Women in Design | Charlotte Perriand

Celebrating Charlotte Perriand for International Women's Day 2025

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, Matisse is honoured to spotlight the exceptional work of Charlotte Perriand, a pioneering French architect and designer whose visionary work reshaped the modern living space.

A trailblazer in the 20th-century design movement, Perriand's career was defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation. She broke boundaries by seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic simplicity, and her collaborations with renowned architects like Le Corbusier produced iconic designs, such as the LC4 Chaise Longue, that remain timeless symbols of comfort, efficiency, and elegance. Perriand's pioneering use of industrial materials to create accessible and beautiful living spaces further solidified her position as a trailblazer. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire designers globally, demonstrating that true design transcends mere aesthetics and strives to create a more harmonious and human-centered world.
Charlotte Perriand: A Visionary of Modern Living

Perriand, born in Paris, was trained at l'École de l'Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs. She was one of the founding members of the Union des Artistes Modernes, as well as playing a key role in postwar urban planning, designing efficient living spaces such as the Les Arcs ski resort. Her work redefined modern living, making design more accessible and human-centered.

We are proud to highlight a selection of Perriand's iconic designs, each exemplifying her commitment to functionality, modernity, materials and quality. Below are some standout pieces available at Matisse.
6 Table Tube D'avion - The key idea at the heart of this table is to make a distinction between its load bearing base and the top that was to be supported. Each piece is completely autonomous and this is highlighted by the addition of the four middle support pieces used to adjust the height and keep the slim rectangular top in place over its the heavy base.

Paravent Ambassade - A painstaking architectural composition, an artist’s design puzzle made for the interior decor of an ambassador’s home, a piece that narrates Charlotte Perriand’s passion for Japan and its artisan heritage. The years Perriand spent in the Far East bore fruit in the design screen, a masterpiece of perseverance made of 313 small solid wood blocks, made entirely by hand and assembled one by one.
Accordo Low Table - A legendary design table with bold, sculptural proportions, designed by Charlotte Perriand for the retrospective exhibit dedicated to her at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 1985.
Celebrating Women in Design

Charlotte Perriand is celebrated in design for her visionary approach to modern living. She redefined interiors with functional, modular designs that balanced industrial innovation with human comfort. A pioneer in a male-dominated field, she championed accessibility, sustainability, and social progress through design. Her legacy continues to inspire architects and designers striving for a more thoughtful, inclusive modernity.

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, we invite you to explore these designs and reflect on the enduring legacy of women in design.