Charles and Ray Eames brought a sense of playfulness to midcentury design, imbuing everyday objects with unexpected joy. Our second edition of Eames Playing Cards embraces this approach with a celebration of their iconic Hang-It-All wall rack.
This colorful device for hanging things, hats, coats, scarfs, or even toys, is the epitome of the Eames approach to design.
The first thing you’ll notice is the jubilant color palette of the early 1950s. The visual motif is a clear homage to the stick and ball components of the original design. However, in adapting the Hang-It-All to a new form, we made a surprising discovery.
When traditional playing card symbols are replaced with numerals, the result is more logical and visually cohesive. So, inspired by the rebellious spirit Ray and Charles were famous for, we decided to ditch the aristocracy entirely and adopt a more minimalist approach. You will not find any Kings or Queens in this deck, the cards are simply numbered 1-13, a subtle but gently revolutionary gesture that we’ve never attempted before.
But now, we can’t help wondering why this clarity eluded us for so long. Every time we shuffle the pack and juggle the colorful balls, we’re reminded of the Eames’ enthusiasm to defy the gravity of expectations and embrace a spirit of exploration.
Eames Playing Cards come packaged in a letterpress printed box reminiscent of the home that Charles and Ray designed and built in Los Angeles, California. Made in the USA.
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