Born in 1907 in New York City, Alexander Girard was a groundbreaking designer whose work spanned a wide range of disciplines, from architecture and interior design to textiles, furniture, and graphics. With a deep passion for global folk art, Girard masterfully infused his creations with a unique blend of cultural influences and modernist sensibilities. Girard's education began in Europe, where he studied architecture in London and Rome before establishing his own practice in New York City in the 1930s. His diverse interests led him to collaborate with esteemed contemporaries, including Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen. Girard's influential work extended beyond textiles. In the 1960s, he designed the iconic La Fonda Del Sol restaurant in New York City, a space that blended Latin American culture and contemporary design. His renowned collaboration with Herman Miller led to the creation of the celebrated Girard Group furniture collection, which featured distinctive pieces like the Environmental Enrichment Panels and playful wooden dolls. Throughout his career, Girard's love for folk art manifested in his extensive personal collection of over 100,000 items. This passion culminated in the establishment of the Girard Foundation in 1962, dedicated to preserving and showcasing his diverse collection of artifacts and works of art from around the world. Alexander Girard's creative legacy endures today through his timeless designs, which continue to inspire generations of designers and enthusiasts alike. His work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the importance of maintaining a global perspective in design.