
Portrait of Michel Dufet c.1930 ©️ Boris Lipnitzki / Roger-Viollet
MICHEL DUFET (1888-1985)
A French architect, designer, and writer, Dufet was a key figure in modernist design, renowned for his contributions to Art Deco and his pioneering use of geometric forms and innovative materials.
Deeply influenced by cubism, his bold, forward-thinking designs broke away from the traditional styles of his time, epitomized by his groundbreaking futuristic desk presented at the 1929 Salon d’Automne. His close relationship with sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, who later became his father-in-law, led Dufet to create sculptural furniture that bridged artistic expression with functionality.
As the editor of Décor d’Aujourd’hui, Dufet actively contributed to the discourse surrounding modern design. His influence extended to cinema, theater, and luxury liners, including the interiors of the famous ships Le Normandie and L’Île-de-France. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Musée Bourdelle in Paris, where he continued to champion modern art and where some of his most significant pieces are on display.
Dufet’s work stood out for its harmonious volumes, pure lines, and innovative use of materials such as snake-skin upholstery, palm tree wood, and nickel-plated steel; reflecting his vision of design as both an aesthetic and social responsibility. His oeuvre is celebrated for blending artistic creativity with mechanical ingenuity to shape the functional beauty of modern life.
OUR SELECTION

Bibliography:
MICHEL DUFET architecte decorateur, Florence Camard, les éditions de l’amateur, Paris, 1988
Exhibitions:
Jean Dunand - L’Alchimiste - Musée d'Art et d'histoire, Geneva, Switzerland - March/August 2023
Works in the museums:
MET Museum, New York, USA
Centre Pompidou, Paris, France
MAM, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Paris, France
MAD, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, France
VMFA, Richemond, Virginia, USA
To learn more about MICHEL DUFET