Celebrating Alexander Girard
Virtually unmatched in his use of pattern and color, Alexander Girard created some of the greatest textile designs of the modern age. Never limiting himself to a single medium, Girard brought his enlivening aesthetics to everything from furniture to branding to interior design. In celebration of the seminal designer’s birthday last week, we present an enticing array of paths to his inspirational work.
1. “Alexander Girard” by Todd Oldham A massive and comprehensive monograph of the designer’s career, examining virtually every discipline in his prolific body of work. Written by designer Todd Oldham, who combed the extensive Girard archives and found new treasures and classics alike. Order one at Amazon.
2. Girard Alphabet Blocks Ideal for design aficionados both young and old, these distinctive blocks feature alphabets set in the Alexander Girard font collection from House Industries. Simultaneously a sharp, educational toy and stylish conversation piece, the 28-block set is made from replenishable Michigan-grown basswood with child-safe inks. Get them at House Industries.
3. PLYprints – New Sun Hand screen-printed with water-based inks on sustainably harvested maple plywood panels, the PLYprints are Girard classics. The 14″x14″ panels come ready to hang and will brighten any interior with their eco-friendly style. Get some sun at Modern Seed.
4. Girard Pillows in Retrospective, Red Girard’s vibrant, folk-inspired patterns invigorated the designs of his contemporaries (like the Eameses) while redefining textiles with form-emphasizing patterns and colors. Designed in 1952 for Herman Miller wallpaper, the distinctive Retrospective pattern returns as the perfect accent for any modern interior. Get them at Design Within Reach.
5. Girard Fonts For Girard, typography helped to spell out everything from pattern and fabric design to company rebranding. Presented by House Industries, Girard’s typefaces — Script, Sky, Sansusie, and Slab — are testament to the designer’s innate ability to seamlessly unite form and function, style and usability. Buy them at House Industries.
6. Girard Wooden Dolls Girard’s Wooden Dolls are a unique mix of decorative object and colorful toy. Drawing their aesthetics from Central American, Italian, and Eastern European culture, the dolls were originally created in 1963 for Girard’s Santa Fe home. Get dolled up at Design Within Reach.
*If you’re in New York City before July 1, purchase a Girard Wooden Doll at the Herman Miller Pop-Up Store in SoHo!
Photos: Linked to their sources within text