Tthe Acapulco chair (also known as the Cancun chair of the Lebasa chair) has been a clear example of traditional Mexican design for years and has been around since the 1950’s. It originates from Acapulco in Mexico, the jet-set beach resort and “place to be” for the rich and famous during the 1950’s and 60’s such as Richard Burton, Liz Taylor and Elvis Presley.

Nobody knows who designed the Acapulco chair but legend has it that a French tourist was fed up with the uncomfortable heat in a solid chair under the hot Mexican sun. And so he created a chair based on the open-string concept of ancient Mayan hammock designs that he had seen in the area.

The chairs are still produced in Mexico, usually by hand in small workshops, by wrapping brightly colored vinyl cords around a metal, pear-shaped, frame. They may look uncomfortable, but believe me, once you are seated in one you don’t want to get up anymore. The slightly elastic wires ergonomically cradle your body and the loose weave make you feel like you are floating on air.

The old school design combines ancient Mayan tradition with modern innovation. These chairs are retro with a modern air. They will add casual sophistication to any decor. Since there is no copyright on this design, multiple furniture manufacturers are producing this chair right now.

With the Mid Century vibe going on the last years, one could just wait for the Acapulco chair to show up as well. Last week I was visiting Copenhagen and I saw lots of Acapulco’s lining the outdoor city-terraces. With their bright colors they totally cheered up the street scene. But the Acapulco chair feels just as much at home indoors as they do outdoors, as you can see from the images posted here.

Acapulco Chair

The Acapulco Chair is still handmade in Mexico

via Gallant and Jones

via Gallant and Jones

The original pear-shaped Acapulco paired here with the round Le Perla shaped Acapulco - via CB2

The original pear-shaped Acapulco paired here with the round Le Perla shaped Acapulco – via CB2

Some Acapulco's in their natural habitat - via Pinterest

Some Acapulco’s in their natural habitat – via Pinterest

Detail of a bright bedroom in the Sanará Resort in Tulum

Detail of a bright bedroom in the Sanará Resort in Tulum

Acapulco's look good inside as well - via Love is Speed

Acapulco’s look good inside as well – via Love is Speed

via Map of Joy

via Map of Joy

Some mini-Acapulco's for the children's room - via Simply Fabulous Chic

Some mini-Acapulco’s for the children’s room – via Simply Fabulous Chic

All the colors of the rainbow are possible with the Acapulco Chairs

All the colors of the rainbow are possible with the Acapulco Chairs

via Grecian Paradise

Some bright Acapulco-inspired lounge chairs – via Grecian Paradise

via Gardenista

Acapulco-inspired chairs where the weave is done with rope – via Gardenista

A minimalistic black Acapulco

A minimalist black Acapulco

A leather Acapulco chair - via Remodelista

A leather Acapulco chair – via Remodelista

via Domozoom

via Domozoom

SHOP THE POST widernostripes

DotandBo

from: Dot and Bo Acapulco Chair in Orange – $397,77


Labasa 3-Piece Chat Set, Candy Apple – $649.00

from: One Kings Lane

 

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