Design Spotlight: Percival Lafer

Known as "the best kept secret in Mid-Century design" This Brazilian designer's pieces have become highly sough after collectables.

I've gotten so many questions about my red sofa and chairs at The Koenig House, I decided to do a little post featuring the designer who created them, Percival Lafer!

When it comes to Brazilian furniture design, the name Percival Lafer is one that cannot be ignored. Born in Sao Paulo in 1936, Lafer began his career in furniture design in the 1950s, and quickly gained recognition for his unique and innovative designs.

Lafer's designs were known for their clean lines, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials. His furniture often featured rich, luxurious leather upholstery, which he sourced from his own tannery. This allowed him to maintain a high level of control over the quality of his furniture, from the materials used to the finished product.

One of his favorite materials to work with was rosewood. Rosewood is a hardwood that is prized for its durability, strength, and beauty. It has a rich, warm color and a distinctive grain pattern that make it a popular choice for furniture makers and woodworkers.

One of the benefits of using rosewood in furniture design is that it is a very hard and dense wood, which means that it is less likely to scratch or dent than other woods. This makes it a popular choice for furniture that will be used frequently, such as chairs and tables.

However, it is important to note that rosewood is a threatened species, and its use is regulated by international treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The rosewood that Lafer used in his furniture designs was likely sourced from sustainable and legal sources.

In 1965, the MP-041 (above) series included seats with solid wood frames and pre-shaped, hand-padded cushions. Perhaps the most significant was how the collection could be easily disassembled and reassembled, allowing for flat-pack delivery that minimised shipping costs. The result is a chair that is both comfortable and stylish, with a modern aesthetic that still feels fresh today.

Another notable design from Lafer is the famous "Soriana" sofa, (above) which was created in collaboration with designer Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s. This sofa features a sleek, minimalist design, with a thin metal frame and plush cushions that are upholstered in leather. The Soriana sofa is still highly sought after today, and is considered a classic example of Brazilian modernist design.

Lafer's designs were not just stylish, but also functional. He was known for creating furniture that was comfortable and ergonomic, with a focus on the user's experience. His designs were intended to be used and enjoyed, and he believed that good design should improve people's lives.

Today, Lafer's designs are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of designers, and his influence can be seen in many contemporary furniture designs. Lafer's commitment to quality and innovation has left an indelible mark on Brazilian design, and his work remains an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

I'm honored to have been able to purchase my Percival sofa and chairs from a dear friend. They were her father in laws and although she could have gotten a huge $$$ price from collectors in the city, she chose to sell them to me for a heck of a deal. I will be forever grateful as I cherish my little piece of mid-century history. xoxo - Michele