Percival Lafer

The last living Brazilian modernist designer was born in São Paulo in 1936. He graduated in architecture from Mackenzie University and immediately inherited his father's furniture business. Years later, having gained international recognition for his furniture innovations, Percival Lafer built several buildings and designed a few cars, the most successful of which, like his sofas and armchairs, was called MP. It is generally believed that this acronym stands for 'Moveis Patentados' or 'patented furniture'. In fact, over the 95 years of the family company's existence, it has registered a large number of patents for moving mechanisms, fixing elements, formulas for the production of new materials and methods of shaping them. Adhering to a rational approach in the creation of his pieces, Lafer thought with his hands rather than on paper, constantly exploring new expressions of modern living. His furniture is as elegant as a mathematical equation in which he has found the optimum balance between aesthetics, ergonomics and economy. It is interesting to note that among the designers who, according to the author, had a significant influence on him was Sergio Rodrigues, whose temperament significantly contrasts with Percival Lafer's restrained intellectualism and expresses the multifaceted character of Brazilian design.

«The thin wood supports the furniture because it has a steel core.»