The women behind some of the best designs of modern times
Females have designed some of the most exciting furniture, lighting and home accessories since the dawn of the modernist industrial manufacturing era. Now they’re finally getting the credit.
In 1927, a 24-year-old Charlotte Perriand turned up at the Paris atelier of Swiss architect Le Corbusier to apply for a position, only to be greeted by the gnarly mâitre with “Mademoiselle, we don’t embroider cushions here.” Nonetheless, a month later, having seen her gleaming chrome Bar Sous le Toît (Bar Under the Roof) at the annual Salone d’Automne, the Swiss called the miss and gave her a job.
For the next 10 years, Perriand designed the interior fittings of Corbu’s residences, including the iconic steel-framed LC series of furniture attributed, as the initials attest, to Le Corbusier’s own catalogue – until an exhibition at London’s Design Museum about 70 years later flipped the lid on the true story.
Stephen ToddDesign editorStephen Todd writes for The Australian Financial Review's weekly Life&Leisure lift out and AFR Magazine. Email Stephen at stephen.todd@afr.com
