Arabesque, Lanalux, Linomix, and Superweave by Alexander Girard 02.14

Maharam continues to expand its Textiles of the 20th Century™ series with the introduction of Arabesque, Lanalux, Linomix, and Superweave by Alexander Girard. Each of the four textiles have been recreated as faithfully as possible while utilizing modern materials and constructions.

Arabesque, designed in 1954, is a quintessentially graphic Girard pattern composed of ribbons of small glyphic, geometric motifs in bold colors with metallic details.  A dense satin weave gives the motifs a raised, embroidered feel while a basket weave lends the ground a subtle rustic texture. The palette features original colors and modern interpretations chosen in the spirit of Girard. 

Lanalux (1970), Linomix (1957), and Superweave (1966) are three timeless and versatile textiles that explore texture, fiber variation, and color. Characterized by a pixel-like interweaving of colored yarns, Linomix demonstrates Girard's playful mastery of production capabilities to create a seemingly random pattern. Superweave’s bold texture is achieved through the combination of chunky and fine wool yarns, while Lanalux—named after the Italian term for wool, lana—achieves a soft “luxurious” feel through the use of fine micron wool fibers. 

Alexander Girard is one of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. As Director of Design of Herman Miller’s Textile Division from its formation in 1952 through 1973, Girard created more than 300 patterns suited to the aesthetic and technical requirements of Herman Miller’s mid-century furniture. Other noteworthy projects include Girard’s design of La Fonda del Sol restaurant (1959), the Good Design exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (1954), and the re-design of every aesthetic aspect of Braniff Airlines in 1965. An avid collector, Girard donated thousands of works of art from over 100 countries to the Santa Fe Museum of International Folk Art in 1962 and designed the permanent exhibit, Multiple Visions: A Common Bond

Maharam has re-issued eighteen Girard patterns including Alphabet (1952), Checker Split (1965), Circles (1952), Mikado (1954), Millerstripe (1973), Names (1957), Palio (1964), and Quatrefoil (1954). Textiles by modern design icons such as Anni Albers, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Verner Panton, and Gio Ponti are also included in Textiles of the 20th Century™.

Arabesque by Alexander Girard, 1954       
Width: 53"/135cm
Colors: 7
Content: 44% Cotton, 28% Nylon, 28% Wool

Lanalux by Alexander Girard, 1970
Width: 54"/137cm
Colors: 7
Content: 54"/137cm

Linomix by Alexander Girard, 1957
Width: 50"/127cm
Colors: 4
Content: 91% Wool, 9% Ramie

Superweave by Alexander Girard, 1966
Width: 54"/137cm
Colors: 5
Content: 100% Wool

Arabesque by Alexander Girard Stack

Hi-Resolution file size: 3.86 MB

Arabesque by Alexander Girard 002

Hi-Resolution file size: 6.43 MB

Arabesque by Alexander Girard Archival 002

Hi-Resolution file size: 1.95 MB

Arabesque by Alexander Girard Archival 003

Hi-Resolution file size: 1.87 MB

Arabesque by Alexander Girard Archival 004

Hi-Resolution file size: 1.88 MB
x