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.
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous Sculptural Modern Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofa Mid-Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves and undulations of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. This sofa is one of Kagan's most Avant Garde ...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Attributed Sofa and Swivel Chair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a unique design attributed Vladmir Kagan that we believe he did for boutique hotels. The swivel chair butts up to the sofa and can fit two people. The swivel turns 360 degree...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Freeform Sofa, Model 150BC, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic by Vladimir Kagan originally designed in 1950. This piece produced by Vladimir Kagan as marked, circa 2001. Outfitted in its original upholstery and maple platform base,...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan, Walnut, Fabric, Monumental Serpentine Sofa, USA, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vladimir Kagan, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Fabric, Large Serpentine Sofa, USA, 2000s A large serpentine sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan in the early 2000s. This exampl...
Fabric
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs. Made by American Leather /Room and Board. Upholstered in original micro suede. The biomorphic shape similar to Kagan’...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Cloud Sofa, Beige Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1980s The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 19...
Velvet, Lucite
$8,799Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan for Direction Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic Vladimir Kagan for Directional “Cloud” Sofa. Original tan microfiber fabric. Some water marks on seat please see pictures. Label on bottom.
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
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This sculptural lounge sofa, designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the United States in 1999, stands as an iconic piece of modern furniture design. K...
Chrome
20th Century White American Four Seater Sofa - Vintage Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern American four seater sofa with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan in good condition. The high seat backrest of the settee, canapé curves seamlessly...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Velvet
Postmodern Sofa "Comete" designed by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois, France
By Vladimir Kagan, Roche Bobois
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and rare modular sofa "Comete" designed by Vladimir Kagan for French Luxury Furniture manufacturer Roche Bobois. Kagan created this curved...
Ostrich Leather, Wood
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Curved Blue Velvet "Hindsight Sofa", 2024
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
This curvy, sinuous, undulating "Hindsight Sofa" was initially designed by Vladimir Kagan as a limited run in the 1960s. This contemporary example, sold through Vladimir Kagan, has b...
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan, "Unicorn" Sofa, Lucite, Velvet, USA, c. 1975
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and lucite "Unicorn" sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. Model originally designed with metal base, present example is a ra...
Velvet, Lucite
Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois, France, 2003
By Roche Bobois, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vladimir Kagan; Futurism; Modernism; 2000s; Mid-Century Modern; Roche Bobois; France; Cotton Chenille; Contemporary Design; Chenille Fabric; Ottoman; 2003; Grey; Glacier; Futurist asymmetric 'Comete...
Wool, Alpaca, Cotton
$10,000 / set
RARE Pair of Curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
These curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan are RARELY seen and we just happen to have a pair. A gorgeous duet, each with 3 lucite support legs and gorgeous Joseph Noble Mohair. T...
Mohair, Lucite
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
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
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
Stunning Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa in Plush Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
This beautiful Serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan is a design masterpiece. The proportions and scale are both delicate and bold giving it unparalleled presence. Its sinuous curve and ...
Mohair, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Maharam Mushroom Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful mohair by Maharam.
Lucite, Mohair
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Serpentine Sofas - Pair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Serpentine Sofas - Pair Each sofa measures: 74 wide x 36 deep x 38.25 inches high, with a seat hei...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare find, the Tangent sofa with an open chaise feature by Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Sofa for Preview is an exquisite addition to any mid-century modern collection. This sofa bo...
Upholstery, Wood
Fiftyish Wingback Leather Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. We also have another available with walnuts feet. Original leather with chrome legs. Extremely rare piece of design.
Leather
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Organic Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofas, White Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Organic Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofas, White Boucle Pair of handsome mid-century modern organic form sofas by Vladimir Kag...
Bouclé, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa in Charcoal Black Fabric, U.S.A. 1970's.
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, showcasing the designer’s signature curvilinear form and sculptural presence. Upholstered in a luxurious charcoal black fabric and brass ...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Restored "Fiftyish" Sofa for American Leather, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
"Fiftyish" sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by American leather in the 2000s. This contemporary design was influenced by Kagan's winged barrel chairs of the 1950s. This e...
Stainless Steel
Wave Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather in Corduroy
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. USA. Tagged. Reupholstered in stone grey corduroy. Original wood legs that match sofa form.
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Bilbao Sofa
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Post-Modern Bilbao Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 36 deep x 38.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Upholstery, Wood
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
Fabulous Sculptural Modern Vladimir Kagan Leather Bilbao Sofa Mid-century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves and undulations of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. I do have a pair of these gorgeous sofa both ...
Wood, Leather
Channeled Art Deco Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Extremely rare piece by Vladimir Kagan. Reupholstered in blue Maharam Gemma wool.
Wool
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Three-Seat Wave Sofa, 1985c.
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Three-Seat Wave Sofa, 1985c. Designer/Manufacturer • Manufactured by Preview Furniture Corp., High Point, NC (label affixed underside) Construction & Uphol...
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofa for Weiman
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman
Located in Denton, TX
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao freeform sofa for Weiman. Organic design with black and tan micro fiber fabric. This design was inspired by the Guggenheim ...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan High 'Barrel Back' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High back 'Barrel' sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA. The sofa is newly upholstered in a warm silver ribbed mohair Holly Hunt fabric. The luxurious three seater...
Upholstery, Mohair
Vladimir Kagan, "Unicorn" Sofa, Lucite, Velvet, USA, c. 1975
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and lucite "Unicorn" sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. Model originally designed with metal base, present example is a ra...
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Plush Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful plush lustrous mohair fabric. Light blue gray.
Lucite, Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Sofa, Ochre, United States
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vladimir Kagan Sofa model “Directional” Manufactured by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. United States Upholstery, walnut Measurements 244 cm x 147 cm x 75 cm 96 in x 58 in x 29.5 in ...
Upholstery, Walnut