During this 2025 edition of Milan Design Week, Yves Saint Laurent pays tribute to one of the 20th century’s most influential figures in modern design through the YSL Charlotte Perriand Milan exhibition.

Charlotte Perriand is an artist of the 20th century. Literally: she was born in 1903, died in 1999. More than just a designer, Charlotte Perriand was a radical thinker who redefined how we perceive space, function, and beauty. Her legacy, therefore, extends far beyond furniture: it encompasses a holistic vision of modern living rooted in social progress and material sensitivity. YSL Charlotte Perriand Milan exhibition in Milan blends fashion with modernist design, showcasing timeless works. This article revisits her pioneering contributions: from her groundbreaking collaborations to her independent creations, and from her deep understanding of materials to her cultural awareness. Moreover, it tries to explore how Perriand’s philosophy continues to resonate within today’s creative industries.

At the heart of this reflection is the YSL exhibition curated by Anthony Vaccarello, which offers a contemporary reading of Perriand’s work. By bridging the worlds of fashion and design, the exhibition underscores her lasting relevance and the continued dialogue between her modernist ideals and today’s artistic practices.

A Visionary of Modern Design

Charlotte Perriand was a pioneering French architect and designer who played a key role in shaping modern interior design in the 20th century. Known for her visionary approach, she championed the idea that design should serve people, blending functionality with minimalist aesthetics. Moreover, she consistently challenged the conventions of her time, particularly in the male-dominated field of architecture, where she introduced a more human-centered approach to modernism.

Born in Paris on October 24, 1903, Charlotte Perriand studied at the École de l’Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs from 1920 to 1925. By 1927, she had opened her own interior design studio on Place Saint-Sulpice. Her innovative work in furniture and space design led to a defining collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. Together, they contributed to some of modern architecture’s most iconic projects, including the Villa Savoye, Villa Church, the Cité du Réfuge for the French Salvation Army, and the Pavillon Suisse at the Cité Universitaire.

Therefore, Perriand’s legacy lies not only in her groundbreaking forms but also in her philosophy that design must improve the human experience. Today, her work continues to inspire contemporary discussions around sustainability, simplicity, and the relationship between people and space.

Key Works and Collaborations

Throughout her career, Charlotte Perriand collaborated with key figures of modernism, including Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. These collaborations resulted in iconic works, such as the LC4 chaise longue and the tubular steel furniture series. However, Perriand’s influence extended beyond her partnerships. Her solo projects, such as the modular Nuage bookshelves and the design of the Les Arcs ski resort in the French Alps, also demonstrated her unique vision. These works reflected her deep passion for natural materials and her commitment to creating adaptable, functional living spaces.

Moreover, Perriand’s extensive travels, especially to Japan, played a significant role in shaping her design philosophy. These experiences led her to incorporate wood and open forms into her designs, while also fostering cultural sensitivity. As a result, she successfully blended Eastern influences with modernist principles, bringing a softness and humanity to the rational, minimalist lines that defined much of modernist design.

Charlotte Perriand’s Japanese Influence: Where Modernism Meets Tradition

In 1940, French designer Charlotte Perriand was invited by the Japanese government to guide the country’s industrial art production, marking the start of a significant cultural exchange. Immersed in Japan’s minimalist philosophy, she discovered a way of living and designing that resonated deeply with her modernist values.

Her exhibitions, Selection, Tradition, Creation and Proposal for a Synthesis of the Arts, along with her writings and furniture, blended Western innovation with Eastern craftsmanship. “Of all the Westerners who worked in Japan, it is probably she who has had the greatest influence on the world of Japanese design,” noted designer Sôri Yanagi, her former assistant.

While exploring Japan’s cities and countryside, Perriand was inspired by the concept of emptiness, which became central to her designs. She began incorporating locally sourced materials like bamboo and wood, adapting modernist forms with a Japanese touch.

Perriand’s connection to Japan continued through projects such as the Air France apartment in Tokyo and a tea house created for the 1993 UNESCO Japanese Cultural Festival. Drawing from The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura, this tea house captured the purity and poetry of traditional Japanese design.

Charlotte Perriand’s Design Legacy in YSL’s Milan Exhibition

The YSL x Charlotte Perriand exhibition at Milan Design Week explores a thoughtful dialogue between fashion and modernist design. Bathed in natural light, the space feels serene and intentional, highlighting a palette of raw wood, brushed metal, soft wool, and structured textiles.

The exhibition showcases four of Perriand’s rare furniture designs from 1943 to 1967, including the “Bibliothèque Rio de Janeiro,” “Fauteuil Visiteur Indochine,” “Canapé de la Résidence de l’Ambassadeur du Japon,” and the newly realized “Table Mille-Feuilles.” These pieces, some previously unproduced, are presented in limited editions, reflecting Saint Laurent’s commitment to preserving artistic heritage. The installation at Padiglione Visconti blends Perriand’s modernist vision with Saint Laurent’s contemporary aesthetic. There’s no barrier between viewer and object, only a fluid sense of movement through texture, volume, and shape. It reflects how both Perriand and Saint Laurent embraced minimalism, modularity, and material honesty to create timeless works that still resonate today. This YSL Charlotte Perriand Milan collaboration highlights the fusion of fashion and design, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the legacy of both Perriand and Saint Laurent.

Today, her legacy is being revisited through new lenses. The ongoing Yves Saint Laurent x Charlotte Perriand exhibition celebrates the dialogue between fashion and design, highlighting how her radical vision continues to inspire contemporary creators. As minimalist aesthetics and sustainable thinking dominate the current design landscape, Perriand’s philosophy feels more relevant than ever. Her work continues to resonate with new generations seeking thoughtful, human-centered design.