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Vladimir Kagan Furniture

American, German, 1927-2016

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.

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Creator: Vladimir Kagan
Dealer: Habitat Gallery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is simply stunning. The entire sofa has been upholstered in a heavy ivory bouclé, including the double disc bottom. This heavily textured sofa is not only vi...
Category

1990s American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Category

1990s American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category

1990s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Mohair

Rare Vladimir Kagan Credenza, Vladimir Kagan Designs, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This credenza is a magnificent Vladimir Kagan collectors item. Featuring a maple veneered top and sides, with a lacquered body and chrome accent-- all sitting firmly atop of a pair of tall acrylic...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Important Vladimir Kagan Rosewood Brass Dresser, Desk Unit, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
If you're a fan of Vladimir Kagan and are looking for a piece with a story, look no farther. This piece resided in the master bedroom of Vladimir Kagan and Erica Wilson's Park Avenue apartment. This is the Kagan Family Custom Dresser and Desk, Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc., USA, circa 1950. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for he and his wife's bedroom-- this set is truly stunning. Modular in nature, there is a dresser unit, that is flanked by a file cabinet, diagonally slatted drawers, and a drafting drawer for Kagan's pens. The unit has an attached drafting table with a drawer that features a multi-level adjusting lever where Vladimir Kagan himself used to sit and prepare his sketches. Below the drafting table, you can see the groove to pullout the drawer was completely hand tooled. This seat is comprised of hardwood, with rosewood veneer, brass legs and drawer pulls which have been polished back to their original glow, and a laminate top on the drafting table. This set can be seen as documented in: Martin Eidelberg, Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Abrams, p. 162 New York Social Diary, Vladimir Kagan, April 15, 2016 Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) was a German-born American furniture designer known for his sleek, modernist designs that combined organic shapes with high-tech materials. Kagan began his career in the 1940s, working for his father's furniture business in Germany. He later immigrated to the United States and started his own design studio in New York City in 1949. Over the next several decades, Kagan created hundreds of iconic designs, including his signature "Sculptured Chair" and "Floating Sofa," which became icons of 1950s and 60s modernism. Kagan's designs were celebrated for their sculptural quality and unique use of materials, such as fiberglass, lucite, and stainless steel. He also pioneered the use of ergonomics in furniture design, creating pieces that were not only beautiful but also comfortable to use. Throughout his career, Kagan received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to design, including the American Society of Interior Designers' Designer of Distinction award in 1985 and induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009. Kagan's impact on the world of furniture design is incredibly significant. His work helped define the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, and his innovative use of materials and focus on ergonomics continue to influence designers today. His designs are highly sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums around the world. This set is currently in our gallery with a set of Vladimir Kagan unicorn...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan Crescent Lounge Chair in Ivory Boucle and Black Leather, 1970's
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This chair is incredible. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for Vladimir Kagan Designs, this crescent chair is about as luxurious and beautiful as it gets. Completely overhauled and upholstered in a thick, high-pile, sherpa style boucle and wrapped in the most high-quality Italian black leather hide, this chair is great design at its best. Equal parts gorgeous and comfortable, this chair begs to be touched, sat in, and enjoyed. This Kagan crescent chair...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vladimir Kagan Capricorn Dining Set for Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950's
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Ever seen that iconic Slim Aaron's photo? You know, the one Poolside Glamour-- if you look right in the center of the photograph, underneath the yellow umbrella, you'll see this icon...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

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Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
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Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
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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...
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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
H 30 in W 135 in D 50 in
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Serpentine Sofa in Mohair, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
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A stunning serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather, circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered in a sumptuous moss green mohair. It will elevate any in...
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Mohair, Foam

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Nautilus Swivel Chairs for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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Pair of Vladimir Kagan corkscrew swivel chairs for Directional. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please...
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Serpentine Cloud Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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A vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan. The fabric on the Cloud Sofa is supple, soft, and ready to place. This sofa would look great in any Mid-Centur...
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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful mohair fabric by Holly Hunt.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Exceptional Vintage Sculptural Lacquered and Brass Dresser
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An absolutely jaw-dropping vintage sculptural lacquered and brass dresser / credenza manufactured in the United States, circa 1980s. This exceptional crafted piece features strips of...
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Post-Modern Channel Tufted Lounge Chairs, Attributed to Vladimir Kagan, 1980s
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of 1980s Post-Modern channel tufted lounge chairs feature three legs, one rear center leg and curved arms which morph ...
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Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Vladimir Kagan
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Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
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Serpentine Sofa in Chocolate Velvet by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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Experience the timeless elegance of the Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1970s. This iconic piece has been fully restored and reupholstered in luxurious choco...
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Previously Available Items
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is simply stunning. The entire sofa has been upholstered in a heavy ivory bouclé, including the double disc bottom. This heavily textured sofa is not only visually appealing, it's insanely comfortable and is incredibly stylish. The upholstery fabric is indeed a performance fabric that is meant to repel stains and hold its shape wonderfully. Vladimir Kagan has never been a hotter designer than he is right now-- with many interior designers and celebrities alike opting for 1 or 2 of these gorgeous contemporary sofas in their living rooms. A few clicks online and you'll find a million ways to style these in your home. When Vladimir Kagan designed this serpentine cloud sofa, he had NYC penthouses and apartments in mind-- this 8' long sofa is large enough to be a solo sofa...
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1990s American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Curved Zoe Sofa in White Boucle for American Leather, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather has all the great staples of a Kagan design, gorgeous free-form curves, modern design, and effortlessly chic. This Zoe sofa is very similar to Vladmir Kagan's serpentine sofa, though slightly smaller. The sofa has been freshly reupholstered in a pale slightly off-white boucle and is in wonderful showroom condition.   This sofa would look wonderful in any type of Mid-Century Modern, contemporary, modern boho chic or even Hollywood regency environment. This sofa could also effortlessly flex into a beach chic...
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Early 2000s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Ivory Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is simply stunning. The entire sofa has been upholstered in a heavy ivory bouclé, including the double disc bottom. This heavily textured sofa is not only visually appealing, it's insanely comfortable and is incredibly stylish. The upholstery fabric is indeed a performance fabric that is meant to repel stains and hold its shape wonderfully. Vladimir Kagan has never been a hotter designer than he is right now-- with many interior designers and celebrities alike opting for 1 or 2 of these gorgeous contemporary sofas in their living rooms. A few clicks online and you'll find a million ways to style these in your home. When Vladimir Kagan designed this serpentine cloud sofa, he had NYC penthouses and apartments in mind-- this 8' long sofa is large enough to be a solo sofa...
Category

