Milan Design Week is almost upon us and for those lucky enough to make the pilgrimage, Saint Laurent have an incredible treat for you. Delving into the archives of the legendary French designer Charlotte Perriand, Anthony Vaccarello has given life to four designs that have, up until now, only existed as prototypes and sketches. This means that, going on display at the Padiglione Visconti, will be four never-before-produced pieces by Perriand.

If your knowledge of pioneering French furniture designers isn’t what it used to be: Charlotte Perriand was an architect and designer who began her career working with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. In these early years, she collaborated closely with Le Corbusier, being the co-designer on iconic design pieces such as the LC2 armchair. As her career progressed, she moved away from Le Corbusier’s tubular steel and leather and produced pieces that prioritised functionality and comfort, often rendering her designs in wood. One of her most iconic designs are her Nuage Bookshelves, where modernists modular design met with the functionality of a bookcase.

The “new” pieces that Saint Laurent will put on display were originally created by Perriand for her numerous homes and a diplomat’s residence in Paris. One piece, the Table Mille-Feuilles previously only existed as a prototype maquette that Perriand kept on her desk. Its production in full-scale by Saint Laurent marks the first time this piece has ever existed in its intended form.

“Saint Laurent-Charlotte Perriand” will be on view from April 8 – 13 at the Padiglione Visconti in Milan.