LOS ANGELES - Brown Jordan is celebrating 70 years of pioneering design in the luxury casual furniture market. In 1948, Brown Jordan introduced “Leisure,” a collection constructed of lightweight tubular aluminum and vinyl lace and meant expressly for full-time outdoor use. Designed for comfort and practicality, Leisure was offered in cheerful Jonquil and Parrot Green—colors that matched the relaxed California lifestyle. 

“Brown Jordan’s origin in Pasadena is fundamental to its identity,” said Stephen F. Elton, chief brand officer for Brown Jordan. “The mid-century years in Los Angeles were a period of extraordinary creativity nurturing designers and architects like Charles Eames, Richard Neutra and John Lautner, while a mild climate allowed people to redefine concepts of architecture and lifestyle.  Entertaining on the patio or lounging by the pool became a way of life. And Brown Jordan became synonymous with outdoor furniture of timeless design and enduring quality.”

The Walter Lamb Bronze collection is among the early and notable Brown Jordan collections still in production today. Introduced in the 1940s and made using cotton cording and copper pipe salvaged from naval ships that had sunk in Pearl Harbor, the Bronze collection was popular through the 1960s and reintroduced in 2008, with a brass frame and UV-resistant nylon cording. It remains one of Brown Jordan’s most admired collections, and to this day it is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts.

The introduction and popularity of Tamiami, designed in the 1950s by Hall Bradley, extended Brown Jordan’s presence well beyond California and soon the company’s “sun fashions” graced gardens and patios on the East Coast and across the U.S. The iconic Tamiami chair, distinguished by its striking structural beauty, was fashioned with an aluminum frame and vinyl straps, laced in a diagonal pattern. Originally offered in two colors, demand for the collection inspired a palette of 11 “fashion colors du jour,” a precedent for Brown Jordan’s trend-setting use of color.

To commemorate its 70th “Platinum” Anniversary, Brown Jordan has created time-limited editions of the Kantan and Tamiami Lounge Chair. Producing just 70 pieces, these luxurious special editions of Kantan and Tamiami feature a glowing Platinum finish and straps crafted of supple, top grain leather in a rich shade of brown.

Paying tribute to the colorful 1948 Leisure collection, Kantan and Tamiami will also be available in a paint box of twelve new frame and strap colors to mix and match. Featuring powder coated aluminum frames and vinyl straps, the classic lounge chairs are offered in a selection of neutral and bold hues: White Lite, Night, Coffee, Mica, Red, Orange, Hot Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, Marine, and Forest Green.

“The fact that award-winning designs from every decade remain in production is testament to the timelessness that is a hallmark of the Brown Jordan brand,” adds Stephen Elton. “Today, our portfolio comprises 30 diverse collections, many of which are installed in notable environments, including the White House, the gardens of the Smithsonian Institution and The National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.; the historic New York Athletic Club and top-tier hotels, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world.” 

Brown Jordan will kick off its 70th Anniversary celebrations at the 2014 International Casual Furniture Market, September 16 through September 19 in Chicago. Special events are planned at the Brown Jordan showroom in the Chicago Merchandise Mart to pay tribute to Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan’s vision. 

www.brownjordan.com