Hot 100 moments in design

Capsule wardrobe

1. Burberry trench coat – c.1914

Baptised in the trenches First World War. Rick Blaine, Columbo, Jacque Clouseau and Carmen Sandiego wouldn’t have been the same without the trench coat.

2. Diane Von Furstenberg, wrap dress – 1974

Popular just doesn’t cut it – Von Furstenberg sold over one million wrap dresses within two years, and she’s still going strong with designs adapted from the original.

3. Coco Chanel, tweed suit – 1924

Chanel took the idea of tweed fabric from men’s sportswear and had the textile manufactured in the colours and finishes she wanted to use to create classic suits, jackets and coats for women.

4. T-shirt – issued by the U.S. Navy since 1913

They might have started off as undergarments, but really, what would we be wearing if we didn’t have T-shirts?

Image credits: Getty Images. Burberry.com. Matchesfashion.com.

Changing skylines

1. SOM Architects, Buri Khalifa (Dubai) – 2009-2010

Claims the world’s tallest building at 828m and (wait for it) it’s the most popular building to be used as a backdrop for selfies on Instagram, according to a study by AttractionTix last year. For real. Not bad for a US$1.5 billion outlay.

2. Ludvig Mies van der Rohe, Seagram Building (New York) – 1958

Mies’ first tall commercial project bucked the trend for towers in New York with a façade set back from the street, allowing for the construction of an open plaza leading into the lobby which was seen to connect the building with the streets below.

3. William F. Lamb, Empire State Building (New York) – 1930-1931

New York truly is the home of the skyscraper. The Empire State was the world’s tallest building for over 40 years, surpassing the Chrysler Building which only held the record for 11 months. Today it’s one of those buildings you just can’t imagine NYC without.

4. Norman Foster, 30 St Mary Axe (London) – 2001-2003

A.K.A The Gherkin. Foster threw out the rulebook when it came to London skyscrapers and came up with a rather self-assured design that has added a pleasant, curvaceous impression to the city’s skyline. A newie but a goodie.

Image credits: Tom Ravenscroft, CC-BY 2.0. Daniel Schwen, CC-BY-SA 4.0.  Paste at English Wikipedia. Leandro Nuemann Cluffo, CC-BY 2.0.

Classic curves

1. Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – 1997

One of the most famous buildings erected in recent history, the Guggenheim Bilbao is also the namesake of the “Bilbao Effect” and had much to do with the rise of the Starchitect.

2. Zaha Hadid, The Riverside Museum (Glasgow) – 2011

Hadid was truly a master of the curve, and although there are many of her works that could be considered seminal, the asymmetric charm of the roof of The Riverhouse wins us over every time.

3. Tom Wright, Burj Al Arab (Dubai) – 1994-1996

Like the Empire State or the Sydney Opera House the Burj Al Arab, with its gentle arc reminiscent of a sail, is one of the UAE’s most familiar landmarks. It stands at 321m tall on its own artificial island.

4. Frank Lloyd Wright, Guggenheim Museum – 1943-1959

Visitors and New Yorkers both seem to have a soft spot for the organic, flowing lines of the Guggenheim, one of city’s most well-known buildings and certainly one of a kind.

Image credits: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Jules Antonio and Joi Ito, CC by 2.0. Bjmullan, CC by 3.0.

Courting controversy

1. Renzo Piano Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini, Centre Pompidou – 1971-1977

A complex post-modern construction of steel and concrete, this remarkable building is a rather awesome sight, tucked into a quaint street in the Marais. Unsurprisingly, its bold and industrial style created a bit of a stir.

2. I.M. Pei, Le Grande Louvre – 1989

The super-modern steel and glass pyramids Pei designed to sit in the main court of the Louvre were also the most recognisable, and controversial, aspect.

3. Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 (Montreal) – 1967

Safdie was looking to rethink apartment living when he dreamt up Habitat 67. The budget, the maintenance bill, and the idea of modular utopian apartment living blew out, but it remains a recognised and respected part of the city’s architectural history.

4. Jørn Utzon, Sydney Opera House – 1973

Construction of Sydney’s unique Opera House took 14 years and was mired in controversy with the departure of Utzon early in the piece. Sadly, Danish Utzon never returned to Australia to see his work completed.

