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For the 20th anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection, Cassina celebrates this major milestone by paying tribute to the work of this versatile designer with an exclusive selection of previously unreleased models and never-before-seen versions of iconic pieces already in the catalogue.
An extraordinary page of design
Throughout the 1900s, the stories of Charlotte Perriand and Cassina have intertwined on many occasions. The company’s emblematic ability to re-edit the great icons of design began in 1964 when it acquired the exclusive world rights to mass-produce the first four models designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, setting in motion the in-depth philological process to create what is known today as the Cassina iMaestri Collection.
In 2004, in close collaboration with Pernette Perriand-Barsac, her daughter and sole heir, Cassina presented the Charlotte Perriand Collection, to provide a comprehensive view of the designer's work. Constantly evolving, this collection captures the creative heart of each project and is constantly expanded to enhance it and make it more relevant than ever.
Cassina has consistently played a central role in the diffusion of the works of Charlotte Perriand, doing its best to create collaborations and promote extraordinary cultural initiatives.
A symphony of lines in the Indochine chaise longue
The creation of the Indochine chaise longue dates back to November 1943, when Charlotte Perriand was in Indochina serving as the country’s Director of Crafts. Confined to bed for medical reasons during the final months of her pregnancy, she designed a chaise longue with armrests that would allow her to continue reading, writing, and designing. Due to the unavailability of chrome tubing during the Pacific War, the first prototype was crafted in rattan and was never produced for commercial release.
Today, Cassina brings this iconic design to life in close collaboration with Pernette Perriand-Barsac, constructing the structure in painted tubular metal and, with a focus on circularity, using innovative materials for the upholstered elements.
In a graceful crescendo of lines, three curved segments joined by fasteners intersect to form the aerodynamic, architectural, and fluid silhouette that defines the Indochine chaise longue. Enhancing its aesthetic harmony, the armrests flow naturally from the base.
To ensure optimal comfort, the cradle is equipped with elastic webbing that supports the seat and enhances its softness—an open invitation to relax. A welcoming topper with removable upholstery envelops the structure, filled with soft padding made from recycled PET fibre and finished with a full quilted motif stitched from edge to edge.
Table Montparnasse: a revolutionary model that elevates the material integrity of wood
Crafted in 1938 by Charlotte Perriand for her atelier in the eponymous Parisian district, Table Montparnasse is part of the renowned “en forme libre” series of tables, designed to optimise and maximise the use of space.
With its distinctive asymmetrical shape composed of six sides, Table Montparnasse stands out in the history of design. At the close of the 1930s, this model revolutionised the concept of traditional tables, which were typically defined by simple geometric forms: square, rectangular, round, or oval.
Despite resting on just three legs, the structure is remarkably stable. It features an iconic top designed by Perriand to serve a dual purpose: on one hand, to create a piece suitable for compact spaces; on the other, to comfortably accommodate a greater number of guests.
To mark this significant anniversary, Cassina reintroduces the model in two wood options with a matte finish – natural Canaletto walnut and black-stained ash – highlighting its unique textural character and sculptural profile. Between the 1940s and 1950s, only seven examples of Table Montparnasse were produced. The original is housed in the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, while the others belong to prestigious private collections.
A limited edition of the Ventaglio table
Cassina unveils a 30-piece limited edition of the Ventaglio table, one of the most iconic and beloved designs in the iMaestri Collection. This exclusive series preserves the original construction technique - formed from 14 adjoining planks masterfully joined together - but introduces a new finish in natural Canaletto walnut.
In this special edition, the table’s three square legs reinterpret Charlotte Perriand’s original design with a contemporary edge. Thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Cassina’s carpentry workshop, the outermost edges of the tabletop feature refined wooden joints in matching walnut—a subtle detail that enhances the table’s sophisticated aesthetic.
Ventaglio is an exquisitely elegant and versatile piece that, in both form and function, stands apart from conventional tables, embodying the essence of Charlotte Perriand’s art de vivre.
New finishes for the Rio low table
Cassina pays tribute to another timeless icon by Charlotte Perriand, the Rio low table, presenting it in a new range of finishes.
The top is composed of six offset sections of varying radii that define an articulated outer frame and a central opening, conceived as a spatial centre of gravity. Creating a striking interplay of materials and colours, the wooden structure, available in black-stained oak, is paired with a top in natural Viennese cane or luxurious marble finishes: Sahara Noir in a combination of polished and matte version; polished black Marquina; or white Carrara.
More than a functional piece, the rare beauty of this table makes it a true decorative work of art for the home.
A vase never produced before
Originally designed in the 1940s and based on a series of sketches drawn by Charlotte Perriand during her time in Japan, the Vase à fleurs échancré is presented by Cassina for the first time.
Tactile and essential, the vase is crafted entirely from blown glass using a cast-iron mould, then refined by hand by skilled artisans. This final step results in deliberately irregular lines that underscore the individuality of each piece. The generous thickness of the rounded rim further enhances its sophisticated, tactile appeal.
The Vase à fleurs échancré is available in three colours - transparent, yellow, and blue - that highlight its distinctive character. Each piece is also engraved by hand on the base with the Cassina logo and year of production, adding a final mark of authenticity and uniqueness.
To find out more, visit: www.watelier.com
