Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s for American Leather, signed - excellent vintage condition
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s for American Leather, signed - excellent vintage condition
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone needs a teddy bear and yours can be this chic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa newly upholstered in soft curly camel teddy bear fabric.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
Pair of Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Photographed with and currently available in our shop - Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs in...
Upholstery, Faux Fur
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs.
Fabric
$7,500Sale Price|25% Off
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics.
Suede
Post Modern Curtis Jere Circular Pedestal of Brass and Smoked Glass, c. 1984
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop - Post Modern Charles Hollis Jones Style lucite Rocker in White Shearling C. 1980s Pair of Directional Post Modern Sw...
Brass
Post Modern Curtis Jeré Brass and Smoked Glass Pedestal Signed 1984
By Curtis Jeré, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop- Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair & Custom Ottoman in Ivory Holly Hunt Alpaca Pair of Directional Post Modern Swi...
Brass
$7,125Sale Price|35% Off
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Ultrasuede
$3,800Sale Price|40% Off
Tan Leather Cloud Style Sofa with Lucite Leg by Weiman, c 1980s, Signed
By Weiman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Later, the 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather, also a Kagan design was created in the early 2000's to carry on this classic style.
Leather, Lucite
Signed Vladimir Kagan 'Zoe' Sofa for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Vladimir Kagan ' Zoe ' sofa for American leather.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Original brown upholstery.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Original brown upholstery.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
fully restored in a high pile, wool velvet and in excellent condition. This sofa features an organic profile and the appearance of a low sofa while overall maintaining the seat heigh...
Velvet
Sold
H 32 in W 90 in D 43 in
Vladimir Kagan ‘Zoe’ Sofa – Sculptural Elegance in Luxurious Zimmer-Rohde Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Victoria, BC
Experience the sculptural elegance of the Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa, freshly upholstered in luxurious Zimmer-Rohde velvet.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa – Sculptural Elegance in Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Victoria, BC
A true statement piece from one of the great masters of modern design. The “Zoe” sofa by Vladimir Kagan blends bold organic form with irresistible comfort.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Serpentine Sofa in Mohair, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather, circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered in a sumptuous moss green mohair. It will elevate any in...
Mohair, Foam
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Serpentine Sofa in Mohair, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered in a sumptuous pumpkin mohair. It will elevate any interi...
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Organic Freeform Sofa for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Organic modernist sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Original upholstery is free of any major blemishes but does show signs of wear, such as areas that show more use. I have both a matching...
Ultrasuede
Vladimir Kagan 'Zoe' Sofa, America circa 2000
Located in Culver City, CA
America, 2000 In original velvet, manufactured by American Leather, USA. 89”w x 40”d x 32”h 17” seat Ref. SOFA331 $ 26,400
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Cloud Sofa, American Leather, Organic Modern
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. Currently in the original microfiber suede upholstery. Please note dimensions listed as overall ...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofas in Bouclé, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this pair of 'Zo...
Bouclé
"Zoe" Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Stunning Zoe sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Iconic addition to any living space - brand new upholstery in a mauve velvet.
Fabric
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs, circa 2000s.
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in L 31.25 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Red Alcantara, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 32 in W 92 in D 42 in
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Mirrored “Zoe” Sofas, American Leather, Organic Modernist
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful mirrored pair of sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. Both are in original upholstery and priced with reupholstery in mind. Would work well in a variety...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31 in W 94 in D 44 in
White Curved Zoe Cloud Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. Signed.
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ivory leather Zoe cloud sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather.
Leather
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe Sofa”
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
“Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in plush mohair upholstery.
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely cloud Zoe cloud sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa, Newly Upholstered
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
A striking sculptural sofa by Vladimir Kagan. This vintage sofa is newly upholstered in a luxurious mohair and ready for placement.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Roanoke, VA
Elegant modernist “Zoe” freeform sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. In original ivory upholstery.
Textile
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Zoe sofa is very similar to Vladmir Kagan's serpentine sofa, although slightly smaller.
Ultrasuede
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Freeform Sofa, Organic Modernist, Microfiber
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Organic modernist sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Original upholstery is free of any major blemishes but does show signs of wear, such as areas that show more use. Would work well in a var...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa in Light Tan Velvet, American Leather, 2000's
Located in Culver City, CA
And this Zoe Sofa? It’s no exception. Designed in the early 2000s for American Leather, this beauty is like the slightly smaller, flirtier sibling to Kagan’s iconic Cloud Sofa for Di...
Velvet
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofas in Bouclé, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this pair of 'Zo...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofas in Bouclé, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this pair of 'Zo...
Bouclé
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs.
Fabric
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning Zoe sofas by Vladimir Kagan. We love the organic, curvilinear shape of these pieces.
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Beige Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in White Alcantara, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this 'Zoe' sofa ...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this 'Zoe' sofa ...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this 'Zoe' sofa ...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa designed by Kagan, this 'Zoe' sofa ...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeled after the early Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine sofa, the later 'Shorty' sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs and the 1980s Directional 'Cloud' sofa, this 'Zoe' sofa by American Leather...
