Jordan Betten chose five chairs to re-fashion with leather, snake and alligator skins, feathers and crystals, and brass feet.
The Target Dining Chair, designed in 1984 by Elinor McGuire, has been a best seller for over 30 years. Betten re-interpreted the chair with a brown calfskin hide on the seat and frame. Leather cross-stitching adds an additional element of handcraftsmanship, along with the intricately hand-braided leather fringe that hangs dramatically from the back of the frame.
The Butterfly Chair, originally designed by Edward Tuttle, has been a McGuire icon for nearly 40 years. Betten imposed his own rock-star interpretation with the use of a cobra skin seat, arms and back laced with leather fringe. As in his figural art, Betten followed the existing curves of the back and arms to create a sense of movement around the frame.
The Laura Kirar Dining Arm Chair has already been one of the most dramatic pieces of McGuire’s collection. With the pop-art inspired pattern of rattan circles, Betten doubled the effect, tying in additional brass rings in the back and arms of the chair. The python skin wraps the entire frame, as though it were constricting the rattan beneath.
Another iconic Elinor McGuire original design, the Cracked Ice Chair is synonymous with McGuire’s style and attention to detail. Its rock star makeover combines a rough layer of alligator skin with elegant, curved arms and back. Like much of Betten’s work, where he uses an existing space for a mural, he used existing McGuire Furniture frames to create a seamless, finished product.
Crystals and feathers adorn the newly-fashioned Barbara Barry Script Side Chair. Reminiscent of a dream catcher, Betten uses the negative space within the calligraphic back to incorporate more detail. Hand-tied feathers frame the outside of the chair, adding a note of whimsical charm.
Prices for all the chairs start at $7,000.
