Being a trailblazer is never easy. Doing one’s own thing in the face of popular convention (and usually with a fair dose of criticism) is certainly never easy– especially when you’re a woman blazing your trail in a male-dominated field.

So the extraordinary design accomplishments of Gabriella Crespi, Eileen Gray and Charlotte Perriand are even more notable when one thinks that these women left profound marks in the world of design from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, a time when most women entered typically female oriented careers.

While Crespi actually studied architecture in Milan, both Perriand and Gray were also involved in architecture mostly through their involvement with Le Corbusier. All three women are best known for their furniture design. Gray’s famous Bibendum Chair, Perriand’s B-306 Chaise Lounge and Crespi’s Z Desk and Puzzle Table are examples of their work, which has become incredibly iconic. Strong architectural lines, the use of chrome, brass and bronze mixed with leather— all are hallmarks of their design. They feel as chic and relevant now as when they were created.

This week after Mother’s Day weekend let us celebrate these important artists who aimed to change the climate and ideas of popular convention during an era that made it very difficult to do so as a woman. Their pieces and contributions to the art and design world will live on always. All collage photos below and their sources can be found on our Pinterest page : Madison Modern Blog

Photo credits and links : Madison Modern Pinterest board