The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
Vladimir Kagan Sofa With Chaise, 1970
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Sofa with Chaise Lounge, 1970. This is a Vladimir Kagan for Weiman/Preview. Original upholstery. Measures 30” tall 86” long 66” deep a chaise, seat height 16” seat d...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon...
Fabric, Upholstery
Monumental Omnibus Sectional Sofa Designed by Vladimir Kagan, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental three-piece sectional Omnibus sofa by Vladimir Kagan, 1970s. This very large sofa would look great in any Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary home. The scale is wonderful, however, new upholstery is recommended. The lucite bases are in good condition with age-appropriate wear. A classic masterpiece! From the Complete Vladimir Kagan book...
Upholstery, Lucite
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent 4 Piece Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sofa Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Large 3 piece sectional sofa with matching illuminated coffee table by Vladimir Kagan, Omnibus Collection, American 1975 (signed with original labels). This amazing sofa has been recently upholstered in an sensational nautical tie-dyed canvas...
Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Sectional Sofa, 1970
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Circa .1970. Original fabric is in great condition. Measurements and a drawing is in pictures.
Upholstery
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Spectacular Vladimir Kagan Curved 3-Piece Cloud Sofa Sectional Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Vladimir Kagan curved 3-piece cloud sofa sectional with Directional label. This rare sofa sectional retains its original orange brown...
Upholstery
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric
$12,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Wonderful Vladimir Kagan 4 Piece Omnibus Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 4-piece Vladimir Kagan Omnibus sectional sofa. This sectional can be arranged as pictured or can be configured as you please...
Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A large and iconic serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. This sofa was purchased from Kagan about a decade ago and upholstered in a heathered lig...
Fabric
$22,000Sale Price / set|22% Off
Sloane Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Established in 2008, the Vladimir Kagan Couture collection features a selection of the Classic Kagan designs from 1950s to his new designs from 21st century. One of the new designs on offer here is the New Moon sofa...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Vladimir Kagan 3 Piece Omnibus Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece Vladimir Kagan Design Omnibus sofa sectional. This sectional retains its original fabric and will need to be reupholstered as the fabric is worn and dated. Fully sup...
Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Large Sectional Custom L Shaped Sofa Rust bouclé Vintage Certifed
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional and substantial Vladimir Kagan custom unique L shaped sectional. This piece is designed as a multi-directional sofa, allowing access and...
Brass
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$46,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sofa in Holly Hunt Great Outdoors White Boucle'
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Original Omnibus manufactured by Kagan workroom. Sofa features four parts as follows: Sofa/chaise -26"H x 61"W x 33"D x16"SH Sofa/chaise - 26"H x 66.5"W x 55"D x 16"SH Perch/chaise - 37"H x 72.5"D x 33"W Large Ottoman inserted...
Upholstery, Lucite
$24,000 / set
Fantastic Sectional Omnibus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
The sectional sofa with Lucite supporting legs features three units, a right arm section, a middle corner return and an ottoman. Plush cushions and all upholstered body. One of the i...
$8,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
1990s Beige American Leather Curved Vladimir Kagan Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare and one of kind postmodern three pieces sculptural Kagan sectional for American Leather. Kagan's updated design for American Leather Studios recollects one of his earlier 1960's sofa models. American Leather Studio metal button; American Leather Studio tag. This beautiful Butter color...
Leather, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Large Custom Double Sided Sofa White Bouclé Vintage, Certified
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional and substantial Vladimir Kagan custom unique double sided sofa. This piece is designed as a multi-directional sofa, allowing access and co...
Brass
Exceptional Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Large Sectional Sofa Rust Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) Serpentine sofa, #150 Exceptional and large unique curvaceous form USA, newly upholstered rust color bouclé fabric, walnut base in good condition unmarked and comes with receipt from Haute Living...
Bouclé, Walnut
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 42 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
Beige chenille sectional sofa, 3 pieces, 1970s
Located in Manzano, IT
Beige chenille sectional sofa, 3 pieces, 1970s More information on the article Plywood frame, polyurethane seat and fabric Measurements mod.1 - H48 x W190 x D120 Measurements mod.2 -...
Chenille
$7,500
H 28.5 in W 143 in D 87 in
Large Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, Labeled
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern 1950s Harvey Probber two-piece sectional sofa with mahogany tapered legs. Sofa has original fabric, it needs to be reupholstered and foam replaced. There is ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and lucite "Omnibus" sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”
Velvet, Lucite
Large Curved Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman, Bassett Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic and impressive sectional sofa by Weiman in luxurious purple fabric, with brown tone two tier base, and armrest. . The sectional consists of four pieces , two straight, the c...
