Perry King and Santiago Miranda

PERRY KING (London, 1938–Milan, 2020) AND SANTIAGO MIRANDA (Écija, Seville, 1947) for Akaba
“La Vuelta” Desk, 1986.
Veneered wood, lacquered and chrome-plated metal, and black leather.
In good condition.
Measurements: 96 x 176 x 80 cm.

“La Vuelta” is one of the most distinctive designs created by Perry King and Santiago Miranda for the Spanish firm Akaba during the 1980s. The design brings a direct reference to cycling to office furniture: two of its legs replicate the structure of a bicycle fork, a design element that explains the desk’s name, which alludes to the Vuelta a España cycling race.

The piece is characterized by curved and overlapping surfaces, featuring a spacious work surface and a raised shelf that runs along its rear profile. The warmth of the wood is a hallmark, contrasting with the black metal and chrome elements, while the leather-covered skirt reinforces its distinctive character. The legs, inspired by mechanical components, introduce an ironic and dynamic touch—typical of postmodern design—without compromising the functionality of the piece.

Perry King and Santiago Miranda founded the King-Miranda Associati studio in Milan in 1976, after meeting in Olivetti’s corporate identity department. From there, they developed furniture, lighting, and industrial design projects for firms such as Akaba, Arteluce, Olivetti, Flos, and Louis Poulsen. Santiago Miranda received the National Industrial Design Award in 1989.