“Orchidée” Lounge Chair by Michel Cadestin for Airborne, France 1968






































“Orchidée” Lounge Chair by Michel Cadestin for Airborne, France 1968
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This large fiberglass lounge chair, the “Orchidée” was one of the Cadestin models that were ordered by the Centre Pompidou Museum. The design dates to 1968 and was manufactured by Airborne International.
This chair stands out both in terms of size, as well as its design. While the fiberglass base provides a modern look, the upholstered seat, back and armrests give the chair a cosy feel. With the folding top of the seat and armrests, the chair resembles the shape of an orchid flower, which is where the model’s name derives from.
The chair has been reupholstered in a cognac coloured full aniline leather, which gives a nice contrast to the white fiberglass base. Thanks to its impressive size and soft fabric, this chair is perfect for lounging while also adding an eye-catching visual element to any space. Among the models Cadestin designed for the Center Georges Pompidou, the Orchid is one of the most outstanding pieces.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Some minor scratches on the fibreglass base. Recently reupholstered in premium aniline leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
35.43 in W x 40.94 in D x 37.79 in H; seat height 15.15 in
90 cm W x 104 cm D x 96 cm H; seat height 38.5 cm
About the designer:
Michel Cadestin was born in France in 1942. He is an interior designer and architect and through his work, he wishes to offer a functional and fun design accessible to the majority.
A prolific designer, he has experienced with diverse forms and materials during his career. His creations are varied as evidenced by the furniture intended for the Center Georges Pompidou, such as the Karate armchair (1960s) and the Orchidée lounge chair.
Cadestin studied at the famous Ecole Boulle and the National School of Decorative Arts. Following his graduation, he joined the Society of Decorative Artists. In 1970, he met Christian Ragot with whom he began researching materials such as latex foam and plastic and together, they developed concepts of housing. Cadestin had also worked for an interior design firm named Teda until 1983. He then decided to create his own firm to continue creating furniture and home furnishings. During his career, he has teamed up with Daniel Bernard with whom he designed many pieces of furniture. Cadestin worked in the art department of 1984 movie, Full Moon in Paris, in which his designs appear.
In 1988, Cadestin was awarded the René Gabriel Prize for his work (so far). Today, the French designer focuses his work on interior architecture. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The mid-20th century saw brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored modern shapes and forms. These artists experimented with new materials and construction methods. This stunning chaise longue revolves around the use of high-quality materials, comfort, and craftsmanship. It’s clean lines and angular shape is reminiscent of works by Danish designer, Arne Vodder.
This chaise blends three main elements: craftsmanship, the clean lines of Modernism and the clear-eyed practicality of Functionalism. These elements combined with the use of exquisite materials creates a piece that is both historical and modern visually. The chaise is defined by its woven seat and the patinated leather. The seat is composed of leather straps woven in a so-called basket weave pattern and stretched over the solid wood frame. Thanks to the material’s qualities, the seat is very ergonomic, adapting to the sitter’s shape. This piece combines the beauty and innovation of its era’s design movement with the classic qualities of a chaise longue. With its rhythmic motion, it invites contemplation and relaxation. This piece has the power to transform a seat into a safe haven, a place to unwind and reflect.
This chaise longue is a prime example of mid-century modern’s design ideology. The maker of this model effortlessly transformed a historical archetype into a modern, yet timeless chair. It’s sophisticated, lightweight look is defined by its signature craftsmanship, well-conceived proportions, and remarkable material choices.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
52.55 in W x 23.22 in D x 37.40 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Seat depth 34.64 in
133.5 cm W x 59 cm D x 95 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 88 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Saying mid-century modernism had a revival would be a serious understatement. In reality, the designs have never gone out of style completely, especially in Scandinavia. Danish cabinetmaker pieces are timeless thanks to their expert craftsmanship, their visual, and the material quality. This armchair showcases this timelessness with its modern form.
