surely have gone with a single type of base for both chair and ottoman. You'll find the same condition on any number of lesser pairs -- and on the Eames lounger as well.
It's also a matter of authenticity, of course . . . !

I'm well aware of that - but ...
I'm well aware of that - but there's lots of loungers out there with four stars. I just converted my management chair to one, and guess what: it's functionally a non-issue (at least for me).
The travel diameter of the casters is smaller too (which I like a lot), but it still sits very stable - even if I tilt back with hands as far as I can reach behind me.
Have to say though, that my 5'9" height definitely helps. Did I mention that I'm glad not to be taller?

Still, Joe,
it would be a shame to split up that set, IMO. Even with the seam failure, the otto just belongs with that chair.

I will see, how it looks in...
I will see, how it looks in my room, but I had two chairs planned in my living room on one side of the coffee table (I hate that name btw). On the other I already have the Eames lounge chair with ottoman. Two or three ottomans is just too much...
I'm couchless, and I like the simple sleek look of the aluminum group chairs as opposed to the bulky leather/plywood version.

Coffee tables are for teetotalers.
Mine's a cocktail table.
Maybe keep the ottoman in a different room? I just hate seeing a good-looking set broken up. Of course, once it belongs to you, it's your choice.

A good upholsterer
could stitch the unbonded areas by hand and have it look pretty good. You'd have to find someone who can do small, neat stitches and who would be willing to find thread that matches exactly.