GoKawiilHerman Miller and Girard Studio found the vivid patterns in the designer’s vast archive. In the mid-1960s, Alexander Girard helped bring his vivid patterns to more people through the creation of the Girard throw blanket. Now, more than 60 years later, the furniture brand Herman Miller is releasing three new patterns of blanket: a multicolor stripe, a brown-and-yellow checkerboard, and a pink-and-green checkerboard. The motifs, designed by Girard himself, were found in the archives. [Photo: Herman Miller]Girard created his throw blankets in 1965 as part of an extensive brand identity system for Braniff International Airlines. The visual language consisted of vibrant colors and graphic shapes applied across aircraft, ticketing counters, and small objects customers received, like in-flight dinnerware, matchbooks, and blankets. Braniff called the brand campaign “The End of the Plain Plane.” Produced in a multicolor checker pattern, the wool and cotton blankets became a signature of Girard’s joyful sensibility.
These Herman Miller Pendleton blankets reference the brilliant textiles of Alexander Girard
Why This Matters
Herman Miller's release of new Pendleton blankets featuring Alexander Girard's vibrant textile patterns highlights the enduring influence of mid-century modern design and innovative branding. By rediscovering and reintroducing Girard's iconic motifs, the company bridges historical design with contemporary consumer appeal, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating creative archives. This initiative underscores the ongoing relevance of bold, graphic textiles in modern home decor and branding strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Reimagining historic designs can create fresh consumer interest.
- Alexander Girard's vibrant patterns continue to influence modern aesthetics.
- Collaborations like Herman Miller's bridge vintage design with contemporary markets.
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