Born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20th century, the Wiener Werkstätte helped to cement Art Nouveau style and culture in Viennese art. Wiener Werkstätte furniture included armchairs, cabinets and table lamps, with production extending to other crafts such as ceramics, jewelry and fashion. The Werkstätte also boasted a large graphic arts department, which created nearly 1,000 unique postcards during the organization’s run.
Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, painter Koloman Moser and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer established the collective in opposition to the dominant trends in Viennese art. The artistic community was then largely directed by the Association of Austrian Artists, which had firm control over the creation and distribution of Austrian art. The collective’s style pushed back against traditional artistic preferences, instead favoring clear, bold lines and often-exaggerated, vibrant colors.
Employing over 100 people, including several master craftsmen, the Werkstätte formed relationships and alliances with a number of firms and stores, which sold and commissioned new work from the workshop.
As the Wiener Werkstätte’s mission aligned with emerging British sensibilities regarding art, many British artists worked closely with the collective. Some major Austrian artists collaborated with the collective, without officially joining, such as painter Gustav Klimt.
The Werkstätte’s artistic range was extensive and eclectic, with the organization producing a wide variety of furniture. In 1932, the global economic collapse forced it to shut down. With the outbreak of WWII soon to follow, the Wiener Werkstätte never reopened. Its legacy lived on, however, in the numerous artists and craftspeople who carried forward its commitment to progressive cultural and creative endeavors.
On 1stDibs, find antique Wiener Werkstätte lighting, seating and storage pieces.
Davis & Marinsky Wiener Werkstatte Attributed Suit
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
Isaac Marinsky a Russian emigre studied and worked in London as a couturier to English Society, before immigrating to Rhode Island with his coworker Davis. And formed together Davis ...
S/S 2021 Black Ribbed Knit Feather-Cuff Romper
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2021 romper exemplifies Anthony Vaccarello’s mastery of streamlined silhouettes elevated through precise, high-impact detailing. Constructed from a s...
THIERRY MUGLER F/W 1998 Runway Ensemble Documented by Helmut Newton
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1998 Runway Rhinestone Ensemble - Documented by Helmut Newton Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection / year: Fall / Winter 1998 Material: Jacket: Wool / Rhinestones. Skirt & Shorts: Chiffon 100% polyester. Color: Black Size: FR40 Made in France Complete look from Thierry Mugler’s Prêt-à-porter Fall Winter 1998 collection titled “Lingerie Revisited". Photographed by Helmut Newton for Thierry Mugler's Fall Winter 1998 look-book. This ensemble was also featured in a Neiman Marcus campaign for Harper's Bazaar, September 1998 on actress Estella Warren. The jacket is made from black wool. It features a squared notched lapel, V- neckline and lightly padded shoulders. A dramatic hourglass silhouette emphasised by lines of rhinestone embellishments in the shape of corset seam-lines . The rhinestones are also featured on the cuff of each sleeve. Completed by a chiffon skirt and shorts set. A lighter variation of the runway look which was presented in a more structured fabric. The chiffon is a clear continuation of Thierry Mugler’s “Lingerie Revisited” theme, balancing structure with sensuality. A very special collectors item. Both wearable and an investment piece that will continue to increase in value. Size Information: Marked size FR40 Jacket: Shoulders 46.5cm Bust 46cm Waist 36.5cm Length 61cm Skirt Waist 34.5cm Hip 48cm Length 108cm Shorts Waist 34cm Hip 41cm Length 35cm Front rise 32.5cm This Thierry Mugler blazer is in very good vintage condition with some wear to the zipper, and some light discolouration to the lining. The skirt and shorts are in excellent condition. Please contact us with any questions. Additional Photographs : From Thierry Mugler’s 1998...
CHRISTIAN DIOR By JOHN GALLIANO F/W 2007 Hourglass Suit FR40
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Berlin, BE
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall Winter 2007 Glencheck Hourglass Suit Brand: Christian Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: Fall Winter 2007 Fabric: 99% Wool, 1% Cashmere, ...
GIVENCHY COUTURE By JOHN GALLIANO F/W 1996 Rare Herringbone Bow Suit FR38
By Givenchy, John Galliano
Located in Berlin, BE
Givenchy by John Galliano Fall Winter 1996 Rare Herringbone Bow Suit FR38 Brand: Givenchy Designer: John Galliano Collection: Fall Winter 19...
Christian Dior by Galliano Fall 2004 Prototype Suit
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Norwich, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano, unique prototype sample from Fall/Winter 2004. Shimmery silver metallic fabric with white fur trims on the jacket, and zip details. Silk lined. Cond...
GIVENCHY COUTURE By ALEXANDER MCQUEEN F/W 1999 Architectural Suit FR42
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Fall Winter 1999 Architectural Suit FR42 Brand: Givenchy Designer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Fall Winter 1999 Fabric: 92% Wool / 8% Cashmere. Linin...
John Galliano Archival Striped Knit Ensemble —'Suzy Sphinx' Collection F/W 1997
By John Galliano
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Documented runway ensemble from John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 1997 “Suzy Sphinx” collection, presented in Paris. Widely regarded as one of Galliano’s most imaginative and theatrical s...
Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford F/W 2002 Runway Skirt + Jacket Set AD CAMPAIGN
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford F/W 2002 Runway Skirt + Jacket Set Tom Ford years at Yves Saint Laurent might not be as mainstream as his decade at Gucci, but the bod...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN F/W 2001 "What a merry-go-round" Suit L IT48
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
Alexander McQueen Fall Winter 2001 “What a merry-go-round” Suit IT48 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Fall Winter 2001 Fabric: 56% Acetate, 44% Rayon...
John Galliano 1994 Plum Wool Blazer & Skirt Set with Ribbon Appliqué
By John Galliano
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare early work from John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this two-piece skirt suit captures the designer’s precision tailoring and emerging signature of romantic, body-con...
THIERRY MUGLER S/S 1999 Vintage Trompe L’Oeil Pinstripe Skirt Suit FR38
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring/Summer 1999 Pinstripe Suit with Trompe L’Oeil Inlay Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring/Summer 1999 Fabric: Silk blend. Inlay: 10...
Thierry Mugler S/S 1997 “Les Insectes” Suit Rhinestone Fly Embellishment FR42
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1997 “Les Insectes” Suit with Fly Embellishment Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer 1997 Couture Fabric: 100% Wool ...