Elite is part of the craft tradition of Master Upholsterer Jules-Henri Caillet and was created in Yens-sur-Morges in Switzerland in 1895. Initially, the Caillet family specialised in upholstery and then went on to gain expertise in mattress manufacturing and build a reputation in the region. With the advent of automated tools, Robert Caillet, the founder's son, sought to integrate progress within his company by marrying craft and mechanisation. In his view, and indeed that of successive generations, progress was key to the manufacture of a good mattress.

Artisan production offers freedom of choice and the opportunity to use high-quality natural materials (Swiss wool, alpaca wall, cashmere, pure tail hair, camel wool, Tussar silk, etc.). Expertise in combining these different materials and rigorous design combine to produce exceptional bedding. “Fine materials for a good night’s sleep”. From the outset, the family business was careful to select only environmentally friendly, sustainable raw materials. Production, which still takes place in Switzerland, relies on a relationship of trust with partners, expertise and attention to details by the company’s employees. This leads to ethical, ecological and social responsibility both on the part of partners and customers as on that of its employees.

The birth of a mattress

The Boxspring, an ancestral know-how

The headboard, the bed's essence

Elite house seeks to forge its own distinctive path and prioritise craftsmanship and well-being. It is alert to customer experience and offers bespoke solutions. It strives its utmost to ensure that its products are both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

From consultation to manufacture, Elite’s employees are constantly on hand to meet their customers’ every demand. A job well done, the pursuit of excellence – these are the values that Elite seeks to convey in designing its products. The company is defined not only by its quality guarantees and commitment to innovation internally, but also by its fine, delicate materials and the talents of its craft workers.

Elite is part of a long tradition of bed making and seeks to advance the design of premium beds. This competition looks to foster new ideas through the combination of design and traditional craftsmanship.

The Elite Design Award is open to anyone belonging to one of the following categories

• Graduates from schools of design, architecture, interior design or engineering
• Practitioners without qualifications who can provide evidence of having worked in the areas of design, architecture or interior design
• Students of schools of design, architecture, interior design or engineering
• Any person wishing to innovate in bedding
• Individually or in teams (2 people max.)

The following criteria will be used to assess the proposals

• Consistency with the positioning of the company (craftsmanship, luxury, well-being)
• Quality of the presentation and narration (clarity)
• Aesthetic quality of the project
• Functional quality of the project (user experience)
• Technical and functional feasibility
• Creativity and originality in response to the competition theme and specifications