Maharam explores Alexander Girard’s creative legacy

Maharam, a prominent textile house, has released a new capsule collection of reissued fabrics, rugs, and wallpapers, celebrating the creative legacy of iconic American designer and architect Alexander Girard. This collection is part of Maharam’s ongoing ‘Textiles of the 20th Century’ series, which already features 30 of Girard's patterns. The newly reintroduced designs were originally conceived by Girard during his tenure as founding design director of Herman Miller’s textile division, a period spanning from 1952 to 1973, during which he developed over 300 designs. The current offering from Maharam comprises six designs, available across two upholsteries, three wall coverings, and one hand-woven rug. These selections highlight Girard’s distinctive ability to craft graphic patterns and incorporate unusual color and texture combinations. Maharam's approach involves faithfully reproducing these historic designs while integrating contemporary considerations, such as environmental impact and material innovation. To further illuminate Girard's work and influences, Maharam has commissioned a short film that delves into the significant role of Santa Fe and the New Mexico landscape in shaping his artistic vision. A notable example of this commitment to responsible reproduction is the 'Mexidot' (1963) upholstery pattern. Originally part of a series of handwoven stripes known as 'Mexicotton,' the Girard Studio, managed by Alexander Girard’s grandchildren, requested that the updated version prioritize environmental sustainability and accessibility. In response, Maharam Design Studio utilized recycled spun yarns to mimic the original appearance of natural cotton, ensuring the textile meets current demands for high-traffic commercial and residential settings. The collection also features three wallpaper designs: 'Alphabet' (1952), 'Roman Stripe' (1952), and 'Broken Stripe' (1952). These have been digitally printed on non-PVC substrates, preserving the original warmth, tactility, and vibrant colors of Girard’s initial creations. 'Pepitas' (1952), an upholstery design characterized by a pointed ellipsis formed by two intersecting discs, exemplifies Girard’s versatile aesthetic, suitable for various applications including drapery and wallpaper. The 'Millerstripe' rug, based on a 1972 upholstery textile previously reissued by Maharam in 2002, celebrates the enduring appeal of the stripe motif. This rug is crafted from a wool twill, depicting the original polychromatic layout at double its initial scale. Mary Murphy, Maharam’s vice-president of design, emphasizes the cohesive nature of Girard’s body of work, noting that many of his designs harmonize well together. She also highlights Girard’s belief in textiles as a fundamental building material for any space. The Girard Studio concludes that the collection aims to raise awareness about the breadth and diversity of Girard’s designs. They describe the upholsteries, wallcoverings, and rugs as offering an understated yet distinctly Girardian style, appealing to those who appreciate a classic yet unexpected aesthetic. The partnership between Maharam and Girard Studio reflects a dedication to preserving and recontextualizing historical design while embracing modern demands for sustainability and functionality. #AlexanderGirard #MaharamTextiles #TextileDesign #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #Wallpaper #Upholstery #Rugs #AlexanderGirard #MaharamTextiles #TextileDesign #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #Wallpaper #Upholstery #Rugs