Image credits: Travel Stock Photos, CC-BY 2.0. Wladyslw, GNUL. Rosino, CC-BY-SA 3.0. Martin Falbisoner, CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Designer signature

1. Valentino’s red dresses – 1959

With Valentino, you could always rely on two things: the perpetual returned-from-a-holiday-in-the-tropics tan and a classic, feminine red dress to add to his collection.

2. Christian Louboutin’s red-sole pumps – 1993

Way back in ’93, Louboutin was working on a pair of shoes inspired by Andy Warhol’s “Flowers”. He sensed something was missing, but his light-bulb moment came when his assistant decided to paint her nails in, you guessed it, a bright, rich red.

3. Yves Saint Laurent, Le Smoking – 1966

By Le Smoking, we’re referring to the smoulderingly seductive and absolutely chic YSL ensemble that is the woman’s tuxedo. Its elegant simplicity is influential to this day, as new designers put their own spin on Le Smoking.

4. Manolo Blahnik’s pumps – 1976

Restrained yet stylish and totally iconic. As André Leon Talley once said of Blahnik pumps, “They’re a staple, something you have to have in your refrigerator, like butter or milk.” Enough said.

Image credits: Getty Images. Manoloblahnik.com. Christianlouboutin.com.

Domestic bliss

1. Philippe Starck, Alessi Juicy Salif lemon squeezer – 1990

A dish of calamari which arrived sans lemon in a restaurant on the Amalfi coast inspired Strack to design a striking tabletop juicer on a grease-stained napkin that now lives in the Alessi Museum.

2. Smeg FAB28 fridge – 1997

A recent addition to the Smeg line, the retro styling of the FAB fridge – think classic lettering, curved edges, chrome lever handle and vintage pastel colours – was an instant hit.

3. Max Gort-Barten, Dualit Classic toaster – 1952

About as sexy as things can get for a kitchen toaster. British brand Dualit is famed for their Classic toaster, which can easily be pulled apart and repaired, making for a longer bench life than other commercial toasters.

4. KitchenAid stand mixer – 1918

With an unchanging silhouette and industrial-inspired appeal, the KitchenAid is coveted by every enthusiastic cook (they will know exactly what colour they want) and has been at home on kitchen benches for nearly a century. 

Image credits: Courtesy Alessi. Smeg.com. KitchenAid.com. Petersofkensington.com.au

Feminine/feminist/femme fatale

1. Versace, safety-pin dress – 1994

In recent history, any mention of “that” dress either refers to #dressgate or the plunging Versace number held together with giant gold safety pins that Liz Hurley wore when she accompanied then partner Hugh Grant to a movie premiere.

2. Givenchy Italian satin black sheath dress – 1961

Paired with pearls, oversized sunglasses and a foot-long cigarette holder, this is the classic dress Audrey Hepburn made famous in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

3. Yves Saint Laurent, The Mondrian Collection dress – 1965

In the autumn of 1965, Saint Laurent took Piet Mondrian’s signature abstract aesthetic to the catwalk with the shift dress as his canvas, fusing art and fashion with spectacular results.

4. Coco Chanel, Little Black Dress – 1926

When American Vogue published a picture of a simple black dress by Chanel, they foresaw the cult of the LBD, describing it as “a sort of uniform for all women of taste”.

Image credits: Getty Images.

Genius at work

1. Michael Graves, Alessi Tea Rex kettle – 1985

Graves was responsible for the original, iconic 9093 kettle, which had a bird perched on the end of the spout that would whistle when your water had boiled. The recognisable silhouette had a facelift for its 20th anniversary, which has resulted in a new herald: the mythical tea dragon.

2. Samuel Wilkinson, Hulger Plumen 001 light bulb – 2010

A (compact fluorescent) light-bulb moment. Efficient, innovative, sculptural and award-winning: the Plumen 001 is the world’s first low-energy light bulb.

3. Jonathan Ive, Apple iPhone 3 – 2009

Forward design and a simple interface (although it does appear a little bulky now) – this is how the cult of the iPhone began less than 10 years ago.

4. Jonathan Ive, Apple iMac G3 – 1998

The colourful, fun, plastic bubble design of the G3 changed the direction of Apple forever – it put the brand back in the spotlight, and way ahead of the curve.

