ALEXANDER GIRARD (1907-1993)

In 1965, Alexander Girard – the highly praised interior designer, textile artist and noted collector of folk art – was commissioned to create a new brand identity for Braniff Airlines, with a brief that this should mark ‘the end of the plain plane’. Supported by space-age aircrew costumes designed by Emilio Pucci, Girard’s conception was all-enveloping, and included signature textile designs for the aircraft interiors and departure lounges, and furnishings to incude the present models. The futuristic styling of the departure lounges was enhanced by a range of suitably expressive furniture, including the three models illustrated. Further to the Braniff commission, these designs were briefly retailed 1967-1968 by Herman Miller, before being discontinued after only one year of production.