Image 1: Upon visiting the breathtaking couture exhibition entitled 'Les Années 50' now on view at the Musée Galliera here in Paris, we found ourselves discussing how some of the themes and goals we saw in the clothes were being explored in furniture design as well. Like the fashion of this time the furniture designers were also focused on functionality, technical innovation and elegance. Some of the fabric styles are quite similar to the furniture upholstery. There is also a sense of control felt in the many buttons of the jackets and the firm cushions forms of the furniture yet the swirling full skirts created by Dior in these years sent shockwaves through France and the bright colored upholstery covering radical new furniture forms created excitement and optimism. During the 1950s a more democratic system of licensing was put into place by some houses (such as Lanvin boutique) to make the lines more available to a public without access to the couture salons. At the same time the first generation of French designers creating ultra-modern work that was meant to be mass produced. Enjoy the images below. And don't hesitate to contact us when you are tempted by these gorgeous designs!
Image 2: In the 1950s, the shape of the seating corresponded to social and practical criteria of the time. The historical context adds enormously to the story of each piece. This sofa by Genevieve Dangles and Christian DeFrance is made of numerous chairs which put together make up a magnificent arched-shape sofa. The shape of the chair backs kept the sitter's posture straight which was important since the women all still wore skirts (before the advent of Saint's Laurent's revolutionary pant suits for women). Photo Courtesy Galerie Pascal Cusinier.
Image 3: This pair of fauteuils '44' (1957) also by Dangles & Defrance was one of their most revolutionary designs at the time. The sense of forging ahead breaking new boundaries is palpable and exciting. We love the energy of the design of this period. Photo Courtesy Galerie Pascal Cusinier.
Image 4: Looking back at this interior from the 1950s the furniture, to our eye, looks formal and uniform in its arrangement. But with a little imagination, you can take elements from this period and incorporate them into your home, crossing eras and styles and making your own original and personal statement. The pieces that we have found this week are refined, elegant and with simple lines reflecting the optimistic but practical postwar outlook of a brave new world. They speak to the forward-looking ideals of that time. Perhaps these ideals resonate with you?
Image 5: Designed for Chandrigah in India in the 1950s by Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, the timelessly beautiful, and architecturally rigorous chairs by Jeanneret in this interior at La Banane Hotel in St Barts add a strong aesthetic statement to the space, giving us a glimpse of the artist's cutting edge creative thinking in bridging Art Deco and Modernism. Impossible to ignore without being domineering, the strong angular lines of the chairs contribute to the stylistic dialogue in the room creating a marvellous energy. Just think what pieces like this could add to your home!
Image 6: This wonderfully sculptural chair (1950s) in oak is one of a pair by Rene Gabriel. They look good from every angle! A specialist in 'meubles de series', Gabriel was Influential in the development of 20th century design in France and the 'Rene Gabriel award' is to this day, highly prestigious for emerging designers. There is a feeling of freedom and you sense the sheer joy of designing in this piece. Just imagine the statement it would make in your home!
Image 7: This elegant 1950s table lamp in leather and brass is by Jacques Adnet. The base is covered in beautifully stitched leather interspersed with brass. It would impart a warm and elegant glow to any room.
Image 8: We were excited to find this chic and highly covetable late-1950s Leleu Deshays desk in rosewood and leather. It would look equally stunning in a traditional book-lined study or in a more minimalist room. Magnifique!
Image 9: This restrained and beautiful early 1950s desk is Austrian. In stainless steel and black lacquer, we love the uniform line of the large number of simple drawer handles standing out against the richness of the smooth lacquer.
Image 10: This pair of wicker chairs by Abrahams & Rolls (end of the 1950s) are not only beautiful and technically brilliant but they are also really comfortable!
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