Vladimir Kagan will launch ‘Icon’ series at design center

Vladimir Kagan, who is known as the grandfather of modern furniture design, will visit Las Vegas Jan. 31 for two events in conjunction with the winter Las Vegas Market.

First, Kagan will kick off the new “Design Icon” lecture series at Las Vegas Design Center, where design legends share their stories and experiences in order to inspire tomorrow’s designers. The talk is open exclusively to those attending the market.

Next, he will visit the Morelli House, a historical preservation project of a midcentury residence. Kagan, designer of the serpentine sofa, the swiveling barrel chair and sculpted wood and glass tables, recently volunteered his services as the lead interior designer for the Junior League of Las Vegas’ project as well as donating several pieces of his work.

He will attend an open house and book signing from 4 to 6 p.m. at the residence, 861 Bridger St. The event is open to market attendees as well as the general public.

“Vladimir Kagan is a treasure in the home-furnishings industry and a dear friend to Las Vegas Market,” said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations for World Market Center. “It was our pleasure to connect Mr. Kagan with the Junior League, and we are so incredibly pleased to have his designs showcased in a historic home right here in Southern Nevada. Not only did the Vladimir Kagan Design Group Inc. donate thousands of dollars’ worth of furnishings for the Morelli House, but Mr. Kagan and his team gave of their time and tremendous talents as well. It was truly a gift from their hearts.”

Built in 1959 by Antonio Morelli, the longtime orchestra leader at the Sands hotel, the Morelli House was originally located on the Desert Inn golf course, which is now Wynn Las Vegas. In 2001, the Junior League saved the house from demolition and relocated it to the corner of 9th and Bridger streets. The nonprofit organization is completing rehabilitation efforts to meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation for Historical Structures. The house is open to the public in a pristine, accurate and beautiful condition as an example of midcentury architecture.

For more information about the Design Icon series, contact events@lasvegasmarket.com. For more information on the event at the Morelli House, contact jrleagueoflv@aol.com.