Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999)

A pioneer of modern design, Charlotte Perriand was a key figure in the evolution of 20th-century furniture. An architect, designer, and visionary thinker, she developed a unique formal language rooted in functionality, purity of line, and a deep sensitivity to the art of living.

Trained at the École de l’Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, she gained recognition in 1927 with her iconic Bar sous le toit, which caught the attention of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, with whom she collaborated for over a decade. Together, they created some of the most iconic pieces of modern design, such as the LC4 chaise longue, the LC1 sling chair, and the LC2 armchair.

Beyond furniture, Perriand also made a lasting impact on lighting design. Her CP1 wall lamps, conceived in the 1960s, perfectly embody her rational yet poetic approach: pared-down geometry with adjustable shades that allow light to be modulated, designed to integrate discreetly and efficiently into architecture.

From the 1930s onwards, Perriand embraced a more organic and holistic vision of design, influenced by her travels to Japan and her involvement in social housing projects. Her work consistently reflects a concern for balance—between tradition and modernity, industry and craftsmanship, the individual and the collective.

Charlotte Perriand remains one of the most important female figures in 20th-century design, whose legacy continues to shape contemporary approaches to furniture and interior architecture.