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Serpentine Sofa
Iconic Designs

Serpentine Sofa

About the Design

The voluptuous contours of Vladimir Kagan's (1927–2016) 1950 Serpentine sofa were designed to bring people together.

The S-shaped piece provided both flexible group seating on an armless form as well as a focal point for mid-century entertaining. Unlike most sofas, this one was not designed to be pushed against a wall. Also, people were not supposed to sit on the Serpentine in a row. Rather, the sofa presided over the center of the room as a swoosh of plush seating. The original design included casters so it could easily be maneuvered around for a party or to provide a better view of new art on the walls.

Born in Germany, Kagan’s interest in furniture began with his father, a Russian master cabinetmaker. Following the rise of the Nazis, a young Kagan immigrated to the United States in 1938 and shortly thereafter enrolled as an architecture student at Columbia University. Nearly 15 years later, Kagan opened his first furniture company. His concept of modern living was featured in the furniture designs at the Monsanto House of the Future, which was on view at Disneyland from 1957 to 1967.

Upholstered in inviting materials, such as seductively hued velvet and Alcantara, Kagan’s furniture demonstrated how modernism could be beguiling even while breaking with the rigid norms of the past. Reflecting the biomorphic shapes in art and sculpture that such creators as Isamu Noguchi promoted as well as celebrating Scandinavian design, each piece was made for both comfort and form in its organic shape. 

Serpentine Sofa

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Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular example of Vladimir Kagan design was produced by American Leather in 2012, in its original Alcantara (ultrasuede) in a medium grey color called 'Otter', signed under...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Ultrasuede

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in a very light oatmeal or linen colored tweed, sturdy yet soft. Manufactured by Directional in the 1990s ...
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan #4891-J Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional in its original microsuede. There is some light scratching to the microsuede consistent with how microsuede wears along with general wear from use and age. I...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

1990s Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Boston, MA
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud sofa for Directional, circa 1990s. Postmodern curves and design. Lucite bar complimented by two ro...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Serpentine Sofas - Pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Countryside, 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...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vladimir Kagan for Preview Bilbao Mid Century Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Countryside, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Bilbao Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 55 deep x 38.75 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 inches All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
The Vladimir Kagan "Mini" version of the Serpentine Sofa stands as a pinnacle of beauty and sophistication, captivating any space with its timeless allure. While its name evokes admi...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

"Zoe" Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Stunning Zoe sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Iconic addition to any living space - brand new upholstery in a taupe purple/grey. Dimensions are taken at the longest, deepest and highest poi...
Category

1990s Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

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.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Canapes

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite

Stunning Pair Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Directional Cloud Sofas Mid-Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of Vladimir Kagan cloud serpentine sofas made by Directional. These pair retain their original periwinkle blue ultra-suede fabric in nice vintage condition-some wear sp...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Stunning Vladimir Kagan Curved Serpentine Cloud Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Vladimir Kagan curved serpentine cloud sofa for Directional. We are loving the Brunschwig and Fils and Dongia fabr...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Early 'Serpentine' Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1960, Signed and Registered
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly rare 'Serpentine' sofa (Model 150-BS) by Vladimir Kagan has just been authenticated by Kagan Design Group and includes a signed registration tag and authentication packet which includes a typed letter explaining the details around the history of the sofa. This gorgeous early production 'original' of the Serpentine design is from the late 1950s to early 1960s based on the construction details as detailed from Kagan Design, they explained in an email: "The Serpentine Sofa is indeed an excellent example of an early Kagan curved sofa...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa Blue Microfiber by Directional Furniture
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Miami, FL
Original Vintage Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine sofa in blue microfiber by Directional Furniture Company. Original label underneath, Directional, Made in USA. Note: The sofa needs n...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Lucite, Wood, Ultrasuede

Related Items
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Swivel Chairs, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs

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Rare 'Unicorn' Leather and Aluminum Curved Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, c. 1963
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extremely rare and highly sought-after collectors piece by Vladimir Kagan is his Model #U-522 'Unicorn' curved sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs Inc. designed and produced circa 1963, shortly after Kagan separated from Hugo Dreyfuss of Kagan-Dreyfuss. This investment grade collectible design features soft and supple light grey tufted leather over two aluminum 'Unicorn' bases, large enough to seat four people. There is not much comparison for this awe inspiring statement piece, ideal for an interior designer looking for a show-stopper that is fitting for the most demanding and critical client. Incredible design of utmost rarity and fabulous ready-to-use condition with that light patina you want to see. From an art/ design collector's perspective - this sofa is simply the bees knees...
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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...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Mid Century Modern Curved Serpentine L Shape Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern curved sectional circa 1980's. This sofa is top notch, and would look great with a brass plinth base instead of fabric wrapped. The fabric has some soiling, so recover...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Serpentine or Cloud Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 3 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 3 locking sections with a sculptural look. Feet are low profile wood...
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Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

