Alexander Girard

"Infinite are man’s expressions of beauty and love; open your eyes your ears and your heart to them and you will unite the peoples of the world."

Originally trained as an architect, Alexander Girard (1907–1993) is remembered for his work as the director of the Herman Miller Fabric Division, a position he was appointed to in 1952. He created original, useful, and beautiful products created with the application in mind.

Over 20 prolific years, Girard created more than 300 designs for Herman Miller, predominantly textiles. Bringing his playful vision to contemporary interiors, Girard's textile designs reflect global folk art influences rendered in abstract or geometric patterns.

Girard is known for colorful expression—making bold statements and creating daring color combinations to brighten office spaces. As a counterpoint, neutral color schemes were an equally important part of his work, rounding out color and aesthetic options.

Patterns

Alphabet
As a polyglot and lover of languages, Alexander Girard designed many typefaces, often creating custom fonts for clients. Alphabet is his best-known typographic pattern and the work of a master draftsman. 

Graph
Undulating lines in this crisp and graphic pattern by Alexander Girard create movement and read like an accordion curtain.

Grid
Grid is a playful interpretation of a lattice design. Exemplary of Alexander Girard’s bold color choices, color and graphic overlays create visual interest.

Leaves
Alexander Girard loved spending time in the outdoors as demonstrated by Leaves, one of his many patterns that draw from nature.

Lines
An original approach to a classic design element, Lines creates horizontal movement through hand-drawn quality and character spacing.

Retrospective
In Retrospective, Alexander Girard revisits his Italian childhood with homes, churches, markets and fountains layered upon one another. The idea of town, a recurring theme in Girard’s work, is explored.