Image credits: Kyro, CC by SA 2.0. Getty Images. Plumen.com. Courtesy Alessi. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Get it on paper

1. Milton Glaser, I Love NY – 1977

Glaser came up with the idea for this iconic logo in the back of a cab on the way to a meeting to discuss the advertising campaign it was to run with. It struck a chord and, since then, it’s become synonymous with the city’s identity.

2. Jan Tschichold, Penguin book covers – 1947-49

An influential figure in 20th century graphic design, Tschichold was the author of Die Neue Typographie and most famously developed a standardised style for Penguin book covers, overseeing the design over 500 books during his time there. Popular Penguins are still being published today. 

3. Max Meidinger, Helvetica – 1960

If you only know one font, let it be Helvetica. Developed in 1957 as Die Neue Haas Grotesk and renamed in 1960 (thank goodness), it’s beautiful in its neutrality (it means Swiss after all) and a favourite of graphic designers the world over.

4. Harry Beck, London Underground map – 1931

It was Beck who took the tangle of lines and stations that made up the London Underground and simplified them into a clear, concise and legible format that other metropolitan transport maps still reference in their designs today.

Image credits: Annie Mole, CC by 2.0. GearedBullJim Hood, GFDL. Booktopia.com.au.

Get it to go

1. Hermès Birkin bag – 1984

A happy accident involving Jane Birkin and the chief exec of Hermès on a flight to London resulted in the Birkin bag. Bigger than a Kelly, smaller than Serge’s suitcase and the ultimate status symbol.

2. Silvia Venturini Fendi, Fendi Baguette bag – 1997

The designer was asked to create something “easy and functional”, but Fendi notes she is “indomitably disobedient”. Designed to be carried under the arm like its namesake, the Baguette’s popularity was helped along by multiple appearances on Sex and the City.

3. Louis Vuitton Speedy bag – 1930

This practical bag seems to be a wardrobe staple for fashionable women around the world. LV even made a smaller version for Audrey Hepburn and both are still manufactured today.

4. Chanel 2.55 Flap bag – 1954

Thank Chanel for the introduction of ladies bags with shoulder straps. The first design came out in 1929, but she tweaked and reissued the bag in 1955, dubbing it the 2.55.

Image credits: Wen-Cheng Liu, CC by SA 2.0. Chanel.com. Fendi.com. Louisvuitton.com

In the public eye

1. Antonio Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia – 1882-present

In over 100 years of construction, Sagrada Familia has put up with a lot – its architect died in 1926, revolutionaries set fire to it and George Orwell described it as “one of the most hideous buildings in the world”. It’s due to be completed in 2026.

2. Daniel Libeskind, Jewish Museum Berlin – 1999

World-famous, this museum is not only striking for its complex and considered zig zag design but for the clever way visitors are guided in their perception and experience of the space.

3. Richard Buckminster Fuller, geodesic dome – patented 1954

Fuller presented a cardboard version of his efficient and innovative geodesic dome to the public at the Milan Triennale. Its space-age form might not be as widespread as Fuller hoped, but there’s something about these clever domes that have gained public appeal.

4. Rem Koolhaas Architects/OMA, Seattle Central Library – 2004

An inspiring and innovative project from the scriptwriter-turned-architect Koolhaas, not only in terms of aesthetics, but in the way the building was designed to be used.

Image credits: Studio Daniel Libeskind, CC-BY 3.0. DVD R W at the English language Wikipedia. Eberhard von Nellenburg at the German language Wikipedia. Sagrada Familia, CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Means to a fashionable end

1. Jean Paul Gaultier, conical bustier – 1990

Originally designed for Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour, this unforgettable number put Gaultier on the map and helped launch his international career.

2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer – 1956

The Wayfarer has survived the ups and downs of fashion trends to become one of the best-selling sunglasses of all time. Our favourite celebrity endorsement? The Blues Brothers.

3. Calvin Klein men’s underwear – 1982

Klein took men’s undies from functional to sexy. You might be thinking of Mark Wahlberg or Kate Moss, but spare a thought for Marci Klein: “Every time I’m about to go to bed with a guy, I have to look at my dad’s name all over his underwear,” she once said.

