A modernist furniture designer rediscovered

In his 62 years as a designer, modernist Vladimir Kagan has changed the shape of home furnishings. Shown here in his mid-1950s Contour rocker -- and looking a bit like “The Twilight Zone” host Rod Serling -- Kagan brought a futuristic sensibility that transformed everyday tables and chairs into sculptural bases and aerodynamic curves. Now 81, Kagan is seeing his designs embraced by a new generation. In 2002, he was commissioned to furnish the lobby of the Standard hotel in downtown L.A., and this Wednesday and Thursday, Kagan is scheduled to celebrate the West Coast premiere of the newly reissued Contour chair and footstool. Ralph Pucci International, Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; (310) 360-9707; www.ralphpucci.net.

-- David A. Keeps