Since its induction into the permanent collection in 2021, the Lucy Chair has stood as a definitive marker of Los Angeles’ design evolution. As LACMA prepares for its new era, we reflect on the spirit of the pieces that define it.

The history and spirit of Los Angeles are woven into the very wire of Bend Goods. From our studio’s first sketches to the vibrant patios of Silver Lake, Bend was born from the city's unique indoor-outdoor DNA. It is this authentic connection to the L.A. aesthetic that led to a milestone in 2021: the acquisition of two signature designs—the Neon Lucy Chair and the Electric Blue Cloud Bench—into the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

The Subversion of an Industry

In the chromatic world of Bend Goods, functionality has never come at the expense of whimsy. The Lucy Chair, one of our earliest and most provocative designs, was created to challenge the status quo. With its signature asymmetric triangle pattern and unapologetic palette—peacock blue, neon lemon, and sunset orange—it upended the "beige" era of outdoor furniture.

By the time it was selected by Bobbye Tigerman, curator of Decorative Arts and Design at LACMA, the Lucy Chair had already transitioned from a trend-setter to a modern classic. It proved that wire furniture could be both structurally "built like a buffalo" and visually light enough to dance in the California sun.

Engineering Art: The Nanda Legacy

Bend Goods aesthetic & design are rooted in the technical background of founder Gaurav Nanda. Drawing from his years as an automotive sculptor for General Motors, Nanda brought a sense of aerodynamic flow and industrial strength to furniture design. This intersection of heavy-duty materials—like galvanized iron and stainless steel—with delicate, geometric patterns is what makes these pieces museum-worthy.

They aren't just chairs; they are functional sculptures that translate the complex grid of a metropolis into a single, elegant form.

Looking Toward the New LACMA

As Los Angeles watches the skyline change with the ongoing LACMA renovation, the anticipation for the new David Geffen Galleries grows. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Peter Zumthor, this horizontal, transparent masterpiece is intended to serve as a "campus" for the city's diverse artistic heritage.

When the doors to the new galleries open, the Neon Lucy and the Electric Blue Cloud Bench will represent more than just a 2021 acquisition. They will stand as permanent artifacts of a time when L.A. design reclaimed its bold, playful, and industrial roots.

Bend Goods didn't just join a collection; we became part of the city's visual record.