Elegance, innovation, and timeless lines

Paul Theodore Frankl (Vienna, 1886 – Los Angeles, 1958) was an architect, designer, painter, and writer, and one of the leading figures in the birth of American modernism.

Arriving in the United States in 1914, Frankl brought an innovative vision inspired by New York’s urban skyline, giving life to the “Skyscraper” furniture line, characterized by vertical, clean, and elegant lines.

In the 1930s, he gained the appreciation of Hollywood celebrities such as Fred Astaire and Katharine Hepburn, thanks to his elegant and sophisticated designs. During his career, he also founded the American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen (AUDAC), an association established in 1928 to promote modern design in the United States.

Among his most iconic creations are the “Speed” chairs, distinguished by their streamlined lines and the innovative use of cork as upholstery, exemplified by an exceptional model made for his own apartment.

The two Paul Frankl chairs that have just joined our collection not only enrich it with their formal beauty, but also embody a piece of design history that masterfully combined modernity, elegance, and a forward-looking spirit.