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Vladimir Kagan "Matinee" Chairs for American Leather- a pair
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Roanoke, VA
Uncommon pair of Vladimir Kagan's "Matinee" club chairs for American Leather. Bolster backs and pillows can be removed and chairs pushed together to form daybed. Definite statement...
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Early 20th Century American Post-Modern Club Chairs

Materials

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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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas

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Upholstery, Wood

Iconic Vladimir Kagan ‘Serpentine’ Sofa in Beige Upholstery
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan, sofa model ‘Serpentine’, fabric, chrome-plated metal, United States, design 1950s, later production This sofa is designed by Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) and clearly e...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Metal, Chrome

Large Postmodern Serpentine Sectional with Stacked Base after Vladimir Kagan
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Interesting postmodern style sofa with a serpentine like shape. Great organic L shape sofa with an overall foot print of 106” x 106”. Back height is 29” and...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Spectacular Vladimir Kagan Curved 3-Piece Cloud Sofa Sectional Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Vladimir Kagan curved 3-piece cloud sofa sectional with Directional label. This rare sofa sectional retains its original orange brown...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Sofas

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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
H 30 in W 135 in D 50 in
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Sectional Sofa, 1970
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Circa .1970. Original fabric is in great condition. Measurements and a drawing is in pictures.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

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Upholstery

Previously Available Items
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Cloud Sofas, a pair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional in their original microsuede. Interested in a single sofa? Shoot us an email, we’re happy to split the set. This is an opposing pair that includes an armless...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Sofa with Lucite Support
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vladimir Kagan cloud or serpentine sofa for Directional with desirable lucite support. A couple small issues, priced with reupholstery in mind. Would work well in a variety of inter...
Category

1990s American Organic Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Sofas for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Embrace the epitome of Midcentury design with these Vladimir Kagan "Cloud" or “Serpentine” sofas for Directional, USA circa late 20th century. Originally designed in the 1960s. Thes...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite, Wood

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Sofas for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Mirrored pair of Vladimir Kagan kidney shaped “cloud” or “serpentine” sofas for Directional, USA circa late 20th century. Originally designed in the 1960s. The kidney-shaped silhou...
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite, Wood

Vladimir Kagan, Organic Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable organic black-painted wood and brown beige bouclé fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc, US...
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Sofas in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980, signed. Both have been fully reupholstered in Holly Hunt "mushroom cap" mohair and have had the foam updated. The original lucite middle-legs were damaged so we had two new ...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
Expertly restored with new mohair upholstery on this iconic sofa. A classic designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Serpentine 'Cloud' Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a stunning and iconic Serpentine Cloud sofa designed by the late Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1970s. The sofa features Kagan's signature Serpentine design, with sensuous curves that are both elegant and functional. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and Classic always-in-demand Cloud sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This sofa is in the style with the more in-demand center back vs the style which has the wraparound arm. Vladimir Kagan is considered a master of modern design, and his work has been highly sought-after and collected for decades. Original Directional labels remain attached underneath. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Massive Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, America 2007
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Kagan sofa newly upholstered in Alpaca boucle by Rosemary Hallgarten, with maple veneer base. Inscribed and dated to the underside V.K.D. Stock 11.12.07. Measures 140"L x 82"d x 3...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Alpaca, Bouclé, Wood, Maple

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Greensboro, NC
Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa, produced by Directional Furniture. Labeled as shown in photos, with lucite center support. Original beige fabric shows well and is in very good to excell...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas

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Fabric

Vintage Vladimir Kagan for Preview Sectional Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Vladimir Kagan sectional sofa Modular sofa Postmodern MCM Minimalist Retro 1970s-1980s The sofa comes in 2 sections. Newly Upholstered with...
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

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The voluptuous contours of Vladimir Kagan's (1927–2016) 1950 Serpentine sofa were designed to bring people together. The S-shaped piece provided both flexible group seating on an armless form as well as a focal point for mid-century entertaining. Unlike most sofas, this one was not designed to be pushed against a wall. Also, people were not supposed to sit on the Serpentine in a row. Rather, the sofa presided over the center of the room as a swoosh of plush seating. The original design includ...
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