4. Louis Réard, bikini – 1946

We get the bit about it being atomic (the Vatican declared it sinful), but who would have guessed it was an engineer who come up with the bikini?

Image credits: Getty Images. Herb Ritts. Ray-Ban.com.au. Net-a-porter.com.

Modern marvels

1. Ludvig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona Pavilion – 1929

The minimal style, considered proportions and striking marble finishes of the pavilion (built for the International Exhibition) had an international appeal and gave it a timeless aesthetic that was ahead of its time.

2. Eileen Gray and Jean Badovici, E-1027 house (Roquebrune-Cap-Martine) – 1927 

Gray’s greatest accomplishment, the modernist house E-1027, has only recently been open to visitors after much restoration – which didn’t involve removing Corbusier’s notorious murals.

3. Frank Lloyd Wright, Falling Water (Pennsylvania) – 1936-1939

Considered by many to be Wright’s most celebrated residential design. Appearing to float over a stream, Falling Water instantly captured the world’s imagination when it was on the cover of Time magazine in January 1938.

4. Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, Villa Savoye (Poissy) – 1928-1931

A country retreat based on Le Corbusier’s architectural manifesto, this is a perfect example of how surprisingly light, and attractive, a concrete building can look.

Image credits: L’Architecture Vivante, c. 1929. Scarletgreen, CC by 2.0. Ashley Pomeroy at English Wikipedia.

Most illuminating lights

1. George Nelson, Bubble pendants – 1947

Whether you’re thinking paper lantern or spaceship, Bubble lights have always created an atmospheric ambience.

2. Poul Henningsen, Artichoke light – 1959

A stunning Danish creation that’s been the pendant of choice for interior designers and architects the world over since it was debuted.

3. Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos Arco lamp – 1962

You can’t help but be impressed by the two-metre span, hefty marble base and sweeping curve of the Arco lamp.

4. George Carwardine, Anglepoise 1227 desk lamp – 1935

The first of its kind, consider the multiple imitations of the functional and elegant 1227 lamp thoroughly flattering.

Image credits: Courtesy of Herman Miller. Courtesy of Anglepoise. Euroluce.com.au. Louispoulsen.com

On the move

1. Amar G. Bose, Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling headphones – 2000

Bose was rather displeased with the headphones provided to him by the airline on a flight in 1978 (he couldn’t hear the music above the noise of the engine) and the idea for noise-cancelling headphones was born. It took a while for the commercial version to be released, but a collective sigh went out into the universe when it did. Hallelujah.

2. Sony Walkman TPS-L2 – 1979

The birth of portable audio began with a boxy blue and silver cassette player, the Walkman. The eighties just wouldn’t have been the same without them.

3. Jonathan Ive, Apple iPod – 2001

In the early 2000s, before the iPhone, Apple’s white earphones were already ubiquitous in the ears of almost every person doing anything in any public space due to the success of the iPod.

4. Edwin Land, Polaroid Land camera – 1948

The model 95 Land camera was the first Polaroid camera and the inventor’s solution to his daughter’s query, “Why can’t I see it now?”. It’s recently had a bit of a revival involving a total makeover.

Image credits: Migurlon756-5303, CC by SA 4.0. Tekniska Museet, CC by SA 3.0. Bose.com.au. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Sculptural forms

1. Michele De Lucchi, Alessi Pulcina coffee maker – 2015

Architect De Lucchi took Illy’s research into the ideal coffee pot shape and turned it into the Pulcina. Not only good looking, it will even stop filtering your coffee before it gets too bitter and prevents drips with a perfectly formed V-shaped spout.

2. David Mellor, Pride cutlery – 1953

He designed it while he was still a student in 1953, but industrial designer Mellor didn’t earn the name of the cutlery king for nothing: it’s been manufactured continually ever since it won the first Design Centre Awards in 1957.

3. Alvar Aalto, Iittala Savoy vase – 1936

Embracing the irregular form, Aalto’s vase was named after the Savoy Hotel in Helsinki, which Aalto designed custom furnishings for. It’s one of the most recognisable designs to come out of Finland.

4. Arne Jacobson, Stelton Cylinda-Line – 1967

Finnish Jacobson basically did his step-son a favour when finally agreed to design him something new for his company, Stelton. He came up with the Cylinda-Line tea, coffee and bar service, featuring simple stainless steel shapes and plastic handles.

