Paper Goods: Alexander Girard and La Fonda Del Sol

July 10th, 2009 | Patti Quill | Stationery

(23) Comments | Join conversation >>

Considered one of the greatest textile designers of the twentieth century, Alexander Girard (1907-1993) is “of the moment” once again. Pillar Viladas in the New York Times blog The Moment declared “The Designer Alexander Girard Shines Again” last year, and just posted another blog about Girard on July 7th.

Girard was the director of design for Herman Miller’s textile division from 1952 to 1973. He worked with George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames to form a design team that has influenced the fundamentals of design throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

Girard also developed a furniture collection for Herman Miller in 1967–originals from this collection are rare and have become highly collectible. For the Braniff International Airways lounge, he helped the airline re-brand itself to “end the plane plain”. This project gave Girard the opportunity to work with textiles, color, and graphics on a grand scale, redesigning everything from the sugar packets to the ticket counters to the color of the planes themselves.

His colorful designs and impressive folk-art inspired collections were some of the most important designs of the time. Perhaps Girard is best known for his designs for the interior of La Fonda Del Sol restaurant (a high-end Manhattan eatery in the 1950’s.) Housed in the New York’s Time Life Building, Girard won a silver medal from the Architectural League of New York for La Fonda Del Sol.

Girard’s designs have touched nearly every aspect of modern life. His work can now be seen on pillows and soft good at Urban Outfitters, bicycles, in fonts and type objects, Flor carpet tiles, and even Kate Spade hand bags.

Chronicle Books is proud to partner with the estate of this mid-century design icon to bring some of his most eye-catching and popular imagery to a line of stationery and gift products.

Tell us what you think of this wonderful line and enter for a chance to win one of five La Fonda Del Sol gift sets from Chronicle Books.

Patti Quill
Marketing & Publicity Manager

Popularity: 2% [?]

(23) Comments | Join conversation >>

Email This Post | Permalink | Trackbacks (0)

23 Comments

1. July 10th, 2009 at 2:12 pm | Posted by Patricia

   I’m thrilled. These images are timeless. I am so happy to see them get their day in the sun again. (Ok, you caught me, pun intended.)

   
   
2. July 10th, 2009 at 2:14 pm | Posted by Rosita

   Loved them back then, love them still!

   
   
3. July 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm | Posted by Jen V.

   What a talent! I’d never heard of this artist before. I adore the colorful, friendly images he creates.

   
   
4. July 13th, 2009 at 9:51 am | Posted by A. L. Esterling

   Received the House Industries catalog featuring Alexander Girard’s work and was knocked out. I’m thrilled to see that Chronicle Books is also showcasing his work. Thanks for always being on the cutting edge.

   
   
5. July 13th, 2009 at 9:52 am | Posted by jen 77

   I love his work. His designs look so modern - in a good way!

   
   
6. July 13th, 2009 at 9:53 am | Posted by Marla

   I love these designs! They are so whimsical, colorful and just delightful.

   
   
7. July 13th, 2009 at 9:56 am | Posted by Athena

   So beautiful! I love Girard’s designs-what a wonderful set!

   
   
8. July 13th, 2009 at 10:09 am | Posted by kickpleat

   I love Alexander Girard’s work! I can’t wait to see more and I’d love a chance to win.

   
   
9. July 13th, 2009 at 10:13 am | Posted by Thien-Kim

   Wow, those are great! I’d never heard of Gerard. Thanks for the sharing it with me.

   
   
10. July 13th, 2009 at 10:13 am | Posted by Susan L

    Gorgeous, rich colors and classic design.

    
    
11. July 13th, 2009 at 10:17 am | Posted by Erica

    These are so beautiful. They’re vibrant, bold, and incredibly cheerful!

    
    
12. July 13th, 2009 at 10:17 am | Posted by Karen Duffy

    Very fresh, upbeat images!

    
    
13. July 13th, 2009 at 10:28 am | Posted by carrie

    People like Girard and Charley Harper are the reason why I love being a designer. Truly inspiring.

    
    
14. July 13th, 2009 at 10:42 am | Posted by Kathe

    Could there be a better time to release a line of stationery and gifts that showcase Girard’s optimistic and brightly sophisticated imagery? I am ever amazed at how work that I so strongly associate with my childhood also reads so contemporary.

    
    
15. July 13th, 2009 at 10:43 am | Posted by Jean

    Me! Me! For the love of God pick me!

    Since the flor tiles are out of my budget, this stationery set would be a happy distraction.

    
    
16. July 13th, 2009 at 10:45 am | Posted by Jennifer

    His graphics and colors are classic! I am now a huge fan!

    
    
17. July 13th, 2009 at 12:17 pm | Posted by RENATA RIZZO

    I arrived feeling rainy and am leaving feeling sunny!!! Isn´t that great!

    
    
18. July 13th, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Posted by nancy

    i like the colors, very nice, thanks for the stuff!

    
    
19. July 13th, 2009 at 12:59 pm | Posted by Felicity

    his work is beautiful. I’m hoping my next trip will be to New Mexico to visit the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe http://www.internationalfolkart.org/about/girard-bio.html
    oh and pick me! pick me! to win!

    
    
20. July 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm | Posted by Shelley Savor

    Charming and magnificently beautiful work ;-D

    
    
21. July 14th, 2009 at 9:24 am | Posted by mirabelle

    beautiful images that are timeless!

    
    
22. July 14th, 2009 at 10:18 pm | Posted by sebbie

    amazing and timeless design, colors, imagery.
    cannot wait to immerse myself in his designs at la fonda del sol…while emjoying some of chef josh’s edible delights, cannot wait!

    
    
23. July 15th, 2009 at 12:00 am | Posted by Steph

    Amazing prints!! Wish I could have some decor in these!! L O V E the bicycle!!