Bouclé
Sold
H 31 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan Curved Zoe Sofa in White Boucle for American Leather, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
This Zoe sofa is very similar to Vladmir Kagan's serpentine sofa, though slightly smaller.
Bouclé
Sold
H 31 in W 92 in D 44 in
Vladimir Kagan Curved Zoe Sofa in White Boucle for American Leather, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
This Zoe sofa is very similar to Vladmir Kagan's serpentine sofa, though slightly smaller.
Bouclé
Sold
H 32 in W 93.5 in D 41 in
Pair White / Ivory Curved Leather Zoe Cloud Sofas by Vladimir Kagan, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of two, mirror image, Ivory leather Zoe cloud sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather.
Leather
Sold
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs in Soft Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
By Directional, Michael Wolk
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Photographed with and also currently available in our shop Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric Vladimir Kagan Wood & Chrome Coffee Table Cur...
Upholstery, Faux Fur
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful organic shaped Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa. Recover this stunning sofa in any fabric of your choice.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Freeform Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in North Miami, FL
Organic modernist sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Beautifully upholstered in off white boucle fabric Great sofa to float in the center of any room Very Chic !.
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Providence, RI
This is a rare opportunity to own an authentic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa at a more affordable price point.
Ultrasuede
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Cloud Sofa in Cream Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Providence, RI
This is an authentic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa, one of his most iconic designs. The sofa features a curved shape that is both elegant and comfortable, with deep seats and plush cushions.
Bouclé
$10,016 / set
H 29.53 in W 31.89 in D 32.68 in
Little Petra & Pouf in Sahara Sheepskin & Walnut by Viggo Boesen for & Tradition
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Dubai, AE
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibits in New York and Berlin. I...
Walnut, Sheepskin
$14,950 / item
H 33.08 in W 115.36 in D 61.82 in
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ...
Walnut
Fur Bean Bag Chair Cover taupe or Stone - Merino Sheepskin
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
After a long day at work, there is no better way to relax than submerging into the oozing comfort of our fur bean bag chair cover. Handcrafted in Australia using the finest and ge...
Sheepskin
$1,288
H 15.75 in W 19.69 in D 1.97 in
Autumn Northsea 2 - 21st Century Contemporary landscape painting
By Joost Verhagen
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Joost Verhagen Autumn Northsea 2 45 x 55 cm Acrylic paint on canvas We ship worldwide for free in a wooden crate, framed as seen on the pictures. Because of the constantly changing...
Canvas, Acrylic
$27,000
H 29.5 in W 97 in D 40 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Three Seat Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1969 The revolutionary and unique 'Soriana' three-seat sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in...
Chrome
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
$6,833 / set
H 24.01 in W 18.12 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Park Night Stands in Butter Cream Lacquer by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Park nightstand is the epitome of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring meticulously proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing that make it an ideal bedside companion. Our f...
Lacquer, Glass
$1,135 / item
H 18.12 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Gervasoni Inout Side Table in White Ceramic with Black Dots by Paola Navone
By Paola Navone, Gervasoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inout 44 is a coffee table-pouf made of ceramic in black, anthracite grey or white decorated with black polka dots or black stripes, it is characterised by a champagne cork shape, es...
Ceramic
$5,300 / set
H 17 in W 10.75 in D 6.5 in
Textured Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Smoke Color, Modern Design, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Murano glass sconces with a smoke color to the textured glass and black glass sphere finials. The “stampato” glass is textured with ridges and is curved in design, making a superb de...
Murano Glass
$19,708 / item
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Giovannetti, 1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa in Cream Colored Fabric Project, Becchi
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Wool, Cotton
$3,900 / set
H 15 in Dm 10 in
Pair of 'Bloc' Parchment Lamps with Parchment Paper Shades by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Bloc' parchment lamps with parchment paper shades by Design Frères. The overall dimensions are 10 in. diameter x 15 in. tall. The shade dimensions are 8 in. top diamet...
Hide, Wood, Parchment Paper
$9,975 / set
H 28 in W 35.5 in D 37.5 in
Pair of Powder Blue Mohair Velvet Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This pair of swiveling "Nautilus" chairs by Vladimir Kagan, crafted in America circa 1970, is a quintessential example of Kagan’s visionary design. Renowned for his sculptural approa...
Mohair, Velvet
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
Bouclé
$3,150Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 29 in W 34 in D 32 in
Rare Pair of Swivel Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare pair of swivel chairs by Vladimir Sagan. This hard-to-find model has a round upholstered plinth or base, which gives the chairs a strong presence and sculptural feel. ...
Upholstery
$5,396 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 1.19 in
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Mid-century style Vintage N.4 ceiling suspended mirror with a high quality pure brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This piece is part of our original and fully customisabl...
Brass, Bronze
The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.