Image credits: Courtesy Alessi. Davidmellormesign.com. Courtesy Stelton. Courtesy Iittala.

Seeing red

1. David Mellor, English traffic light system – 1965

He was famous for many things but England’s national traffic light system is his most ubiquitous design. And yes, there are still around – around 25,000 of them are in use today.

2. Kenji Ekuan, Kikkoman soy sauce bottle – 1961

Your sushi may have prevented you from noticing the timeless design of the Kikkoman bottle but take a closer look next time and remember that the deign hasn’t changed for over 50 years.

3. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, K2 red telephone box – 1924

The design of the iconic red telephone box the world now so associates with English sidewalks was actually the result of a competition to find something boroughs would actually adopt, as opposed to the earlier K1 model.

4. Daniel Libeskind, Alessi Time Maze wall clock – 2016

Libeskind is definitely a fan of the zig zag. Referencing his architecture, the time maze makes a statement by taking on the angles of a broken line and, well, going a bit crazy, forming a clock that is completely the opposite of solid and round.

Image credits: M0tty, Unisouth GNUL. Creative Tools, CC by 3.0. Courtesy Alessi.

Sexy international modules

1. Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Componibili – 1969

Modular and shiny, Componibili is a child of the sixties that embraces Kartell’s pioneering plastic aesthetic.

2. Dieter Rams, Vitsoe 606 Universal shelving system – 1960

Who knew shelving could incite such excitement? Another truly timeless universal modular system of storage that gets our juices going.

3. Nils Strinning, String System – 1949

The String System was entered into, and won, a competition run by a Swedish publishing house for affordable, easily packaged, shelving.

4. Paul Schärer Jr. and Fritz Haller, USM Haller modular shelving – 1963

Originally designed to kit out the USM factory in Switzerland. Tubes, balls and panels are all you need to put together a Haller shelving unit.

Image credits: Spacefurniture.com.au. String.se. Vitsoe.com. USM.com.

The finishing touch

1. Elsa Peretti, Tiffany Open Heart pendant – c.1975

One of the most popular pieces of modern jewellery was actually based on the negative space designer Peretti saw in a Henry Moore sculpture. “No one else saw a heart there. Just me.”

2. Peter Lemarchand, Panthère de Cartier collection – 1927 onwards

Lemarchand and Jeanne Toussaint (Louis Cartier’s lover and Creative Director of Cartier from 1933) took the panther motif to an iconic status that forever linked it to the Cartier brand.

3. Chanel No. 5 fragrance – 1921

It’s the ultimate fragrance and the bottle is just as iconic as the scent. Chanel was after “a woman’s perfume, with the scent of a woman.” The 10 samples perfumer Ernest Beaux brought her were numbered one through five and 20 to 24. She chose number 5.

4. Hugo Grygkar, Hermès “Brides de Gala” scarf – 1957

20 years after they began selling scarves, Hermès’s best-selling and most recognisable scarf was released – it’s constantly reissued with over 70 thousand being produced.

Image credits: Tiffany.com.au. Carredeparis.com. Davidjones.com.au. Clive Kandel, CC by ND 2.0.

The hot seat, round one

1. Marcel Breuer, Wassily chair – c.1925

Bauhaus movement aside, Breuer’s Wassily chair is a visionary piece from the ’20s that changed the look of furniture forever.

2. Charles & Ray Eames, Eames lounge and ottoman – 1956

No proper mid-century modern styled home is complete without this iconic 20th century lounge chair – it’s as comfortable as it is distinctive.

3. Arne Jacobsen, Egg chair – 1958

Danish Jacobsen practically designed every element of the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, including this Egg chair for the lobby.

4. Alvar Aalto, Stool 60 -1933

It started with the pioneering design of the bent L-leg, but what’s really clever is that the Stool 60 is stackable.  

Image credits: Courtesy of Artek. Courtesy of Knoll, Inc. Courtesy of Herman Miller.

These boots were made for…

1. Bill Griggs, Dr Martens 1460 boots – 1960

Pete Townshend donned them in the mid-’60s and now it’s hard to imagine punks, rockers and rebels shod in anything else.

