Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life

Charlotte Perriand was a trailblazer for women in design. With her democratic and functional approach to design, Perriand believed the environments we inhabit and what we surround ourselves with directly affect our state of mind, suggesting that better design creates a better society.

Perriand approached her work in a profoundly human way; from her iconic chairs specifically meant ‘for conversation,’ ‘for relaxation’ and ‘for sleeping’ to the modernist architecture she applied to ski resorts which united the indoors and outdoors. This human, functional and experiential approach to design was a major inspiration for our founder and designer, Melissa Morris to create Métier. Morris felt that the same approach was previously lacking in leather goods at a time when modern life was busier than ever. Our Perriand collection was designed in recognition of Perriand’s work and to underscore her importance in modern design.

“The Perriand collection has a really intricate hand woven braiding design detail. It’s the type of detail that doesn’t scream at you, yet you know how special it is. And the weaving in particular is an homage to a lot of the weaving techniques she [Perriand] brought into her work after her time in Japan and Vietnam,” says Morris. 

We hope you enjoy Melissa’s interview with the Design Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day and the upcoming exhibition, Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life. Below, we share specific ways that Charlotte Perriand’s work has inspired Melissa’s work for Métier.

Design With a Purpose

Charlotte Perriand was a pioneer in design as she shifted the use of furniture from decorative to need-based in the 20th century. “The smallest pencil stroke had to have a point, to fulfil a need, or respond to a gesture or posture,” said Perriand. From the chairs designed to accommodate different positions for different tasks, to transforming small spaces for a more practical living, we took her functional approach in designing bags with a purpose. 

“Like Charlotte, when I design any piece, I start by thinking about the journey and the unique purpose it’s meant to serve,” says Melissa. “The design takes shape based on these needs and the functionalities address how you move throughout that journey and what you need to take with you. For example, the hidden exterior pockets on the Perriand collection are designed for easy access to your essentials (phone, keys, wallet and passport) for when you’re on the go.”

A Modern Approach

On changing with the times, Perriand said, “Adaptation has to be ongoing – we have to know and accept this.” Unmoved by the popular Beaux-Arts style of the time, Perriand sought inspiration from motor cars and bicycles she saw on the streets of Paris. She used unconventional materials such as glass, steel and aluminum in designing Bar Sous Le Toit (“Bar under the roof”) for the 1927 Salon d’Automne which would eventually persuade Le Corbusier to bring her to work for his studio.

Like Charlotte Perriand, Melissa looks to technology and innovation to develop new techniques which can improve her design of leather goods. For example, Melissa was inspired by the refined simplicity of the dashboard in a vintage Porsche 911, the intuitive and elegant functionality of the “Pepsi” Rolex GMT-Master and the clever maximisation of space in the classic Riva boat.

“I believe that asking questions and embracing the ‘spirit of enquiry’ is critical to good design. Humility, collaboration, looking to other industries for answers… To me, this is what drives the evolution of modern design.”

On Modularity

“What is the crucial element in domestic equipment? We can answer that immediately: storage. Without well-planned storage, it is impossible to find space in one’s home.” Perriand worked towards designs that served multiple purposes wherever possible. Her famous Nauge cabinets which can be used as a divider as well as for storage is a perfect example of this. 

In our case, we developed the Stowaway and the Runaway which serve as the core modular piece in the collection. They can be worn on their own for the short jaunt, or clipped into a bigger bag to be used as an organiser for the long haul. It’s our ultimate solution to storage, well beyond the home. “I wanted to create something that reflects how we move, allowing for agility and spontaneity,” says Melissa. “Each piece should be your port in any storm.”

The Inside Out Relationship

Charlotte Perriand approached design from the inside out. Everything was placed meticulously according to specific needs and practicalities. Nothing was overlooked in her designs, right down to the height of the cupboards in her chalets which were measured perfectly to incorporate the added height of ski boots.

“Like Charlotte, I start  with the interior design of each piece and work my way out. I created Métier to uniquely marry timeless elegance and intuitive functionality. This precise balance of the mechanical world on the inside and the organic exterior design is what makes Métier, Métier,” says Melissa.