Mikado: Orange by Alexander Girard

The legendary designs of Alexander Girard demonstrated that textile design can be inspiring as well as functional. The designs of Alexander Girard are quintessential examples of the Mid-Century style of textile design.

Mikado Orange is one of the many inspired designs executed by Alexander Girard during his tenure (1952-1973) as founding director of the Herman Miller Textile Division. Mikado often brings to mind the comic operetta set in Japan by Gilbert and Sullivan. Mikado was also a term once used in reference to the Emperor of Japan. As can be seen, Mikado is often associated with exotic things.

This designer fabric from Alexander Girard is certainly an exotic-looking textile. The design consists of small squares within cloud-like shapes within large squares. The small squares measure 5/8" x 5/8", the cloud-like shapes measure 4" x 3 5/8", and the large squares measure 4 5/8" x 4 3/8". The large squares alternate colors between metallic orange and forest green. The small squares are denim blue and ivory. The clouds are forest green and ivory.

Mikado Orange by Alexander Girard is durable as well as versatile. It can be used to upholster seat cushions with or to make such items as slipcovers, table covers, pillows and draperies.

• Abrasion: over 36,000 double rubs.

• Lightfastness: 40+ hours.

• Teflon finish.

• Acrylic backing.

This product is made by Maharam.