"Art is only art when it is synonymous with living."Mid-century designer extraordinaire, Alexander Girard (1907-1993), was a New Mexico architect and graphic designer who had a long working association with Herman Miller.
In 1956, Girard's design of the interior for La Fonda Del Sol restaurant in New York City's Time Life Building, was the talk of the town. The work, featuring a prominent sun motif and an adobe bar, won a silver medal from the Architectural League of New York. Bold graphics, saturated colors and a folk-art influenced aesthetic were applied to everything, from the walls down to the sugar packets on the tables.
Girard was hired in 1965 to redesign every aspect of Braniff Airlines.Officially called "The End Of The Plain Plane," his designs were applied to aircraft, lounges, ticket counters, ground equipment and everything else the "flying public" would view, and included 7 aircraft color schemes, Eames furniture and ethnic art.
Emilio Pucci designed the hostess uniforms.
A Braniff airport lounge designed by Girard. Everyone is so dressed up!
A couple of Pucci redesigns of the hostess uniforms in the 70s. So chic!
Girard at work in his studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the 70s.Photo from dwell.com
Working from original wooden dolls designed by Girard, the Vitra Design Museum has reissued several, which are now available at dwr.com.
Flor recently launched a new collection of modular carpet tiles based on Girard's designs for La Fonda Del Sol...........................................................................................................................................................................
Good News! One lucky Topsy Turvy reader will win a charming Alexander Girard Collection area rug from Flor - valued at $159.99! Check back tomorrow for complete details of our drawing.
Braniff Airlines images from The Braniff Pages.
10 comments:
Girard's designs are more than happy ... they are practically giddy, no? I shall have to sit down for a moment and catch my breath.
great stuff- he was very talented.
the braniff pictures make me little sad, though. remember when flying somewhere was a fun adventure, rather then the painful experience it has become?
Aesthete - yes!
Christian - you're so right! In the push to make flying cheaper and cheaper, it's become tedious and uncomfortable. I loved the candy-colored planes and the Pucci-designed hostess uniforms and, as you say, the excitement of it all.
-Lana
It's the same with ocean liners now ... not an ounce of ship ... they would rather have floating amusement parks than glamour, elegance, and chic ...
Aesthete - it's a kids' world these days, isn't it.
-Lana
Love this bit on Girard. would be great to still have the mod look when we fly, or anywhere....
You're right, Elaine. And thanks for stopping by :)
-Lana
He's so bold with color! love it!
He had great design sense. I wish my art came out that good.
Great blog, I just recently picked up some vintage print fabric which I believe is Alexander Girards' design. Those vintage photos are incredible.
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