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Maharam continues to expand its Textiles of the 20th Century™ series with the introduction of three stripe patterns, Millerstripe, Toostripe and Jacobs Coat, originally designed by Alexander Girard. In addition, Maharam will reintroduce Names, another Alexander Girard design initially created as a printed textile.
Girard drew his inspiration from travels to Mexico and India, as well as from his fascination with traditional folk art. Millerstripe (1973), Toostripe (1965), and Jacobs Coat (1959), first designed for the Herman Miller Textile Division, reflect these influences, utilizing vivid color and simple geometry. In order to remain true to Girard’s vision, the Maharam Design Studio developed 40 individual yarn colors, providing an exact match with the original warp stripe, while utilizing modern dyeing techniques to ensure adequate light fastness for contract use. Stripes by Alexander Girard are available in a total of seven colors.
Girard’s design works also explored his interest in the characters and symbols that comprise language. His pattern Names was included in a group showcasing this influence. First produced in 1957 as a printed textile in three colors, Names is a study in cursive typography on a neutral ground. It is now available as a durable woven textile in its original red, blue or black type.
Alexander Girard, noted as one of the 20th century’s most influential modernist designers and architects, achieved prominence as director of Herman Miller’s textile division from its formation in 1952 through the 1960s. Other noteworthy projects include Girard’s design of La Fonda del Sol restaurant (1959), the “Good Design” exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York (1954) and the re-design of every aesthetic aspect of Braniff Airlines in 1965. An avid collector, Girard donated thousands of works of art from over 100 countries to the Santa Fe Museum of International Folk Art in 1962 and designed the permanent exhibit “Multiple Visions: A Common Bond.”
Maharam has re-issued a total of ten Girard patterns over the past year. Other Maharam textiles by Girard include: Checker (1965), Checker Split (1965), Double Triangles (1952), Facets (1952), Mikado (1954) and Quatrefoil (1954). Textiles by modern design icons such as Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Anni Albers, George Nelson and Gio Ponti round out the Textiles of the 20th Century™ Series.
Jacobs Coat by Alexander Girard, 1959
Width: 54" (137cm)
Colors: 2
Content: 92% Wool, 8% Nylon
Millerstripe by Alexander Girard, 1973
Width: 54" (137cm)
Colors: 2
Content: 92% Wool, 8% Nylon
Names by Alexander Girard, 1957
Width: 55" (140cm)
Colors: 3
Content: 73% Cotton, 27% Polyester
Toostripe by Alexander Girard, 1965
Width: 54" (137cm)
Colors: 3
Content: 92% Wool, 8% Nylon