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.
$14,600Sale Price|36% Off
Very Rare Model 175-C Sculptured Lounge Armchair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredibly rare and highly sought-after Vladimir Kagan Model 175C 'Sculptured Walnut Arm Chair' designed in 1950 (see catalogue photo), this early product...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan, Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and white bouclé fabric arm chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 25.5" All...
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, American Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Armchairs, USA, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan, American Mid-Century Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Occasional Chairs, USA, 1970s Pair of lucite and fabric occasional chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss ...
Fabric, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, PAIR
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in North Miami, FL
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby bouclé, these 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s. These cla...
Bouclé
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
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...
Bouclé
$6,800 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair with En Suite Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, this Nautilus swivel lounge chair is sculptural, comfortable and fun, and is shown in fresh ivory bouclé upholstery. The Bouclé is ub...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
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...
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan, Large Curved Sofa, Fabric, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved beige yellow bouclé fabric and metal sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc. Seat height: 15.5” Reupholstered in brand new bouclé fabric.
Metal
Sculptural Walnut Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
Sculptural ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1950–1959. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, this striking piece features a beautifully sculpted walnut base refinished in a ric...
Linen, Walnut
$4,950
H 20 in W 23.25 in D 26 in
Vladimir Kagan Child’s Cubist Chair Angela Jolie and Brad Pitt, Walnut, USA
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful child's cubist club chair that was commissioned by Angelina Jolie as a gift for her children, reflecting Brad Pitt's interest in contemporary American design. Sophisticated and playful constructed of walnut and fabric upholstery. Provenance Property from the Personal Collection of Vladimir Kagan Literature Vladimir Kagan, The Complete Kagan...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$99,500
H 27.17 in W 116.93 in D 51.19 in
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc '6999' Sofa in Mohair and Walnut
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc, sofa, model '6999', reupholstered in “Bold” by Pierre Frey, walnut, United States, made 1950s This mid-century modern sofa, designed by Vladim...
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa This sofa measures: 94 wide x 40 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Excellent Vintage Condition...
Upholstery
French Modernist Armchair, 1950s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Step into the refined charm of mid-century France with this exquisite French armchair. A masterclass in design and proportion, this piece seamlessly blends functional simplicity with...
Wood, Oak, Fabric, Mohair
$10,999 / set
H 32.68 in W 28.75 in D 32.68 in
Outstanding, Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s, For Reupholstery
By Ico Parisi, Carlo Mollino, Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An extraordinary, rare pair of Italian 1950s armchairs. Structurally sound, but the original upholstery is worn out so the chairs are sold for the customer to recover in their own c...
Wood, Fabric
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 48 in D 96 in
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Vladimir Kagan Swivel Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely pair of vintage Vladimir Kagan swivel chairs on castors. These chairs feature chrome wrapped bases. One of the chairs retains it's original t...
Fabric
Pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' Lucite Armchairs, circa 1970s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An all-original signed pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' armchairs, dating from the 1970s and bearing the original manufacturer’s label from Vladimir Kagan Designs Inc. A stunning exam...
Fabric, Lucite
Rare 'Ondine' Wingback Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1970, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredibly rare and highly sought-after Vladimir Kagan 'Ondine' wingback armchair, this early production example from circa 1970 and in its original fabric with animal motif. Sign...
Fabric, Walnut
1980s Postmodern Vladmir Kagan Armchair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage post-modern 1980s chair for sale. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, and needs reupholstery. Great Kagan design and style with clean lines. V...
Fabric, Wood
Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs for Preview, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs, 1980. Upholstery recommended. There is a tear on side arm of chair.
Upholstery
Sold
H 33.5 in W 35 in D 37 in
Vladimir Kagan Model #100A Barrel Lounge Chair in Velvet, c. 1973, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare collectors piece is the Vladimir Kagan model #100-A 'Barrel Lounge Chair' on ball casters, designed in 1947, signed with Vladimir Kagan Designs label. The gorgeous velvet is in a red color but with a hint of burnt orange tone giving it a beautiful warmth and softness that can benefit any space. Signature curvaceous arms make this Barrel chair easily recognizable by design fans and a go-to choice for top interior designs throughout the world. This incredible collector's piece is a glimpse into Vladi's history. The 100-A Barrel chair was designed in 1947, this particular example was produced in circa 1973 in Kagan's new (at the time) state of the art factory in Long Island, after the Hugo Dreyfuss factory burned down in 1972. Highly sought-after by both collectors and interior designers - signed examples like this one being the most desirable as Kagan's designs were often copied throughout the years. This Barrel club chair by Vladimir Kagan for Vladimir Kagan Designs would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as a side chair, cafe or breakfast table chair, bedside chair...
Velvet
Sold
H 33.5 in W 23.5 in D 22 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Armchairs in Walnut and Bouclé, c 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of very rare armchairs are by Vladimir Kagan and sculpted from solid walnut and reupholstered with gorgeous nubby white bouclé and is as much a sculpture of art as it is a ...
Walnut, Bouclé
Sold
H 38 in W 32 in D 40 in
Vladimir Kagan Early Rare High Back Barrel Lounge Chair and Ottoman, USA, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Vladimir Kagan early rare high back barrel lounge chair and matching ottoman with angled splayed maple legs, USA, 1950s. Thi...
Upholstery, Maple, Wood
Pair of Vintage Biomorphic Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Preview
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of iconic barrel lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview (ca. 1980s, USA). Relatively small in scale, yet perfectly proportioned to offer maximum comfort. Attracti...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kagan Barrel Back Lucite Armchairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This amazing, iconic pair of 1960's Vladimir Kagan armchairs are detailed with barrel back lucite frames which appears to make the multi-colored upholstered seat cushions float. Chro...
Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Armchairs for Grosfeld House, circa 1950
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vladimir Kagan pair of armchairs for Grosfeld House. circa 1950.
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Upholstered Lucite Pedestal Armchairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of Kagan Lucite pedestal armchairs upholstered in a dark chocolate velvet fabric having a great sculptural look with matching arm rests. Small Lucite foot pads attached to the...
Lucite
Set of Four Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Four custom swivel chairs with tufted mohair on walnut bases designed for a Park Ave apartment full of Vladimir Kagan furnishings.
Mohair