Here We Are! – Women Who Shaped 20th-Century Design

At the intimate Brussels Design Museum, ArtaPlaza explored the exhibition "Here We Are! Women in Design 1900 – Today". A true journey through time where the voices of women designers, long left in the shadows, finally reclaim their rightful place.

From the first rooms, we were captivated by the work of Charlotte Perriand, a pioneer of modern design. A collaborator of Le Corbusier, she played a key role in creating iconic pieces like the LC4 lounge chair — a symbol of functional and refined design. What sets Perriand apart is her bold, visionary spirit. She tested her designs in her own apartment, a “living lab,” where she fine-tuned modular furniture that combined innovation with accessible aesthetics. One piece on display, a chair with industrial lines, echoes Bauhaus influences.

We then explored the work of Eileen Gray, the Irish architect and designer whose creations balance minimalism with daring form. Her iconic tables — like the E-1027 — and armchairs interact thoughtfully with their surroundings, hiding deep reflections on space, light, and the user experience. Her Villa E-1027 was a real think tank of ideas, perfectly illustrating her harmony between aesthetics and function.

Finally, we paused at the work of Lilly Reich, a major but often overlooked figure in modern design, known for her collaborations with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. She brought new artistic depth to industrial materials like metal and glass. While she co-created masterpieces such as the Barcelona Chair, her own vision deserves greater recognition. These designs might never have achieved such acclaim without her contributions.

These three women – Charlotte Perriand, Eileen Gray, and Lilly Reich – remind us that design is far more than aesthetics. It’s a way to enrich everyday life through thoughtful creation. Through courage, creativity, and innovation, they shaped their eras and continue to inspire the design of tomorrow.

A permanent collection to explore

In addition to this temporary exhibition, the Brussels Design Museum offers a fascinating permanent collection tracing design history. Highlights include Belgian design icons like Maarten Van Severen and an exceptional plastic design collection that shows how this material transformed our lives.

These permanent exhibits provide a perfect backdrop for "Here We Are!", offering a broader view of how design, materials, and ideas have evolved through time.

If you're in Brussels, don’t miss "Here We Are!", open until March 9, 2025.
And if you can't attend, discover unique pieces on ArtaPlaza — each with a story to tell.