1990s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Rockstar Rocking Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé, Pair, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
Looking for a pair of modern lounge chairs that are extremely comfortable and also beautiful? These are it. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather in the 1990's, these lounge chairs, aptly named "Rockstar" lounge chairs are just that-- rocking lounge chairs. These puffy, post-modern chairs sit on a pair of rounded sleigh legs and gently rock back and forth. With its curvy rounded body and angular lines, it's very much a classically designed Vladimir Kagan piece with a wonderful post modern flair. We chose to have these chairs upholstered in a supple high pile ivory boucle that just begs to be touched and sat in. Like oversized cotton balls, these chairs are comfort to the max-- with super soft high-density foam, these are the kind of chairs you're going to sink into; bring a good book and a bottle of wine-- because you'll be perched up in these for the night. While these chairs modern or even slightly post-modern in nature, the design is so contemporary and timeless that these would effortlessly flex into any mid century modern, Hollywood Regency, boho chic or glam environment, They could also look wonderful in a beach house, or even more cottage core, or traditional type environment-- and would be incredible as a nursery rocking chair...
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1990s Post-Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Curved Zoe Sofa in White Boucle for American Leather, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather has all the great staples of a Kagan design, gorgeous free-form curves, modern design, and effortlessly chic. This Zoe sofa is very similar to Vladmir Kagan's serpentine sofa, though slightly smaller. The sofa has been freshly reupholstered in a pale slightly off-white boucle and is in wonderful showroom condition.   This sofa would look wonderful in any type of Mid-Century Modern, contemporary, modern boho chic or even Hollywood regency environment. This sofa could also effortlessly flex into a beach chic Tommy Bahama or wabi sabi environment as well. With its timeless style it could be used in a family room, living room or even an office environment or lobby. This sofa is currently paired in the gallery with a Paul Evans coffee table, Karl Springer...
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Early 2000s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Teddy-bear Tan Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely gorgeous! Clad in a heavy nap, light teddy-bear tan colored boucle, this sumptuous serpentine cloud sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan is sure to make an elegant statement. Vladimir Kagan pieces, known for their round biomorphic bodies are excellent additions to any modern or contemporary design and are the darlings of the interior design world. We currently have this sofa in our gallery paired with a Karl Springer console, a Gabriella Crespi coffee table...
Category

Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Ivory Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is truly a showstopper! Designed by Vladimir Kagan in the 1990's for Directional, this sofa features the iconic acrylic leg down the middle, has its original Directional ta...
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1990s American Post-Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Burl and Lucite Coffee Table
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have this absolutely stunning burl and lucite / acrylic coffee table designed by Vladimir Kagan. This smaller coffee table is the perfect size and height to be a wonderful coffee table for a tight environment, or a side / occasional table. With a lovely burl wood grain, accentuated by its inset lucite legs, this show stopping coffee table appears to almost float in the room. While the table is square in shape, it's small enough to be used alongside a cloud sofa and still look incredibly. We currently have this table in the gallery alongside a Milo Baughman case sofa...
Category

1990s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Burl

Set of 8 Vladimir Kagan Lucite Dining Chairs in Belgian Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
These chairs are absolutely stunning! Designed by Vladimir Kagan for Vladimir Kagan Designs Inc. in the 1990's, this stunning set of 8 dining chairs are Kagan at his post-modern finest. The chairs feature a very traditional slipper shape that is turned on its head by featuring a completely clear lucite pedestal body which then follows the length of the back of the chairs like a long acrylic spine. The acrylic pedestal base of these chairs give them the illusion that they're simply floating in the room. These fashionable dining chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a teddy-bear brown colored Belgian boucle and are not only easy on the eyes, but are super comfortable for those longer multiple course dinners with family and friends. With their neutral tan upholstery and the clear acrylic base, these chairs would effortlessly pair with almost any type of dining table. We currently have the chairs paired with a Paul Evans patchwork burl dining table...
Category

1990s Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Acrylic

Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Matinee Sofa / Daybed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is gorgeous! Designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather, this Matinee sofa is the perfect sofa for a guest room, as its bolster back pillow...
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Early 2000s Post-Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Leather

Vladimir Kagan Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Ivory Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is truly a showstopper! Designed by Vladimir Kagan in the 1990's for Directional, this sofa features the iconic acrylic leg down the middle, has its original DIRECTIONAL ta...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine Sofa Upholstered in Heavy Ivory Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s obvious why Vladimir Kagan furniture is more in demand than ever. This show-stopping Kagan sofa is not only a visual feast; the ...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Vladimir Kagan furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Vladimir Kagan furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 281 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 8 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Vladimir Kagan were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, and Directional. Prices for Vladimir Kagan furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,190 and can go as high as $110,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,500.

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