Cranbrook Serves as Setting of New Athena Calderone for Crate & Barrel Collection
William Jess Laird for Crate & Barrel.
Saarinen House, the historic home of Eliel and Loja Saarinen, served as the primary setting for a photo shoot for a new furniture and decor collection by EyeSwoon (Athena Calderone) for Crate & Barrel.
Calderone’s collection is inspired by European and American Art Deco designs of the 1920s and 1930s, including the work of architect Eliel Saarinen, who designed the Cranbrook Educational Community’s campus, buildings, and Saarinen House.
Eliel Saarinen was the first Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art from 1932 to 1946. Along with Cranbrook founder George G. Booth, he spearheaded the vision of the Academy, which continues today, more than 90 years after it first welcomed students. His home on Academy Way is described as a true example of the German term gesamtkunstwerk, which roughly translates to “total work of art.” The home, furniture, and objects within were designed by Eliel or one of his family members, including wife Loja, son Eero, and daughter Pipsan. House Beautiful describes it as a “prime example of the Art Deco period.”
Calderone told Architectural Digest about shooting at Cranbrook, “It was this beautiful hub of creativity and it spoke to me on such a visceral level. I said to Sebastian, ‘I know this is crazy, and I’m not sure it’s even possible, but this collection feels so in line with the period and ethos of the Saarinen House—should we try?’ And we did.”
The Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research curatorial team oversaw and engineered Saarinen House’s transformation for this rare partnership. This project will help support future restoration and care of the historic home. Stay tuned to the Center for more insights and behind-the-scenes features on this exciting collaboration.
Learn more about the collection and Cranbrook:
- Athena Calderone: Modern European Furniture Collection – Crate & Barrel
- The Athena Calderone for Crate & Barrel Collection is Here! – EyeSwoon
- Athena Calderone’s Second Crate & Barrel Collection Encourages Mixing Eras and Breaking the Rules – Architectural Digest
- Athena Calderone’s Obsession with Art Deco Inspired Her New Crate and Barrel Collab – House Beautiful
- Athena Calderone’s Latest Crate & Barrel Collection Is a Total Art Deco Daydream – ELLE Decor
- Athena Calderone’s New Crate & Barrel Collection Is a Glimpse Into Her Decorating Plans – domino
- About Cranbrook Academy of Art
- About Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
William Jess Laird for Crate & Barrel.
William Jess Laird for Crate & Barrel.
William Jess Laird for Crate & Barrel.
William Jess Laird for Crate & Barrel.
