For those of us who are children of the ‘60s and ‘70s, you may remember the Solair chair from your childhood. Bright and vibrant in innovation when first introduced in 1972, the Solair was designed by two Canadians from Montreal: Fabio Fabiano and Michelange Panzini. The two newly minted designers, riding the wave of design energy coming out of Expo 67, and the nationalist fervour of Canada’s Centennial, were recruited by Quebec manufacturer Industries Provinciales to rework the concept of a Canadian-designed, comfortable and stylish, modern indoor and outdoor chair.
To meet the pressure of a pending contract deadline, the chair was designed over the space of one weekend. Using new injection moulding plastic technology and steel framing, the chair has been in continuous production and distribution by its Quebec manufacturer since 1989.
Marketed extensively across Canada and the eastern seaboard of the United States as far south as Florida, the Solair chair was marketed throughout the 1970’s. Since this time, this mid-century modern chair went on to become an iconic fixture of North American roadside motels and pools of the period. The Solair, lightweight and extremely comfortable with its simple lines and solid practicality, exudes an allure that continues to speak to us about its symbolic place in Canadian culture.
Visit Attica for the Solair chair, available in a wide variety of colours for just $124.95.