This elegantly constructed chair combines comfort with style. From as early as the 1920s, cabinetmakers and architects frequently collaborated to produce exceptional pieces like this. The chairs’ elegant curves, precise angles and structure all testify of this partnership’s success. Thanks to its low back the design appears very grounded. With straight and curving lines following each other, the model has a dynamism rooted in organicity. Unlike pieces from outside the continent, Danish designers’ products weren’t flashy but rather well-made to fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. As this armchair exemplifies, blending functionality, good quality natural materials and organic colours with excellent craftsmanship is the key to the success of mid-century modernism. As an object, the chair reflects the mid-20th century Danish pursuit of everyday beauty, objects designed not just to serve, but to enrich domestic environments.
The classic charm and versatility of this design allows it to be used as a desk chair, an occasional piece in a curated corner, or part of a formal dining set, this chair can bring quiet sophistication to any setting. It is an ideal choice for a range of interior styles thanks to its thoughtful materials, and subtle craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reconditioned and reupholstered in premium leather. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 18.89 in D x 28.14 in H; Seat height 19.09 in; Seat depth 17.32 in; Arm height 26.57 in
64 cm W x 48 cm D x 71.5 cm H; Seat height 48.5 cm; Seat depth 44 cm; Arm height 67.5 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Carl-Axel Acking was a Swedish architect, author and furniture designer, winner of the Lunning Prize in 1952. This “Trienna” model was designed in 1957 and was presented at the Milano Triennial that year, as part of the Swedish exhibit. The chair was made by NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), and was originally named "Acking", but this was later changed to “Trienna” because of where it was first exhibited.
This chair is crafted from leather and oak. The leather features a unique patina, giving the chair even more depth and character to its already wonderful, sculptural nature. It is one of Carl-Axel Acking’s best known and most sought after designs. Although the chair bears some resemblance to Børge Mogensen's iconic "Spanish Chair", Acking's design predates Mogensen's by two years. This chair blends three main elements: Swedish craftsmanship, the clean lines of modernism and the clear-eyed practicality of functionalism. The design blends these elements with the use of exquisite materials to create a chair that is both visually historical and modern. Thanks to the material’s qualities, the seat is very ergonomic, adapting to the sitter’s shape. The seat is raised and the back reclined for comfort, making this chair perfect for lounging as well. The exposed screws and stitches provide an almost rustic look that recalls this style’s historic origin. The slim legs support the armrests and the backrest, which allows the design to look sleek and airy even with a solid wood construction. This is a truly special piece that is sure to impress anyone with an appreciation for mid-century modern design. Whether used as a statement piece in a living room, or as a comfortable and functional addition to a home office, the "Trienna" armchair is a true representation of the best of Scandinavian design and craftsmanship.
The Swedish architect and furniture designer, Carl-Axel Acking, made a name for himself thanks to his innovative modern furniture designs for Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1950s. The company was founded in Stockholm in 1902, and was built on international models and had, among other things, Sweden's first escalator. By the end of the 1950s, most public environments - such as restaurants, banks, hotels, embassies, steamships, etc. - had been decorated by NK.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches on wood. Wood has some water marks. The leather has a beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
27.56 in W x 29.92 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Seat depth 18.70 in; Arm height 22.64 in
70 cm W x 76 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Seat depth 47.5 cm; Arm height 57.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This chair, referred to as ‘Relax II’, is true to its name, providing great comfort with an adjustable seat function and original supple leather upholstery.
In the 1970’s, Swedish design still regarded functionality as its top priority, and models from this period - such as this chair - reflect this mentality. From the beautiful, rich leather upholstery to the adjustable recline of the seat, relaxation is the focus. The chair can be adjusted to a horizontal position.
Swedish designers still remained closely tied to their clean-lined philosophies in the 1960s and 1970s, which is reflected in the stained beech wooden frames with their flowing lines. The seats, backrests and armrests feature olive green leather upholstery with tufting on the backrests. The metal frame is partially visible in the back and the bottom, providing a modern touch.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This chair comes with its original leather or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.70 in W x 37 in D x 35.43 in H; seat height 14.96 in
78 cm W x 94 cm D x 90 cm H; seat height 38 cm
About the designer:
The chair was manufactured by the Swedish company Göte Möbler (G-Möbler), and has the mark on the bottom. Göte Möbler in Nassjö (a subsidiary company of Eldon AB) was among the major companies of Scandinavia during the 1970s and 1980s. The company’s chairs from the 1970s are mainly swivel chairs, which makes this chair a rather rare representation of Swedish design of that era. ~H.
