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International Style Historical Memorabilia

INTERNATIONAL STYLE

The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back. 

Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings. 

“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture

The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.

“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design. 

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Style: International Style
Hermès Les Clés Vintage Silk Scarf, France
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hermès Silk Scarf, Les Clés designed by Caty Latham, first issued in 1965. This ‘Keys’ scarf is an early issue with a Jade green border, and showing interlocking gold keys...
Category

20th Century French International Style Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Painting Oil on Canvas by Pio Joris Important Italian Artist of the 19th centur
Located in Rome, IT
Pio Joris (Rome, 1843-1922). The Via Flaminia, a Sunday morning," 1869, (winner of the Gold Medal Exhibition in Monaco, 1869) with frame 160 x 83 cm. Pio Joris attended the Istitu...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique International Style Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Canvas

Hermès Philippe LeDoux Menège Vintage Silk Equestrian Scarf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the French fashion house, Hermès, a vintage silk scarf from the Manège line, circa 1974. Designed by Philippe Ledoux for Hermès in 1974, this an early vintage of a classic is...
Category

20th Century French International Style Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

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Late 20th Century French International Style Historical Memorabilia

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Vintage Hermès 'Parmi les Fleurs' Silk Scarf
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Vintage Equestrian Hunting Print, Snaffles, Charles Johnson Payne
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19th C. Italian Oil on Canvas Painting, 'Departure of the Guests', F. Beda
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Hermes Silver Cube Lighter, 1960s France
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Previously Available Items
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NASA Apollo 11 Sterling Silver Commemorative Beaker #67 of 1500
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Large 1940s French Republic RF Tri-Color WWII Victory Parade Flags, a Pair
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International Style historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique International Style historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage historical memorabilia created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, silk and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style historical memorabilia made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original historical memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Hermès, and Victoria and Albert Museum. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for historical memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $60,990 while the average work can sell for $505.

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