AIRBORNE

Airborne: the heritage of French design, between vintage icons and contemporary creations

The elegance of French design since 1951

Founded in 1951 by Charles Bernard, Airborne embodies the excellence of French design. During the 50s, 60s and 70s, the brand became a benchmark for high-end furniture. Between 1951 and 1975, more than 200 emblematic models were created by renowned designers such as Stone Guariche, Olivier Mourgue, Danièle Quarante and Yves Christin. Thanks to these prestigious collaborations, Airborne has forged a place for itself in the world of design, combining craftsmanship with bold stylistic innovations.

A design odyssey: iconic creations and landmark collaborations

Under the visionary direction of Charles Bernard, Airborne is distinguished by a catalog rich in historic creations. The founder, whose technical mastery and talent for design were renowned, quickly attracted promising young talent. One of the first to join the adventure was Stone Guariche, a major figure in the design world of the 50s and 60s. In 1952, Airborne launched its famous Prefacto program, a revolutionary industrial modular furniture system for its time.

Among the company's landmark creations was the G1 Armchair (1954), designed by Guariche, a model that remains etched in the memory and was still featured in 1972 in the Prisunic catalog, one of Airborne's distributors. This model, like many others, illustrates the brand's visionary approach, combining modularity and functional elegance.

Another major project, the Antony university campus, was equipped by Airborne, alongside Jean Prouvé, with seating designed by Raoul Guys, notably the Antony armchairs and chairs. Airborne's creations reflect the quintessence of design at the time, combining simplicity and refinement.

In 1960, another promising designer joined the adventure: Olivier Mourgue. His creations, resolutely modern and dynamic, helped strengthen Airborne's reputation on the international scene. In 1963, he designed the Djinn collection, which marked a turning point for the brand. This futuristic model, now a cult item, was featured in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey", giving Airborne worldwide exposure.

In the 1970s, Danièle Quarante also made a remarkable contribution with the Albatros Armchair, awarded the Prix Henri Mercier in 1969. This armchair, produced by Airborne, embodies the spirit of innovation and refinement that characterizes the brand.

The AA Armchair: a timeless icon of modern design

It's impossible to talk about Airborne without mentioning the legendary AA Armchair. Inspired by the BKF model designed in 1938 by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Juan Kurchan and Antonio Bonnet, the AA, produced by Airborne from 1951, quickly became an icon of contemporary design.

This armchair is distinguished by its simple yet ingenious structure: a steel frame on which rests an interchangeable cover. Originally made from leather, the covers are now available in Linen, Cotton or modern technical materials such as Batyline cloth, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The AA's flexibility and adaptability to changing trends make it a timeless classic of twentieth-century design.

2010: a renewal of continuity

Bought out in 2010 by Christine Pfeiffer and Patricia Lejeune, Airborne embarks on a new phase in its history while remaining true to its roots. Based in the south-west of France, the two managers are refocusing design on the brand's historic DNA. They reissue the AA armchair and the AO table, designed in 1953 by the Airborne design office.

Attuned to new trends and market needs, Christine Pfeiffer and Patricia Lejeune modernized Airborne's creations, incorporating new materials such as batyline, a weather-resistant technical cloth for outdoor use. This strategic choice, combined with a diversified color palette, gives the AA Armchair a new lease of life, while respecting its original design. To date, over 61 different covers are available to dress up this icon, offering design enthusiasts a multitude of combinations to suit their desires and the seasons.

A new creative era: between heritage and future

True to Charles Bernard's original vision, the new management team also wanted to restore Airborne's status as a full-fledged publishing house. To this end, they have opened the brand's catalog to new creations, while inviting young talent to join the artistic adventure. Inspired by the 50s and 70s, these designers reinterpret the innovative spirit of AIRBORNE through contemporary creations. Studio At-Once, for example, has designed a new Coffee table and bridge model for Airborne, in perfect harmony with the brand's stylistic heritage.

The creation of new pieces is not limited to historical inspiration. Airborne cultivates a spirit of encounters and partnerships with other design houses and renowned creators. This synergy enables the brand to continue to innovate and spread its timeless, audacious and singular furniture internationally, reflecting French know-how.

AIRBORNE today: a brand with international appeal

Today, with a network of over 300 design boutiques in France and 200 abroad, Airborne has once again established itself as a key player in the world of high-end furniture. Through collaborations with talented designers and preserved craftsmanship, the brand succeeds in reconciling past and present, tradition and innovation.

In 2022, Maxime Lis joined AIRBORNE as Artistic Director, bringing with him his expertise and taste for historical design. Under his leadership, the brand continues to write a new page in its history, drawing inspiration from the glory years (1951-1974), when creativity and imagination dominated. Maxime Lis and his team strive to perpetuate the brand's original spirit while exploring new horizons, confirming Airborne's place in the pantheon of French design.

The dream continues: a publishing house in constant evolution

The history of Airborne is above all a human adventure, marked by encounters with visionary designers and exceptional collaborations. Each new project is an opportunity to reaffirm the brand's founding values: the pursuit of bold design and the preservation of savoir-faire made in France. Through partnerships with prestigious brands and international collaborations, Airborne continues to reinvent itself while remaining true to its heritage.

Today, the brand is a benchmark for design enthusiasts, vintage furniture lovers and collectors looking for unique pieces. Whether through the re-edition of its iconic creations from the 50's to the 70's, or thanks to its new collaborations, every day Airborne writes a new page in its history, always with creation and imagination in its sights.

By perpetuating the heritage of its iconic designers and partnering with new talents, Airborne guarantees its customers timeless pieces, designed with passion and rigor, at the crossroads of history and modernity.

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