From Yabu Pushelberg to the Bouroullec brothers, Ligne Roset boasts an almost unparalleled roster of designers. Over its 160-year history, the French furniture company has sought to foster fruitful, symbiotic relationships that push both the brand and its collaborators to new heights. But beyond nurturing up-and-coming talents, Ligne Roset also works to preserve and honour design history by reintroducing classic pieces. In 2007, the company began working with Pierre Paulin to revive his iconic Pumpkin seating collection, among other timeless designs. This year, Ligne Roset has turned its attention to another standout French designer: Pierre Guariche.
Though perhaps lesser known than Paulin, Guariche conceived innovative, artful pieces that broke boundaries in engineering, design and interior architecture. “The spirit of lightness and economy of materials, which governed the response provided by Pierre Guariche to the need for mass-produced furniture required by France under reconstruction, resonates with our philosophy: supplying furniture that will last, intelligently, respectfully, while remaining beautiful,” says Michel Roset.
With its Guariche collection, Ligne Roset re-issued a handful of designs from the early 60s, demonstrating their continued appeal and relevance over six decades on. The Vallée Blanche Chaise Longue, designed by Guariche in 1963 while collaborating on the La Plagne ski resort, is a case in point. First produced by Les Huchers-Minivielle, the elegant, minimalist form garnered attention at the famed Salon des Arts Ménagers and is now part of the Centre Pompidou’s permanent collection — for good reason. Its sleek, undulating form, enhanced by a seamless fabric cover, is not only visually stunning but equally comfortable, while the chrome metal feet add to the chaise’s contemporary feel. Impressively, the refined silhouette is made from a single piece of wood, filled with latex foam. Available in a soft white wool fabric, the re-issue stays true to the original.
Coined the “ultimate luxury armchair,” the Jupiter Swiveling Armchair is another highlight of the collection. Guariche designed the chair in 1966 for Meurop, a Belgian company for which he served as artistic director over several years. Inspired by space-age innovations, he leveraged expanded polyurethane to create a rounded, welcoming seat that floats on a black satin epoxy-lacquered steel pedestal. At the time, it represented leading-edge technology. Years later, the Jupiter chair is still a hallmark of design excellence. Offered standard in luxurious Soft Touch leather or fabric (or custom upholstery), the re-issue is versatile enough to suit any interior.
As mid-century furnishings and vinyl records remain ever-popular among generations young and old, the Galerie M.A.I. Sideboard is poised to become a sought-after design staple. First created in 1952 for its namesake gallery, the sideboard was conceived to house a radio and record player. Though upgraded to meet modern demands, the new edition retains its vintage charm. Its stained ash-veneered MDF structure — with a matching flap door and sliding door made of black lacquered perforated metal — sits atop a solid ash base. The redesigned interior layout features a record storage compartment as well as removable shelves for improved functionality. In other words, it’s the perfect piece for furniture and vinyl collectors alike.
Though technology and design trends have evolved since the pieces were designed, the Guariche collection is proof positive that the best designs are truly timeless. By giving new life to these mid-century gems, Ligne Roset has ensured that Guariche’s classic designs remain accessible, allowing his legacy to live on in modern interiors.
The post Ligne Roset Revives Classic Designs by Pierre Guariche appeared first on Azure Magazine.