French by way of Morocco, Marquis of the Castelbajac clan, and designer for the stars (he created Madonna’s renowned “Coat of Teddy Bears”), Jean Charles de Castelbajac is certainly among the international Glitterati. But don’t hold that against him—his fashion designs have left a definitive mark on the late 20th. Century, and his furnishings are poised to exert an equally distinctive influence over the early 21st. Take, for instance, his recent collection, “25 Acrylic Dining Chairs by Jean Charles de Castelbajac et al.” for Tom Thomas in New York.

The retailer says the collection comprises “a line of pieces where Form, Image, Transparency and Light All Play Subtly Together… these Dining Chairs are both Whimsical and Classic in the same moment.” Not only that, but they may stand as the contemporary world’s best attempt at a legitimate reprisal of the authentic Bauhaus. While that may sound like hyperbole, consider that, just like the early Bauhaus, “25 Chairs” represents an admirable synthesis of a workshop mentality with creative artistry (the “et al” refers to collaborative designers); an ongoing effort to use new materials in an efficient way (each chair is made of “Smart Acrylic”); and a pronounced acknowledgment of the influence of advertising over art (not to mention the creative possibilities inherent in what one might refer to as a “billboard aesthetic”). The collection is also indebted to the notion of automated customization—clients choose from a roster of different profiles and different decorative elements.

While the preceding information should suffice to bear out the comparison between Castelbajac’s new collection and the Bauhaus, here’s one last correspondence: the most modern of the line and my favorite (a short-backed transparent number with slightly flared arms) has a certain aesthetic affinity with the work of Paul Klee.

Via…3Rings, jc-de-castelbajac.com, Tom Thomas

The Travis leather dining chair offers a classic armless style that balances generous proportions with casual character for a wonderfully homey appeal. Crafted with a sturdy hardwood frame covered by high-polish bi-cast leather, the padded seating area consists of a mid-height back with a subtle, supportive curve and a luxuriously thick seat. A square stitch pattern punctuated by regular tufting adds loft and dimension, while the play of chocolate brown upholstery and mahogany-finish legs is particularly versatile. via…Amazon.com

Carolina Cottage 976-AI Prairie Dining Chair, Antique Ivory – Strong support and a casual yet graceful design make Carolina Cottage’s Prairie dining chair a great choice for the kitchen or dining table. Made of 100-percent hardwoods in an antique ivory finish, the chair features a tall, gently curving back with four wide slats for firm back support, plus a generous seat bracing on the sturdy, tapered legs. The chair has an easy-to-clean, durable finish and measures 19 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 36 inches high. via..Amazon.com

The Essex dining chair combines a traditional country appearance with modern charm. It displays a bold X back design. Combine it with one of our beautiful tables to make a lovely dining set.Made from Solid Selet Asain Hardwood. Beautiful three step hand finish with rubbed edges for a worn unique look. Comfortable Contoured Seat. via…Amazon.com

Create a dining décor that speaks of casual elegance with the Pacific Beach chair by Padma’s Plantation. Inspired by relaxed coastal style, the design features a heavyweight, sunbleached white cotton slipcover with a snugly fitted top and straight, full-length skirt adorned by pretty box pleats at the front two legs. Piping around the seat and back provides a nicely tailored touch, and a row of ties creates a delicate line of bows down the back. Built for long-lasting performance, the chair’s sturdy frame is made of beech wood and Asian pine, and the legs are solid birch. The back legs are built as one piece with the top for secure, joint-free stability. (via…Amazon.com)