Upholstery
$24,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 180 in D 34 in
Stunning Hollywood Regency Tufted 2-Piece Curved Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Hollywood Regency an extra long two-part sofa with a deep tufted back. The sofa splits in the centre, each side has a single seat cushion with rounded outer edge on an upholstered base, the extension has a tufted top and also has a curved edge. The sofa comes with two matching tufted foot stools...
Upholstery
Post Modern 6 Piece Modular Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 6 piece Post Modern modular sectional sofa attributed to Rolf Benz. A gorgeous sofa that will make a massive statement. Sofa is being...
Fabric
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
1970s Olive Green Modular Sectional Sofa by Doimo Salotti
By Doimo Salotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Doimo Salotti attributed sectional sofa commands attention with its rich olive green faux suede upholstery and distinctive modular design. Four-piece L-shaped configuration features ...
Fabric, Foam
$7,800
H 28 in W 142 in D 110 in
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric
$12,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 124.5 in D 93.5 in
Wonderful Vladimir Kagan 4 Piece Omnibus Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 4-piece Vladimir Kagan Omnibus sectional sofa. This sectional can be arranged as pictured or can be configured as you please...
Upholstery, Lucite
Sold
H 31 in W 156 in D 55 in
Vladimir Kagan 5 Pc Serpentine Sectional Sofa with Maxwell Alameda Snow Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Vladimir Kagan serpentine 5 piece sectional sofa. This magnificent 1980s style masterpiece of a sofa is begging for a beautiful new home. This sofa features 5 separate pieces, each...
Polyester
Vladimir Kagan Pony Skin Serpentine Sectional, 1990
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Pony Skin Serpentine Sectional, 1990s. Sectional is a 5 piece and all original. There is a blue hue at times in the black pony fur. What we have found out that if i...
Hide
Sold
H 34 in W 65 in D 161 in
Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Dark Green Gray, Lucite Plank Legs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Kansas City, MO
Vladimir Kagan three piece Omnibus Sofa. The upholstery at first appears gray, but in bright light it ready a dark green gray. The upholstery is free of tears and stains, but does ha...
Upholstery, Acrylic, Lucite
Sold
H 31 in W 156 in D 55 in
Vladimir Kagan 5 Pc Serpentine Sectional Sofa with Maxwell Alameda Snow Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Vladimir Kagan serpentine 5 piece sectional sofa. This magnificent 1980s style masterpiece of a sofa is begging for a beautiful new home. This sofa features 5 separate pieces, each...
Fabric, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sectional Sofa, 1990
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sectional Sofa from the 1990's. Reupholstered in gray velvet Measures End sections 88" long 40" deep...
Velvet
Sold
H 28 in W 133 in D 60 in
Marvelous Vladimir Kagan Curved 3-Piece Cloud Sofa Sectional Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous Vladimir Kagan curved 3-piece cloud sofa sectional with Directional label. This sofa will need to be reupholstered as the original fab...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus I Sectional Sofa with Two Ottomans, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental two-piece sectional Omnibus I sofa with two ottmans by Vladimir Kagan, 1970s. This modular sofa would look great in any Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary home. The scale is wonderful, however, new upholstery is recommended. The lucite bases are in good condition with some scratches and age-appropriate wear. The lucite can be polished to perfection. A classic masterpiece! From the Complete Vladimir Kagan book...
Upholstery, Lucite
Vladmir Kagan Cloud Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the Vladimir Kagan 3-Piece Cloud Sectional: A contemporary masterpiece that seamlessly combines style and comfort. This sectional invites u...
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Comet Sofa by Roche Bobois, 2003
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hamburg, PA
A sculptural Vladimir Kagan "Comet" three-piece sectional sofa, 2003. This design according to the Complete Kagan book "was designed in 2003 by the Paris-ba...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece Omnibus sectional sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. The two pieces can be rearranged as shown in photos. The original built-in lighti...
Fabric
Two Piece Sectional Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Gucci
Located in Hamburg, PA
A great pair of sectional sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci from the original showroom. Other pieces from the Gucci Showroom are in other list...
Upholstery, Lucite
Pair of Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of serpentine / cloud sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Fuzzy Wuzzy / Honey Bear plush mohair.
Mohair