The Monroe Chair: A Blend of Elegance and Simplicity

Award-Winning Armchair Design Inspired by Marilyn Monroe

Unveiling the Monroe Chair, a unique piece of furniture inspired by the iconic Marilyn Monroe's pleated dress from the 1955 film 'Seven Year Itch'. Designed by Alexander White, this armchair is a testament to striking elegance and simplicity, with a keen focus on sustainability.

Alexander White's Monroe Chair is not just an armchair, but a design marvel that simplifies the manufacturing process. The chair, crafted with the help of CNC technologies, uses identical flat elements cut out from MDF. These elements are arranged around a central axis, shaping a complexly curved armchair. The design is such that the back leg gradually morphs into the backrest and the armrest into the front leg, creating a distinct aesthetic that is defined by the simplicity of the manufacturing process.

The Monroe Chair is a product of meticulous research and creative challenges. Alexander White's aim was to create a chair made from a single component. The challenge was to design a component that could serve multiple functions - the front end acting as both the armrest and the front leg, and the back end serving as the backrest and the back leg. The balance between the functions of the component was crucial, and achieving the right shape was a significant challenge.

The chair, measuring 80cm x 100cm x 75cm, was designed and completed in Pewsey, Wiltshire, UK, from February 2011 to October 2011. After the design was finalized, each component was fed onto a metal pole that runs through the width of the chair, then splayed and fixed in place to achieve the desired aesthetic and comfort. The chair was then primed and lacquered, ready for exhibition at the Candid Art Galleries in Islington, London.

The Monroe Chair is not just a piece of furniture, but a design statement. It reflects the designer's prodigy and wisdom, and is a trendsetting creation that advances art, design, and technology. It embodies extraordinary excellence and significantly impacts the world with its desirable characteristics. This is why it was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2012, a prestigious accolade granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations.

In conclusion, the Monroe Chair is a testament to Alexander White's innovative design approach. It is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, inspired by an iconic figure and created with sustainability in mind. It is a design that simplifies the manufacturing process, making it a trendsetting creation in the world of furniture design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Alexander White
Image Credits: Alexander White
Project Team Members: Alexander White
Project Name: The Monroe Chair
Project Client: Alexander White


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