Charlotte Perriand’s Les Arcs: Iconic Furniture Collection for the Alps

 

Les Arcs Ski Resort in France has an unlikely, but iconic connection to furniture design – thanks to the ingenious vision of Charlotte Perriand. Back in the 1960s she was commissioned by authorities at this ski resort bring her designs and ideas into reality, which live on today as some of most recognizable pieces worldwide!

Who Is Charlotte Perriand?

Born in Paris, France on October 24th 1903, Perriand was the ultimate rebel. She attended the École de l’Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs but quickly grew tired of their traditional styles and techniques – thank goodness! It was her rebellious manner that caught Le Corbusier’s eye; he hired her to design furniture for his studio alongside him and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, where they created some pretty amazing stuff including a super luxurious lounge chair called LC4 chaise longue (you know you want it!). Check it out below.

Ever the pioneer, Charlotte revolutionized design with her incredible works of art that were both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly functional. Despite coming from a privileged background, she refused to forget those less fortunate than herself – one of her most famous projects was designing affordable housing units for everyday people in France. Her pioneering spirit lives on through all who admire her work today – even after ending this earthly journey at 96 years old back in 1999! Check out the short video below to get an idea of the inner workings of Charlotte Perriand. It’s brief, but one of the best pieces I’ve found about her and her work at Les Arcs.

After revolutionizing design with her incredible works, Charlotte Perriand was widely praised for her accomplishments. One of her most famous projects was creating LC4 (Relaxing Machine), an affordable housing unit designed for everyday people in

Les Arcs Ski Resort: A Quick Origin Story

In 1961, Robert Blanc took architect Roger Godino on a ski trip in the upper Tarentaise valley. When they arrived at this gorgeous area, Roger was so taken by it that he suggested they turn it into a ski resort! He got some architects from the Atelier d’Architecture en Montagne involved with designing for the project but wasn’t thrilled about their ideas. That’s when he called upon Charlotte Perriand- she had already made quite an impression as a mountain architect and her designs really won him over! It’s important to note that after WWII, the French government wanted to give citizens more vacation options and developing Les Arcs Ski Resort was a perfect fit! Not only did this provide winter sports access to everyone but it had a stunning view of Mont Blanc. Les Arcs officially opened for the 1968/1969 ski season. 

The History of  Furniture from Les Arcs

Robert Blanc, founder of Les Arcs Ski Resort (who died tragically in an avalanche at Les Arcs in 1980),  had this totally radical idea to completely change the furniture game at his ski resort, so he brought in French designer Charlotte Perriand. What she came up with was something that still sets the bar for modern design today – the Les Arcs Furniture line! She took a modular approach to create functional and affordable pieces that weren’t too complicated or flashy, but just chic enough you wouldn’t mind showing them off.

Did Charlotte Perriand Design Les Arcs Furniture?

 It’s important to note that the work at Les Arcs was, in fact, mostly collaborative. Much of the pieces being sold today are credited to Charlotte Perriand, but they were designed by others. Perriand assembled a team over the years, who worked together to bring modernist furniture design alive at the ski station in France. Some of these key partners were Dal Vera (now defunct), Cassina, Robert Sentou, Honsel Leuchten, Disderot, and Airborne. They all brought their expert design acumen and craftsmanship that resulted in stylish sofas, chairs, lighting, and other pieces that culminated in the iconic look that put Les Arcs on the map – no small feat! Truly these partnerships presented something special; each element lovingly curated with care like elements from a beautiful symphony artfully composed help create harmony amidst global snow-capped inspiration – stunning Les Arcs. 

The Unique Design of Charlotte Perriand Furniture from Les Arcs

Furniture from Les Arcs is characterized by its clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. The furniture is designed to be multi-functional, with pieces that can be easily transformed to suit different purposes. The chairs, stools, and tables are designed to be stackable, making them easy to store when not in use. The furniture is also designed to be lightweight and easy to move. So practical! 

The Material and Craftsmanship of Furniture from Les Arcs

The furniture from Les Arcs is made from high-quality materials such as wood, metal, and leather. The wood used in the furniture is typically pine (sometimes beech was used, as well), which is known for its durability and strength. The metal frames are made from steel, providing stability and durability. The cognac leather used in the furniture is of the highest quality, which makes it not only gorgeous (like the iconic dining chair), but comfortable and durable too. Its like butter!

A List Of The Les Arcs Furniture

Les Arcs Chairs

Les Arcs Benches

Les Arcs Bedroom Furniture

Les Arcs Stools

Les Arcs Tables

Les Arcs Lighting

Other Les Arcs Furnishings

The Popularity of Furniture from Les Arcs Today

Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs designs are still popular today, and they are considered an integral part of modernist innovation. The furniture’s unique design, quality craftsmanship, and durability have stood the test of time and continue to be sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike. The furniture’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, from fancy schmancy modern apartments to uber comfy alpine chalets.

 

Timeless Simplicity Of Les Arcs Design

Furniture from Les Arcs ski resort is truly classic. It’s got an edge to it – not just the design, but its sturdy material and skilled craftsmanship make for durable pieces that look beautiful wherever you place ’em! Plus these are nothing short of timeless; they’ve been around forever (ok, 50 years) yet remain modern day must-haves in any contemporary home. There’s a good reason why people swear by this stuff – collection or no collection. Perriand was a design maverick. Facts.

Want to see how Charlotte Perriand really got her start in the design world? Check out THIS article and prepare to be amazed!

References:

“Charlotte Perriand: A Pioneer of Modern Design.” Cassina. https://www.cassina.com/ww/en/news/library/charlotte-perriand.html .

“The Woman Who Democratised Skiing.” https://francetoday.com/culture/the-woman-who-democratised-skiing/

“Charlotte Perriand: Designing for Leisure.” Les Arcs. https://www.dwr.com/designer-charlotte-perriand?lang=en_US

“Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs.” Pamono. https://www.pamono.com/designers/charlotte-perriand/furniture

“Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs Chair.” Wright. https://www.wright20.com/artists/charlotte-perriand .

“Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs Stool.” Phillips. https://www.phillips.com/Search?Search=charlotte+perriand

“Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life.” The Design Museum. https://designmuseum.org/designers/charlotte-perriand .

Book references: 

“Charlotte Perriand: Complete Works” by Jacques Barsac 

“Charlotte Perriand: An Art of Living” by Mary McLeod 

“Charlotte Perriand: Inventing a New World” by Danièle Pauly 

“Charlotte Perriand: A Life of Creation” by Elisabeth Vedrenne