By popular demand, Todd Oldham returns to Modernism Week to present his signature fast-paced presentation showcasing the vibrant and iconic designs of Alexander Girard. A visual feast from over 800 images, some never published before, to be found in his lavish new book, Alexander Girard, Let in the Sun, co-authored by Kiera Coffee and published by Phaidon (2024).

Alexander Girard was a leading figure in midcentury American design, bringing sensational color and pattern to the Modernist aesthetic. Organized by discipline, this stunning monograph covers Girard’s prolific and groundbreaking output across textiles, furniture, interior design, graphic design, illustration, and architecture.

Favoring geometric patterns in as many palettes as possible, Girard is best known for his textiles series for design company Herman Miller, and his commercial interior projects, including La Fonda del Sol restaurant in New York and the Braniff International Airways rebrand.

This fascinating newly published book covers Girard's wide-ranging impact on design, from textiles and wallpapers to painstakingly detailed interiors and curatorial projects. Extensively researched and thoughtfully assembled by Todd Oldham and Kiera Coffee, in partnership with Girard Studio, the book features double gatefolds that immerse the reader in Girard's object design sketches, the vibrant environmental panels created for Herman Miller's Action Office project, his designs for Braniff International Airways, and his tireless explorations in textile design. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Todd Oldham is a designer known for his successes in the fashion and design industries fueled by his DIY approach to design. He is the author of over 25 books and runs his eponymous design studio. His most recent title is Alexander Girard, Let in the Sun, co-authored by Kiera Coffee and published by Phaidon (2024). Todd has worked with the nation’s biggest retailers over the last decade to continually innovate the arts and crafts landscape, most currently with his line of creativity kits and supplies, Smarts & Crafts.