Inspiring Buds

There was so much more at the New York Botanical Garden orchid show this year than bold blooms of delicate petals. We saw modern chairs, giant spiders, 12-pane windows and butterflies as yellow as the sun.

Eero Aarnio Ball Chair

Laura Zindel spider bowl

Window at the High Line

Solar Ellipse by Christopher Marley

Bent Ply: Chairs

Plywood. Flexible, cheap, durable...and proof that mass production can turn out inspired design. 

Charles and Ray Eames Model 670 lounge chair and Model 671 ottoman, 1956.

Norman Cherner Armchair, 1958.

George Nelson's Pretzel Chair designed in 1952 influenced the famous Cherner Armchair. To celebrate Nelson's 100th birthday, Vitra issued this special edition.

Danish Modern Clamshell Chair.

Alvar Aalto Model 41 lounge chair, 1931.

Charles and Ray Eames LCW (Lounge Chair Wood), 1946.

Scoop Chair by Carter Brothers Furniture, 1958.

Herbert von Thaden lounge chair in birch and brass, 1947.