2. Chuck Taylor, Converse All Star – 1917

Every teenager might be sporting a pair of these casual sneakers, but almost 100 years ago, they were sold as a serious athletic shoe for basketball players.

3. Vivienne Westwood, Super Elevated Gillie shoes – 1993

The only pair of nine-inch heel, mock-crock blue shoes that model Naomi Campbell has ever tripped over on the catwalk in, and, to be honest, we really can’t blame her.

4. Adidas Superstar – 1969

Another old-school basketball shoe that’s still relevant today. Perhaps Run DMC said it best: “Me and my Adidas do the illest things… We travel on gravel, dirt road or street, I wear my Adidas when I rock the beat.” Respect. 

Image credits: Nicolecolecole, CC by SA 2.0. Converse.com.au. Adidas.com.au. Asos.com

Time after time

1. Louis Cartier, Santos watch – 1904

Pocket watches weren’t so practical for Cartier’s pilot friend (two hands are ideal for steering) so he came up with an efficient, square wristwatch.

2. Swatch watch – 1983

A Swiss company competing with cheap imports came up with the Swatch. It became an affordable accessory with a cult following, thanks to collaborations with trending artists.

3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date – 1956

It pretty much looks the same today as it did over 50 years ago; the Oyster Perpetual was the first watch to display the date and day of the week on the dial.

4. Casio Databank CD-40 calculator watch – 1984

As well as calculating math problems, the Databank solved the issue of where to store people’s phone numbers, should you be caught sans pen. Pretty awesome for 1984… or 2014 – they still make them today.

Image credits: Cartier.com. Courtesy Rolex. Swatch.com. Shopcasio.com.

Time out of mind

1. Abi Alice, Alessi Infinity clock – 2016

Crafted out of steel, the minimal and gently curving form of the Infinity clock has a decidedly modern edge. Future classic alert.

2. Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams, ABR 21 clock radio – 1978

It’s the ’70s and Braun, known for their clean and minimal design aesthetic, gets high-tech with their clock-meets-radio concept.

3. Hans Hilfiker, Mondaine Official Swiss Railways clock – 1944

A timeless (no pun intended), simple and stylish design with bold lines instead of numbers and an eye-catching red hand with a circle at the end.

4. Gino Valle, Solari di Udine Cifra 3 clock – 1965

Moving one step away from traditional timekeeping, the Cifra 3 is the quintessential and original flip clock, with fonts chosen by designer Massimo Vignelli.

Image credits: Courtesy Alessi. Koichi Okuwaki. Mondaine.com. Solarilineadesign.com.

Top of the table

1. Eero Saarinen, Saarinen tables and Tulip chairs – 1957

Saarinen’s Pedestal Collection wanted to save us from “the slum of legs”. Not exactly ghetto fabulous, but we’ll take it.

2. Eileen Gray, E 1027 table – 1927

In the 1920s, it was a bold move to suggest a table shouldn’t have four legs. Originally designed as a night table, the clever design of the base allowed it to side under the bed or around a bed post.

3. Warren Platner, Platner tables and chairs – 1966

Intricate construction and fine lines give the sleek steel and glass finish of Platner’s tables, chairs and ottomans a decidedly classic feel.

4. Isamu Noguchi, Noguchi table – 1939

If it was good enough for the president of MOMA, it’s probably good enough for the rest of us mere mortals.

Image credits: Courtesy of Knoll, Inc. Courtesy of Herman Miller. Classicon.com.

Take a(nother) seat

1. Hans J. Wegner, CH24 Wishbone chair – 1949

A repeat offender when it comes to high-end restaurant fit outs. Well-crafted and light in appearance, it looks as though it could have been designed yesterday.

2. Harry Bertoia, Bertoia Side chair – 1952

Bertoia used steel, which had mostly been confined to industrial use, to create a delicate and light wire base for his striking chair designs.

3. Charles & Ray Eames, DSR chair – 1948

It was difficult not to include more from this prolific design duo, but we have a soft spot for this particular piece, nicknamed the Eiffel chair. No prizes for guessing why.

4. Verner Panton, Panton chair – 1967

This plastic fantastic number has been rocking the shiny/cool/futuristic look ever since the swinging sixties.

Image credits: Courtesy of Fritz Hansen. Courtesy of Vitra. Courtesy of Herman Miller. Carlhansen.com