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
This beloved José Zanine Caldas lounge chair from the “Linha Z” or “Z Line” is an exceptional example of Brazilian design of the 1950s. The design dates to 1949, The woven leather straps and the organic shape is unmatched.
This chair model is made of plywood and features a distinctive shape, distinguished by its legs. The legs and arms are connected and form one unit and their shape inspired the name of the line, “Linea Z”. The edges are softly rounded, which matches the versatile curvature of the body, which enhances the organic feel of the chair. Besides the plywood frame, the original leather upholstery is the stand-out element of this chair both in terms of visual and technical terms. The leather strap seat and back are tightly secured to the plywood, completing the great graphic expression this is widely known for. The bolts of the joinery are left visible, a detail that adds to the rawness of the design. The bent seat is perfectly angled for lounging, supporting the sitter’s whole body.
The pioneering Brazilian designer, José Zanine Caldas’s present design was created by Mòveis Artisticos Z, the factory Zanine Caldas founded in São José dos Campos in 1948. Most of Zanine Caldas’s designs - especially this armchair - tap into the modernist aesthetic while bearing exceptionally unique shapes: form and function revisited with a twist.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and discoloration on the wood. This chair comes with its original leather or has been reupholstered by a previous owner.
Dimensions:
24.21 in W x 40.94 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 12.4 in
61.5 cm W x 104 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 31.5 cm
Literature:
Movel Moderno Brasileiro, published by Olhares editores, São Paulo 2017 by Alberto Vicente and Marcelo Vasconcellos
Aric Chen, Brazil Modern, Monaclli Press, New York City 2016
Ruy Teixeira e Jayme Vargas, Desenho da Utopia, Olhares, São Paulo 2016
About the designer:
José Zanine Caldas was born in Belmonte, at the southern coast of Bahia, in 1919. Son of a doctor, Zanine was an autodidact who, from a young age, was fascinated with his environment, especially with trees.
While most architects of his generation studied extensively, Zanine developed his own style through doing and making, and at the age of 20 decided to exchange Bahia for Rio de Janeiro. There he opened up a workshop for architectural scale-models and had the chance to work with pioneering modern architects like Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
Large scale furniture with modern design and affordable prices. This was the great advantage of the joinery Móveis Artístico Z founded in 1948 by the architect Zanine Caldas, in partnership with Sebastião Pontes and Paulo Mello, was a great success at the time. Headquartered in São José dos Campos (SP), it maintained its production for almost two decades. The form of creation, idealized by Zanine, was opposed to the market of the time, which was either based on the production of handmade furniture, in solid wood, or in pieces produced in series with an unattractive design. Breaking these paradigms, Móveis Artísticas Z revolutionized manufacturing pieces with improved design and great popular appeal.
Inspired by the local craftsmen who carved boats and furniture from fallen trees, Zanine began experimenting with chiselling and carving large, sculptural works, which became the focus of his later career. Zanine became a big advocate for preservation and in the 1980s, he established the Foundation Center for the Development of the Application of Brazilian Woods (DAM), in an effort to educate and attempt to reverse the rampant destruction of Brazilian rainforests.
Up until his death in 2001, Zanine kept his natural visions alive, and would plant a new tree in place of any tree that was taken down for one of his projects. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This chair by Danish design icon, Ib Kofod-Larsen, was designed and launched in 1958 as a writing chair to be coordinated with the equally famous model IL-01. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark, this “Elizabeth” armchair is a rare and prized classic. This model was presented at ‘The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark’ in 1958.
Furniture designer, Ib Kofod-Larsen had a background as an architect and carpenter, which is clearly visible in this model. The structure shows architectural knowledge, while the tight leather backrest and seat is perfectly fitted to the frame. The pure sculptural lines are the most characteristic of the design, especially in the armrests and the stretchers between the legs. Ib Kofod-Larsen often worked in various fine woods - including teak and rosewood in this case, and combined them with genuine leather. This combination is exceptionally stylish, and the beautiful patina of the leather adds character to this armchair.
