Charlotte Perriand was a key figure in the design landscape of the 20th century, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of interior architecture and furniture design. Born in Paris in 1903, she studied at the École de l’Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs, where she developed a passion for functional and innovative design. Her career took off in 1927 when, after initially being rejected, she was welcomed into Le Corbusier’s studio, where she collaborated closely with him and Pierre Jeanneret. Together, they created iconic pieces such as the Chaise Longue Basculante, which epitomized the modernist aesthetic of the time.

Perriand became known for her ability to integrate industrial materials like steel and aluminum into furniture design, anticipating trends that would later become central to modern design. Her philosophy centered on the idea that design should enhance daily life, combining beauty with utility.
In the 1940s, during a stay in Japan as an industrial arts consultant, she was deeply inspired by the adaptability of Japanese living spaces and the use of natural materials like bamboo—elements that she would go on to incorporate into her later work.

Perriand’s contribution to global design is immeasurable. She challenged the conventions of her time, rising to prominence in a male-dominated field and leaving an indelible mark with creations that continue to influence contemporary designers. Her ability to merge craftsmanship with industrial production opened new paths in design, keeping her work strikingly relevant even today.

It is no coincidence that Anthony Vaccarello was so captivated by her legacy that he chose to dedicate a project to her during Milan Design Week. Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand is the exhibition and limited-edition collection—on display at the Visconti Pavilion on Via Tortona 54 until Sunday, April 13—that pays tribute to the designer through four rare pieces conceived by Perriand between 1943 and 1967, which were either never produced or remained in the prototype stage.

The featured works include the Canapé de la Résidence de l’Ambassadeur du Japon à Paris (1967), the Bibliothèque Rio de Janeiro (1962), the Table Mille-Feuilles (1963), and the Fauteuil Visiteur Indochine (1943). These pieces, crafted in limited editions, embody Perriand’s poetic precision and forward-thinking vision, showcasing her ability to revolutionize the domestic space with modernist sensitivity and artisanal spirit.
The exhibition not only celebrates Perriand’s genius but also highlights the connection between her design philosophy and Saint Laurent’s aesthetic, emphasizing how innovation and the pursuit of beauty through simplicity are timeless values that transcend disciplines.

Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand is part of the Tortona Rocks circuit—visit the official site to discover more must-see events.