Reviving A Legacy

Celebrating the influence of furniture pioneer, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina seeks to reinterpret her iconic designs and give them a modern twist.

- W. Atelier

DURING A DIFFICULT pregnancy that required bed rest, Charlotte Perriand found it challenging to locate a comfortable armchair that would allow her to continue reading, writing, and designing. Proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention, the pioneering French architect and designer collaborated with Cassina S.p.A.—the Italian manufacturing company founded in 1927 in Meda, approximately 20km from Milan—to create what would become the iconic chaise longue.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection, a celebration of her signature concept art de vivre et d’habiter, or ‘the art of living and dwelling’. This philosophy champions a holistic design approach that enhances interiors, architecture, and the overall ambience of a space—balancing artistic expression with everyday functionality.

Perriand was a visionary well ahead of her time, known for integrating art with practical living. Her work consistently emphasised functionality and the thoughtful use of materials— key tenets of modernist design.