Alexander Girard, born in 1907 in New York, is one of the most influential designers of post-war American design – known for his playful and colorful expression that shaped a new era in design. Girard was a versatile creator who worked across industrial design, textiles, architecture, and furniture design. His work is characterized by a unique blend of modernism and folk art with influences from Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe.

Alexander Girard 1907 – 1993

Born in 1907, Alexander Girard quickly became a prominent figure in American design. Throughout his career, he collaborated with icons such as Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson, and his textile designs for Herman Miller remain highly relevant. Girard’s aesthetic is marked by lively patterns and a distinctive use of color, which revolutionized how textiles were viewed in furniture design. Girard passed away in 1993, but his influence lives on in countless modern interiors.

Textile Design and Collaborations

Girard’s work spanned many fields, but he is perhaps best known for his extensive textile design. Through collaborations with major industry names, he created textiles that embodied his love for traditional art forms, while also being profoundly modern in their expression.

At Nordiska Galleriet, you can find Girard’s textiles on the Eames Fiberglass Side Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. Discover also several of his famous, hand-painted wooden sculptures that combine folk art with modernism.

Modernism Meets Folklore

One of Girard’s greatest strengths was his ability to integrate folkloristic elements into modern design. His work with patterns and forms from various cultures created a unique fusion that was both timeless and trendy.