Saint Laurent x Charlotte Perriand: A Design Revival

When Fashion Meets Furniture: Saint Laurent Breathes New Life into Charlotte Perriand's Masterpieces for Milan Design Week.

Saint Laurent, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, is set to unveil a remarkable fusion of fashion and design at the upcoming Milan Design Week. The luxury fashion house has meticulously reissued four rare furniture pieces by the pioneering French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand. These pieces, originally conceived between 1943 and 1967, will be showcased at the exhibition titled "Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand" from April 8 to 13 at the Padiglione Visconti.

Charlotte Perriand, renowned for her innovative approach to modernist design, collaborated with luminaries such as Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. Her work seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic elegance, making her creations timeless. The four selected pieces have been faithfully reproduced by Saint Laurent in limited editions, available exclusively through bespoke orders.

The Reissued Masterpieces

1. La Banquette de la Résidence de l’Ambassadeur du Japon à Paris (1967) / The Bench of the Residence of Japan’s Ambassador in Paris (1967)

Originally designed for the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Paris, this expansive five-seat sofa stretches over seven meters. Crafted from rosewood and cane, it features Thai silk upholstery by Jim Thompson. The design creates an illusion of weightlessness, with its base curving upwards at both ends.

2. Le Fauteuil Visiteur Indochine (1943) / The Indochina Visitor Armchair (1943)

This guest armchair was conceived during Perriand’s time in Vietnam. The original piece was lost to history, but Saint Laurent has meticulously reconstructed it from existing drawings, reflecting both functional requirements and Southeast Asian aesthetic influences.

3. La Table Mille-Feuilles (1963) / The Thousand-Leaves Table (1963)

Previously existing only as a prototype maquette on Perriand’s desk, this table was brought to full-scale production for the first time. Its layered design exemplifies Perriand’s exploration of materials and form.

Anthony Vaccarello's initiative to resurrect these designs underscores Saint Laurent's commitment to bridging the worlds of fashion and design. This collaboration not only pays homage to Perriand's legacy but also offers design enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to experience and acquire these iconic pieces.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Éditions Saint Laurent will publish a photographic volume dedicated to Charlotte Perriand. This publication will be available at a temporary newsstand on Piazza San Babila, providing further insight into the designer's life and work. Additionally, a selection of Perriand's personal photographs will be displayed in Saint Laurent's Parisian stores on Rue de Babylone and Rue Saint-Honoré.

The "Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand" exhibition promises to be a highlight of Milan Design Week, celebrating the enduring influence of Perriand's designs and the seamless integration of fashion and furniture. Design aficionados and fashion enthusiasts alike are invited to witness this unique homage to a design visionary.

Courtesy: Saint Laurent

Text: Leilani Streshinsky