HOLLY HUNT shares latest pieces in Lucite from Vladimir Kagan's archive
Sculptural mid-century furniture spotlights Kagan’s use of Lucite to achieve the appearance of floating furniture
14 June 2022
HOLLY HUNT's latest reintroductions of Vladimir Kagan include modern interpretations of some of his most iconic works using Lucite from the late 1960s and mid 1970s. Chris Eitel, Kagan’s protégé and current Director of Design at Vladimir Kagan Design Group, is responsible for shepherding these historical works to a contemporary audience, emphasizing materiality and bold silhouettes.
Within the HOLLY HUNT portfolio, the Vladimir Kagan Design Group holds the archives of the hugely influential American mid-century designer, whose work was one of the cornerstones of the American mid-century modern design movement. Acknowledged as the designer of the first curved sofa, his pieces graced the homes of the stars of his era, such as Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol and Elton John.
Presenting four distinct seating options, the collection has been curated directly from Kagan’s archives and includes the Cycle III Chair 1967, Erica Low Back Lounge Chair 1967-1970, Cycle III Desk Chair 1976, and Ellipse Sofa 1976.
The reintroductions largely represent Kagan’s material study with Lucite, which he became known for later in his career. Kagan employed Lucite extensively throughout the 60s and 70s; the designer was most intrigued with the material’s ability to transform his furniture to feel lighter. His aim was to create pieces that appeared to float, achieving a sort of visual magic.
What I really like about this third wave of reintroductions, is that it gave us the opportunity to do a deep dive into the (Lucite) material and the different ways it was applied to a design. These pieces also complete the selected designs we set out to revive from the Kagan archive, including works that spanned from the 1940’s to the 1980’s.”
Chris Eitel, Director of Design and Production
Vladimir Kagan Design Group
By reintroducing pieces that have been out of production for decades, Eitel continues to keep Kagan’s contribution to design fresh and relevant, while also improving functionality and adjusting materiality, giving a contemporary life to these timeless furnishings.
The collection is hand selected by Eitel, the current custodian of the Kagan archive, in partnership with Jo Annah Kornak, SVP and Executive Creative Director for HOLLY HUNT. Having worked with the design giant for many years, Eitel is uniquely positioned to breathe new life into the work. After travelling the world and working under “Vladi’s” guidance for years, he now serves as the extension of the former designer’s hand while preserving his legacy.
The reintroductions are available through HOLLY HUNT London, POA.
“Vladimir Kagan’s work embodies a lifelong dedication to the handcrafted and exquisite. HOLLY HUNT is honored to continue that legacy, and work with Chris and the Vladimir Kagan Design Studio to create heirloom pieces that respond to the changing modern world.”
Joannah Kornak, SVP and Executive Creative Director
HOLLY HUNT
N O T E S T O E D I T O R S
ABOUT VLADIMIR KAGAN
Vladimir Kagan pioneered the enduring voice of midcentury modern design. A designer of not simply furniture but what he called “vessels to hold the human body,” Kagan joined the portfolio in 2016, personally entrusting his legacy to HOLLY HUNT. Kagan’s designs radiate his vitality and passion for discovery. Born in Worms, Germany in 1927, he emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 11, just before the dawn of WWII. From his father’s repeated admonishment “Ehre das Handwerk!” (“Honour the handcraft!”), Vladimir inherited an appreciation of artisan skill which, combined with his innovative design sensibility, was key to his success.
ABOUT CHRIS EITEL
Chris Eitel is the Director of Design and Production at Vladimir Kagan Design Group, now a part of the HOLLY HUNT portfolio. Eitel joined Vladimir Kagan as an intern in 2013, then worked side by side with the design icon as his apprentice, interpreting and directing the development of Kagan's furniture ideas into reality. When Kagan died in 2016, Eitel transitioned into his current role, where he initially oversaw the development of the Classic Collection and Kagan’s limited-edition collections for Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Ralph Pucci. Today, his focus is on setting the creative vision for the Vladimir Kagan brand and celebrating Kagan’s pioneering work, both through reimagined designs and releasing unfinished works from extensive Kagan archive.
Prior to his time with Vladimir Kagan, Eitel graduated with Studio Excellence Honors and a BFA in Furniture Design from the prestigious Kendall College of Art and Design in Michigan: the birthplace of the American furniture industry. While studying, he won several student design awards, including the Bienenstock Furniture Library Design Competition (2014) and the Pure Michigan Woods Design Challenge (2013).
Eitel has served on Board of Directors Committee for the American Society of Furniture Designers (2015 - 2018) and was a judge for the ASFD Pinnacle Design Awards (2015 - 2017).
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