Charles & Ray Eames took inspiration for their design from the work of French-born sculptor and seminal pillar of American modernist art Gaston Lachaise, particularly his female forms developed for the iconic ‘Floating Figure’. The Eames set out to create a functional and democratic piece that was suited to rest, relaxation and play, but their design proved too complicated to be mass-produced.
La Chaise has an organic form that could easily be mistaken for a sculpture or decoration, with a softly undulating shell that invites you to explore different reclining positions. Designed for one or two people, the tactile white lacquered shell is the brainchild of Ray Eames, whose training as a painter and love of abstract shapes influenced the chair’s final form. Produced by Vitra since 1990, La Chaise is a true work of art, combining chrome-plated steel rods and a cruciform oak base with the sculptural shell to create a marvel of modernist design.
American husband and wife design duo Charles and Ray Eames have had a profound influence on the visual character of American life, producing original work within the fields of architecture, furniture design, industrial design, manufacturing and the photographic arts.
The Eames’ first partnered with Vitra in 1957 to produce some of the most iconic pieces of furniture in the history of interior design. Today Vitra continues to reflect their philosophy on design and functionality, best understood through Charles’ own words: “Recognising the need is the primary condition for the design”.
