Regarding this rare and unique armchair – the Girolle – designer Jean-Pierre Laporte said: “I discovered all the qualities of polyester to exploit its flexibility, its responsiveness, its ability to regain its shape. All this generates in me an infinite creativity of forms. Sculpture enters the world of furniture.”
At the time he unveiled this design, the idea of using novel materials like polyester had only just entered the collective consciousness of furniture designers at the forefront of innovation; Laporte was one of the first to fully embrace the material, not simply using it as a replacement for wood or metal, but celebrating its properties in designs that pushed the boundaries of what was possible, like this mid-century modern armchair.
Laporte was hired by the renowned German designer Thonet in the mid-1960s and perfected his craft under the artistic eye of Pierre Paulin. Five years later, the Girolle chair was born, instantly entering design history. It even became one of the chairs at the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Today, it's easy to understand what made this chair so famous in its time. Indeed, its ability to captivate attention and arouse the desire to explore its curved, erotic lines in depth has not diminished in the slightest. Its pure white base is a sculptural and sensual masterpiece, while the soft red fabric warmly invites you to curl up. To prevent this unique design from appearing more decorative than functional, note that Laporte designed this piece for optimal seating comfort.
A true museum-quality piece, the Girolle armchair is in excellent vintage condition.

For more visuals: maisoncedric.com

Photo credits: Artistic direction @adelemeunier / Photo @sebastienpatron