This “Elizabeth” armchair reflects the original and classic design that characterized the Danish Modern era. The present model was created in Ib Kofod-Larsen's spirit and design approach, and has been popular ever since its introduction to the world. It shall come as no surprise then, that today this model has been relaunched by the licensed Japanese producer company, Kitani, as the “IL-07 Writing Chair 1958”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has its original leather back and seat with marks and scratches and beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 23.62 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
70 cm W x 60 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
Literature:
Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, p. 48–49.
About the designer:
Ib Kofod-Larsen was born in 1921 in Denmark. Kofod-Larsen was trained as a cabinetmaker with the highest honours in 1944, and later completed his education as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1948.
His first recognition as a designer came when he won the Holmegaard Glass Competition and received the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild’s annual award. These awards attracted the attention of the Danish furniture manufacturer Faarup Møbelfabrik.
During his time at Faarup, he created some of his most beautiful works, like the rosewood Model 66 sideboard, and established himself as a furniture designer. Learn more about Ib Kofod-Larsen. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This large fiberglass lounge chair, the “Orchidée” was one of the Cadestin models that were ordered by the Centre Pompidou Museum. The design dates to 1968 and was manufactured by Airborne International.
This chair stands out both in terms of size, as well as its design. While the fiberglass base provides a modern look, the upholstered seat, back and armrests give the chair a cosy feel. With the folding top of the seat and armrests, the chair resembles the shape of an orchid flower, which is where the model’s name derives from.
The chair has been reupholstered in a cognac coloured full aniline leather, which gives a nice contrast to the white fiberglass base. Thanks to its impressive size and soft fabric, this chair is perfect for lounging while also adding an eye-catching visual element to any space. Among the models Cadestin designed for the Center Georges Pompidou, the Orchid is one of the most outstanding pieces.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Some minor scratches on the fibreglass base. Recently reupholstered in premium aniline leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
35.43 in W x 40.94 in D x 37.79 in H; seat height 15.15 in
90 cm W x 104 cm D x 96 cm H; seat height 38.5 cm
About the designer:
Michel Cadestin was born in France in 1942. He is an interior designer and architect and through his work, he wishes to offer a functional and fun design accessible to the majority.
A prolific designer, he has experienced with diverse forms and materials during his career. His creations are varied as evidenced by the furniture intended for the Center Georges Pompidou, such as the Karate armchair (1960s) and the Orchidée lounge chair.
Cadestin studied at the famous Ecole Boulle and the National School of Decorative Arts. Following his graduation, he joined the Society of Decorative Artists. In 1970, he met Christian Ragot with whom he began researching materials such as latex foam and plastic and together, they developed concepts of housing. Cadestin had also worked for an interior design firm named Teda until 1983. He then decided to create his own firm to continue creating furniture and home furnishings. During his career, he has teamed up with Daniel Bernard with whom he designed many pieces of furniture. Cadestin worked in the art department of 1984 movie, Full Moon in Paris, in which his designs appear.
In 1988, Cadestin was awarded the René Gabriel Prize for his work (so far). Today, the French designer focuses his work on interior architecture. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Generally, Czech mid-century modern designs tend to be more sober than their French, German, American, and even Scandinavian counterparts. However, works by Pavel Novak are an exception - as evidenced by chair. The Czech designer’s repertoire is finally starting to surface, and as this chair shows, we are lucky to witness it.
Novak often worked with a gouge, that originally never had any other vocation than to furnish his farm. This piece is made of hand gouged oak, which is in itself a time-consuming and rare woodcarving technique. While most woodworkers offer help with fixing gouges in wood, Novak used the technique to create this rustic looking body that can be considered to be a functional sculpture. Thanks to the unique, hand-carved texture, the lounge chair is one of a kind, with a unique pattern. The leather seat is suspended between the three legs, one of which is elongated to serve as a backrest. The joinery technique is seamless and shows the outstanding craftsmanship and vision of Novak. The leather straps are inset into the legs in a rough, yet sophisticated way.
In fact, rough yet sophisticated are the adjectives that best define the overall aesthetic of this chair, reflected in the pairing of the materials as well. The patinated leather’s smooth surface contrasts beautifully with the gouged, coarse look of the oak. With its straightforward design, this oiece is a seminal work of Pavel Novak.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor cracks. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
40.94 in W x 30.71 in D x 48.82 in H; Seat depth 20.08 in
104 cm W x 78 cm D x 124 cm H; Seat height 51 cm