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Charlotte Perriand, a happy-go-lucky woman, in a man’s world
Charlotte Perriand, a prominent figure in design, photography, and architecture for seven decades, championed the belief that life and design are fundamentally about cultivating happiness. Despite working in a male-dominated field, her spirited approach and nonconformist attitude allowed her to define a 'monde nouveau' and her own 'art d’habiter,' characterized by independence and a lack of preconceptions. Her career showcased a rich, multifaceted artistic creativity combined with an innovative approach to social habits.
Perriand's work often goes unrecognized or is solely associated with her collaborations with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. Initially, Le Corbusier was skeptical about hiring a young female designer, but Perriand's breakthrough piece, 'Le bar sous le toit,' convinced him to collaborate. This partnership led to some of her most iconic works for his studio, notably the LC4 chaise lounge, a piece resulting from their joint efforts.
Her design methodology was consistent, deeply human, and marked by a collaborative spirit, setting her apart from the individualistic, patriarchal French design establishment of her era. While Le Corbusier often delegated furniture design, Perriand was instrumental in creating 20th-century classics, such as the cube-shaped Grand Comfort chair, which offered a modernist take on the traditional club chair.
In 1940, political events and wartime travels led Perriand to the Far East, where she developed a profound connection with nature. This experience significantly influenced her subsequent work. The Petalo Table, designed in 1951, exemplifies this influence; its design is reminiscent of a flower and a rainbow, featuring multiple combinations of five superimposable colored tables. This piece was conceived to be highly functional and adaptable for collective spaces, such as universities.
Perriand's designs often reflect the cultural and social contexts of her life, from the modernism of her early career to post-war reconstruction efforts and new environmental concerns. The Indochine Armchair, created in Vietnam in 1943 during World War II, is a notable example. It is a wooden adaptation of a collaborative design with Le Corbusier and Jeanneret, crafted using local techniques and materials available during wartime, and has since become part of the Cassina collection.
Her professional practice evolved considerably over the years, allowing her to transcend traditional design roles often assigned to women. In 1960, Perriand designed and built her own small chalet in Meribel les Allues, France. This personal project was located near the ski resorts she later designed in the region, establishing her as an early pioneer in recognizing and developing the potential of the Savoy region. Her life and work demonstrate a continuous pursuit of innovation and a commitment to integrating design with daily living.
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Charlotte Perriand: Photography to interior design
