OBSERVATIONS
Charlotte Perriand
OBSERVATIONS is a series dedicated to reflection and discovery, bringing together works and ideas that have shaped the brand’s point of view. Through sharing these references, the series hopes to acknowledge how design influences the human experience.
When viewing and becoming familiar with Charlotte Perriand's work, a consistent idea begins to emerge: that space, furniture and objects were never considered in isolation. Instead, they formed part of a connected system designed to support everyday life. The furniture itself is often what attracts the attention, but the philosophy behind it reveals a broader way of thinking about design.
As one of the defining figures of 20th-century modernist design, Perriand helped shape a movement that was often viewed through a predominantly male perspective. Her decade-long collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret became one of the most influential partnerships in modern design history. While their work was often rooted in structure and order, Perriand introduced a sense of humanity, considering not only how objects and spaces were constructed, but how they would be experienced.
A recurring theme throughout Perriand’s work was the belief that design should support the way people live. During the early years of her practice, her own apartment became an expression of this thinking; an environment where space, furniture and objects existed as a connected system. Rather than treating each element as separate, she considered how they interacted together to create a more complete experience.
Collaboration also played an important role in Perriand’s practice. She believed meaningful design could emerge through the exchange of ideas and the contribution of different perspectives. Her work demonstrated the value of bringing together different disciplines and ways of thinking to create outcomes that extended beyond the contribution of one individual.
This approach can be seen throughout many of her most recognised designs, including the swivel armchair and chaise longue. While these pieces are often celebrated individually, their significance lies in how naturally they respond to everyday life. They were not created simply as visual objects, but as thoughtful responses to movement, comfort and human interaction.
There was a significant shift in Perriand’s practice during the two years spent in Japan, where she immersed herself in Japanese craftsmanship, materials and traditions while working as an advisor on industrial design. This experience left a lasting imprint on her work. Her approach became softer, embracing natural materials and allowing them to express their own qualities. Pieces such as the Nuage bookcase and Ombra chair reflected this influence, incorporating a greater sense of warmth and adaptability.
This period strengthened Perriand’s belief in what she described as “the art of living. The idea that design could enhance the rituals, experiences and emotions that shape everyday life. Her work explored the relationship between people and their surroundings, creating objects and spaces that supported how individuals moved through and interacted with the world.
One of the most appreciated aspects of Perriand’s philosophy is the consideration given to function, intention and longevity. Each element was carefully considered, not as an isolated detail, but as part of a complete system. Design is to support the individual, their story and enhance how people live and experience the world around them.
Image Credits
Felix Speller
Charlotte Perriand Archives
Marie Clérin via Galerie Downtown-François Laffanour and Scheidegger & Spiess