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.
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
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus ottoman (One Available)
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Pleased to offered this ottoman by Vladimir Kagan. This oversized ottoman will look perfect in any decor. Fabric can be used as is or these are perfect for a redo in your own fabric....
Fabric, Lucite
Foot Stool in Red Offered by Vladimir Kagan Design Group
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Clifton, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Foot Stool in Red. Pairs with Multi-position Reclining chair. Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) emigrated to the United States from Germany ...
Leather
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Large Boucle Clad Ottoman w/ Lucite Legs (2 Avail)
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in North Miami, FL
Simple and classic design for this square ottoman in fresh boucle fabric and on two Lucite legs. Clean and perfect for any design and decor. TWO AVAILABLE
Bouclé, Lucite
$2,310Sale Price|25% Off
Vladimir Kagan Barrel Ottoman by Holly Hunt, Whiskey Mohair & Polished Nickel
By Vladimir Kagan, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vladimir Kagan Mohair 100BF Barrel Ottoman, Polished Nickel, Holly Hunt. Gorgeous Whiskey Mohair Custom piece. Rare metal polished nickel legs. ...
Stainless Steel
$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
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 145 in D 120 in
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
$2,016Sale Price|30% Off
H 20 in W 18 in D 16 in
Swivel Clear Lucite Waterfall Vanity Stool by Charles Hollis Jones
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Hollis Jones "Waterfall" vanity stool. Has been professionally reupholstered in a light chenille fabric with gold flecks. Gold castor legs all roll smoothly. Swivel base...
Lucite
$1,188 / item
H 15.95 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Drova 4 Pouf in Woolland Fabric by Dmytro Kozinenko — Firewood-Inspired Ottoman
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
The structure of the Drova pouf is a story told in four upholstered logs, stacked on top of each other the way firewood is stacked near a fireplace. Designer Dmytro Kozinenko borrowe...
Steel
$4,157 / item
H 17 in Dm 18 in
Contemporary Modern Hygge Stool in Boucle Fabric &Travertino Marble by Collector
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Hygge Collection is inspired by contemporary architecture in Portugal that Speaks of its Romanesque past by honoring the antiques geometris, such as the arch and the column. Saccal D...
Travertine
$24,800 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Butterscotch Shearling
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular of his designs, here is a knockout set of sculptural Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chairs and ottomans freshly upholstered in hand sewn butterscotch ...
Upholstery, Hide
$10,500 / set
H 30 in W 28 in D 30 in
Gio Ponti Style Sculptural Pair of Mid Century Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
Located in Bernville, PA
Luxurious pair of midcentury lounge chairs and ottoman in the style of Selig Furniture Company. Professionally restored in a gloss finish and perfectly complimented with soft, cream ...
Leather, Walnut
$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 Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
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
$1,883 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 12.6 in
Mid-Century Modern Calheta Pouf, Ottoman, Holly Hunt Fabric, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple, HOLLY HUNT, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Calheta Pouf Ottoman, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe The Calheta Pouf blends organic curves with understated elegance, inspired by the ...
Leather, Bouclé, Chenille, Jacquard, Oak
$33,000
H 30 in W 134 in D 61 in
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
Iconic Vladimir Kagan ‘Serpentine’ Ottoman in Taupe Metallic Leather
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan, ottoman, model ‘Serpentine’, leather, chrome, United States, design 1950 The Serpentine ottoman, designed by Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016), exemplifies minimalist elega...
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Large Pouf in Off-White Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for the Kagan New York Collection, large pouf, off-white fabric, wood, United States, designed in 1970s, recent production Large pouf designed by Vladimir Kagan for...
Fabric, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Large Poufs in Off-White Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for the Kagan New York Collection, pair of large poufs, off-white fabric, wood, United States, designed in 1970s, recent production Pair of large poufs designed by ...
Fabric, Wood
Nautilus Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. We also have two more available ready for reupholstery, as well as four Nautilus chairs by Directi...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan pair of Omnibus ottomans
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Pleased to offered this great pair of ottomans by Vladimir Kagan. This oversized ottomans will look perfect in any decor. Fabric can be used as is or these are perfect for a redo in ...
Fabric, Lucite
Sold
H 16.25 in W 28.5 in D 20 in
Pair of 'Corkscrew' Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Corkscrew' ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s signed with a Directional labels underneath. MEASUREMENTS: H 16.25" x W 28.5" x D 20"
Wood, Ultrasuede
Vladimir Kagan “Cosmos” Lounge Chair and Ottoman in White Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
“Cosmos” lounge chair and ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview Furniture. Fully restored and reupholstered in white Italian wool boucle.
Bouclé, Lucite
Postmodern Poof Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, A Pair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wonderfully fun round ottomans in bright candy-colored ultra-suede. Lightweight enough to move easily, making these a clever ancillary seating option Directional tags on base. ...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa with Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An outstanding example of Vladimir Kagan’s cloud sofa for Directional Furniture with matching ottoman. Both pieces are upholstered in the original gray microfiber, with topstitched s...
Textile
Sold
H 14.5 in W 28 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Platinum Velvet "Nautilus" Series Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized by Vladimir Kagan- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century, circa 1970. It features a streamline...
Velvet
Sold
H 14.5 in W 21 in D 21 in
Vladimir Kagan, Contour Ottoman, Sculpted Walnut, White Bouclé, Studio, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
An organic ottoman / stool / bench by Vladimir Kagan. Sculpted walnut frame with overstuffed seat in white high-end European Bouclé. Bears label. Present example is an early one pro...
Bouclé, Walnut
Radius Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
Radius collection ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan for Selig, circa 1950s. Walnut base featuring chrome stretchers fully restored. Newly upholstered in linen.
Chrome