Chapter One: Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Designer: Charles and Ray Eames
Date: 1956
Charles Eames and his wife Ray were among the most influential furniture designers of their time. In 1956, they designed a groundbreaking set consisting of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, and they gave the first set as a birthday gift to their friend, Oscar-winning film director Billy Wilder. This design became popular among many actors and was mass-produced. Even after more than 60 years, this set remains coveted by numerous world leaders and celebrities.
The furniture is crafted from black leather and laminated plywood. This unique chair features a dual design, composed of three curved plywood shells and leather cushioning. The proportions of all parts of the chair (headrest, backrest, and seat) are identical, including the ottoman. The technique of bending an entire piece of wood was difficult to achieve at the time, making it a luxury item, which led to its permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Chapter Two: Eames Lounge Chair
The Eames Lounge Chair was co-designed by world-renowned designers Charles Eames (1907-1978) and Ray Eames (1912-1988) in 1956. Known as the Eames Lounge Chair, it is also referred to as the "Emperor's Chair." It later became a permanent collection piece at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in the United States. The Eames Lounge Chair is regarded as one of the most influential art pieces of the 20th century, seamlessly blending modern industrial technology and traditional craftsmanship. It showcases the designers' pursuit of functionality and aesthetics, filling a gap in furniture history. Even after more than 60 years, it continues to be sought after by numerous world leaders and celebrities. From Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese and Apple CEO Steve Jobs to the world's richest man Bill Gates, leaders across various fields own this chair, symbolizing power and status.
The first Eames Lounge Chair was given as a birthday gift to their friend, Oscar-winning film director Billy Wilder. The chair quickly became popular among actors and was mass-produced, making it a top choice for gifting to successful individuals.
The design journey began with an exhibition titled "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1941, organized by then-director of the Department of Industrial Design, Eliot Noyes. At this exhibition, Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen collaborated on a series of chairs that won the top prize. The Eames Lounge Chair and multifunctional fiberglass molded chair received such widespread acclaim over the next twenty years that it can be said the Eames' seating style fundamentally influenced everyone's way of sitting.
Chapter Three: Charles and Ray Eames
Charles and Ray Eames were arguably the most legendary couple in design history, inspiring admiration and envy. As master figures of American modern furniture design, they were the most influential designer couple of the 20th century. Their designs spanned furniture, architecture, film, and graphic design, and their works were synonymous with innovation and perfection.
Their love story and revolutionary friendship were equally inspiring. Despite being in the same profession, they never grew tired of each other. They consistently found new and interesting ways to design together, courageously experimenting with different approaches and always collaborating to complete their projects. In terms of their division of labor, Charles primarily considered technical, material, and production aspects, while Ray focused more on form, space, and aesthetics. They seamlessly integrated structural, functional, psychological, aesthetic, and cultural considerations into every aspect of their product designs, making them a perfect pair in both life and work.
It feature in many scene in movies and shows. It is one of the furniture feature in Mandarin pop singer Jay Chau album covers.
