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.
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Swivel Slipper Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A Post Modern pair of Vladimir Kagan Bilbao swivel chairs freshly reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé circa 1995. Enamored with Bilbao, Spain, the Bilbao chair...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Michael Wolk Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Michael Wolk
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy pair of Michael Wolk Miami chairs with swivel bases professionally reupholstered in luxurious ivory bouclé. Frequently mistaken as designed by Vladimir...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chairs & Ottoman for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern pair of Vladimir Kagan tilt and swivel chairs for directional with custom en suite ottoman newly reupholstered in soft luxurious ivory white bouclé. Modern. Plush. Sexy. Uber comfy. These are large statement piece swivel chairs. Come to Momma. Take the weight of the world off in uber luxurious modern comfort. Curvy plush over sized arm rests envelop you like a mink stole. Tilt back and take a deep breath or sit side saddle and recline your legs. Swivel about with your best scotch. Super soft ivory bouclé fabric ventilates well - cozy in winter and cool in summer. These Vladimir Kagan swivel lounge chairs are perfect for a Malibu beach...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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 Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
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
Vladimir Kagan Juno Wingback Recliner Chairs in Soft Ivory White Bouclé
By Room and Board, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stately Post Modern Pair of Vladimir Kagan Wingback reclining chairs made by American Leather professionally reupholstered in super soft Ivory ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Michael Wolk for Directional Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé 1970s
By Michael Wolk
Located in New York, NY
Michael Wolk for Directional pair of swivel lounge chairs in an ivory or cream bouclé with elegantly curved wraparound arms which taper down towards the bottom and resting on a black...
Bouclé, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Mid-Century Modern Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs, 1975
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American pair of 360 degrees Nautilus swivel lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Preview in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Michael Wolk Miami Swivel Lounge Chairs for Directional in Ivory Boucle, a Pair
By Michael Wolk
Located in Culver City, CA
A sculptural pair of Michael Wolk “Miami” swivel lounge chairs, freshly reupholstered in a dreamy ivory bouclé that somehow manages to feel both cloud-soft and architecturally seriou...
Bouclé
1970s Directional Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Velvet
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
1970s Directional pair of ivory velvet swivel lounge chairs with slightly curved backs and seats which tilt back and forth and swivel on upholstered round base. These chic swivel lou...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Crescent Chairs in White Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Vladimir Kagan Crescent chairs. Price is per chair. Expertly reupholstered in off white boucle. Super comfortable and...
Upholstery
Pair of Modern Swivel Chairs in Boucle Cream Fabric
Located in North York, ON
Introducing a modern twist on a timeless classic: this pair of exquisite French Swivel Chairs are the perfect addition to any living room, bedroom, or office. The beautiful textured ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
