Charlotte Perriand

Charlotte Perriand worked with Le Corbusier for several years as an interior  and furniture designer. She designed some of the furniture for which Corbu took credit, including the iconic Chaise Lounge upholstered in pony hair.

What I like most about Charlotte is her sense of fashion, which was radical for the conservative 1920's. In the photo on the right she is wearing a great graphic print dress with a dropped waist and a knee-length hem. She also designed the chromed ball-bearing necklace she is wearing in the photo.

I love this necklace -- it's simple and timeless.  We see these elements in her furniture designs.

Charlotte reposing in her iconic chair.

Charlotte's apartment, 1927. My prof told me this great story: Charlotte went to see Le Corbusier about a job, but he disliked women, so he dismissed her after telling her that they "did not embroider pillows at his studio."

Daringly, she invited him to see her apartment, which she had decorated entirely in chrome. It was totally unlike anything Corbu had ever seen, and he hired her. She was 24.

Now, I googled this story before posting it, and there seems to be several versions of her interview and how she began working for Corbu. Some say that Corbu saw an installation of her work, Bar sous le toit, and subsequently decided to hire her. But I like my version. I'd like to think that this is a photo or her apartment and that she had the confidence to invite Corbu to see her work, even after he dismissed her thoughtlessly.