Saint Laurent is set to unveil an exclusive exhibition in Milan, showcasing the revival of four distinguished furniture designs by the acclaimed French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand. The exhibition, titled Saint Laurent — Charlotte Perriand, will take place at the Padiglione Visconti from April 8 to 13 during the prominent Salone del Mobile event. These pieces, originally conceptualized between 1943 and 1967, were either prototypes or remained as sketches, embodying Perriand’s visionary approach to design. Under the meticulous creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, these rare creations have been faithfully reproduced, available in limited edition and made to order.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Charlotte Perriand
Creative Director: Anthony Vaccarello
Location: Padiglione Visconti, Milan
Event: Salone del Mobile
Exhibition: Saint Laurent — Charlotte Perriand
Central to the revival is the Indochina guest armchair, a piece originally designed by Perriand in 1943 for her home in Vietnam. Though the original was lost, Saint Laurent has painstakingly recreated it based on existing drawings, preserving its historical essence. Another standout piece is the Rio de Janeiro bookshelf, crafted for Perriand’s husband in 1962 while he resided in Brazil. Constructed from solid rosewood, it features sliding cane doors that seamlessly integrate art and literature. This bookshelf is notable for its rarity, having only been exhibited three times in the past quarter-century.
The collection also includes the Mille-feuilles table, designed in 1963. Characterized by its intricate construction, the table consists of ten alternating layers of light and dark wood, arranged in concentric circles. This complex design posed significant manufacturing challenges at the time, resulting in its existence as a mere model. Now, thanks to advanced craftsmanship, Saint Laurent has managed to bring it to life as part of this revival. The Mille-feuilles table exemplifies Perriand’s innovative use of materials and form to create functional art.
Furthermore, the exhibition will feature a minimalist sofa originally conceived for the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Paris in 1967. In collaboration with Toru Haguiwara, Japan’s ambassador to France, and Junzô Sakakura, the basis of this design was to provide a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic for the ambassador’s main reception area. The sofa, stretching an impressive 23 feet in length, reflects Perriand’s mastery in combining elegance with simplicity, aligning with the minimalist ethos that characterizes much of her work.
To complement the exhibition, a kiosk at Milan’s Piazza San Babila, located outside the French fashion house’s store, will offer a book of Perriand’s evocative photographs along with a catalog featuring the newly revived furniture collection. This initiative extends to a curated display of her photography at Saint Laurent’s bookshop and record store on Rue de Babylone in Paris from April 9 to May 4 and the Rive Droite flagship on Rue Saint-Honoré from April 8 to May 7. These presentations aim to provide a comprehensive insight into Perriand’s legacy and the timeless appeal of her designs.
In summary, the Saint Laurent exhibit not only resurrects the iconic works of Charlotte Perriand but also celebrates her lasting impact on the worlds of design and architecture. By meticulously recreating and showcasing these distinctive pieces, Saint Laurent offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience Perriand’s revolutionary vision firsthand, effectively bridging the past with contemporary design sensibilities. This collaboration underscores the enduring relevance of Perriand’s contributions to modern design, ensuring her innovative spirit continues to inspire future generations.
