Alta, designed by Oscar Niemayer and his daughter, Anna Maria, is firmly grounded in a Modernist aesthetic but also looks as if if could take flight.

An icon of Brazilian design, Alta earns its name via the prodigious swooping steel of its base, which reminds me of flapping wings and swooshing fins—the kind that may propel a sea-fearing mammal high above the waves.

And given this was designed in the 1970s, what else than geometric black leather for the seat and back? Continuing the theme of balance, Alta is also available in white.

The juxtaposition of curves and straight lines is Alta’s signature feature. It’s a chair with enough personality to fill a room, lighting up those in its orbit with a knowing smile and a palpable desire to stretch out and dream of soaring above the clouds.

See more at Etel.