A pioneering exhibition, titled "Furniture by SOM: Design 1950–1991," is currently on display in a New York City retail space, spotlighting the extensive furniture designs of the celebrated architecture studio, SOM. Organized by the furniture vendor Rarify, this unique showcase features over sixty items, including furniture pieces, historical artifacts, and photographic works, spanning two floors of the LuisaViaRoma shop in SoHo. This event, strategically timed to coincide with New York Fashion Week, underscores a shared dedication to innovation in architecture, furniture, and fashion, celebrating the meticulous craftsmanship and design quality inherent in SOM's creations.

The exhibition delves into four decades of SOM's interior design contributions, featuring works by notable designers such as Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen. Complementing the furniture are original architectural photographs by Ezra Stoller, ingeniously integrated into the store's shelving. Among the many distinctive pieces on view is a rare metal-mesh lounge chair by Allen, adorned with original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric, and a striking striped desk designed for Bunshaft by Alcoa, Reynolds, and GF Studios, prominently displayed on a central pedestal. Many of these items were custom-made for large-scale architectural endeavors undertaken by SOM throughout the 20th century, including bespoke side tables for ABC and a black plastic stacking chair created for a 1960s Chase Manhattan Bank project, reflecting the studio's holistic approach to design.

This comprehensive collection is drawn from Rarify's extensive archive of vintage furniture, representing only a fraction of the SOM pieces that co-CEOs David Rosenwasser and Jeremy Bilotti have meticulously acquired over the years through online sales and auctions. Rosenwasser shared that the passion for collecting these works ignited nearly a decade ago, sparked by the discovery of furniture by Nicos Zographos. The extraordinary craftsmanship, particularly the labor-intensive and costly metalwork, prompted an intensive archiving effort. Rosenwasser spent over a thousand hours collaborating with SOM's Satya Cacioppe, poring over archival drawings, photographs, and period magazines to precisely identify and date each piece, connecting them to their specific production year and project. This diligent work ensures the preservation and authentication of these historically significant designs, preventing them from being lost or discarded, as many unmarked pieces might otherwise have been.

This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of design and the importance of preserving historical craftsmanship. By bringing these extraordinary pieces to the forefront, Rarify not only celebrates SOM's profound impact on modern design but also inspires future generations to appreciate the intricate connection between architectural vision and interior artistry. It champions the idea that thoughtful design, regardless of scale, enriches our lives and environments, encouraging a deeper understanding and respect for the artistry embedded in our surroundings.