The Champagne Chair Contest has become a staple event not just for design enthusiasts but also for those passionate about the preservation of modern design. Now in its 21st year, it brings creative minds together to transform everyday champagne materials into miniature chairs. The contest also supports a noble cause, with this year’s proceeds going towards the conservation efforts of modern architecture. Hosted in New York City, the event attracts talented individuals eager to showcase their skills in innovative design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Judge: Editor, Architects, and Designers
Location: Lower East Side, Manhattan
Event: Champagne Chair Contest
The competition often reflects the vibrant diversity and inventiveness characteristic of the design community. This year, the contest unfolded in an intimate setting, where judges – including an editor, architects, designers, and a past contest winner – assessed participants’ creations. These judges were tasked with selecting the best entries based on originality, likeness to iconic designs, and creative use of provided materials. Each entry had to fit within a four-inch cube, turning caps, corks, and other materials into artistic expressions of miniature seating.
Among this year’s standout entries was Rob Metzgar’s “Brut Royal Daybed,” which won the Best Craftsmanship award. This piece impressed with its intricate caning and thoughtful color application, marrying both aesthetic elegance and functional design. The addition of cap and cork throw pillows infused the piece with character and finesse, pushing it to the top of the participants’ list. Metzgar’s design symbolizes the delicate ballet between seating and repose, perfectly executing the dual functions inherent in a daybed.
Monte A.’s “Infinity Lounge Chair” took the prize for Most Original design. Appearing simple at first glance, the chair stands out for its refinement and balance in proportion. The piece skillfully employs cork to craft textured details that invite touch and a strong structural frame that surprisingly reveals no stress points. The innovation lies in its ability to transcend conventional design processes, maintaining simplicity yet questioning traditional forms through its fluid lines and composition.
The Best Likeness award was claimed by Ann Dinh with her rendition of “La Chaise,” inspired by the iconic Eames design. This entry captivated the judges with its graceful curves and a polished finish that encapsulates the spirit of its muse flawlessly. The chair’s brilliance is further amplified by clever lighting that accentuates its glossy surface, while its meticulously crafted legs provide a stunning contrast to its organic form. It’s a celebration of how design can pay homage while simultaneously bringing something new to the table.
This charming contest not only highlights individual creativity but also encourages participants to engage with design history, think sustainably, and innovate within constraints. The event continues to be a beacon of ingenuity and design excellence. It invites enthusiasts and professionals alike to look beyond conventional materials and explore new realms of creativity, resonating both as playful experimentation and as an earnest call to action for the preservation of modern design heritage.
