In a 1956 cover story in Time magazine, Eero Saarinen said he was designing a collection to "clear up the slum of legs in the U.S. home." Later that year, he completed his Pedestal Table and Tulip Chair Collection and obliterated the "slum" by creating a cast aluminum base inspired by a drop of high-viscosity liquid. These pieces went into production in 1957, and to celebrate their 50th anniversary, they ship with an anniversary medallion and a commemorative edition of the certificate of authenticity. Also honoring the occasion is a new color: platinum enamel with a clear satin finish. The black and white frames are reinforced bonded finishes that maintain their gloss through years of use. The comfortable Tulip Armchair has a swivel seat with a padded cushion. Available upholstery includes éclat weave (pronounced a-clat), which was designed by weaver and printmaker Anni Albers in 1974. Beginning her career at the Bauhaus, Albers started designing for Knoll® in 1959. She originally designed éclat to be a printed textile – KnollTextiles reintroduced the fabric in 2007, with the pattern woven directly into the material.

Each piece is stamped with the KnollStudio logo and Eero Saarinen’s signature. The Saarinen Tulip Armchair is a registered trademark of Knoll, Inc., manufactured by Knoll according to the original and exacting specifications of the designer. Made in Italy.