Mandy Madden Kelley Will Bring This Vintage Wegner Ox Chair Wherever She Goes
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What makes a purchase “worth it”? The answer is different for everybody, so we’re asking some of the coolest, most-shopping-savvy people we know—from small-business owners to designers, artists to actors—to tell us the story behind one of their most prized possessions.
Who?When New Zealand native Mandy Madden Kelley graduated from law school in 2015, she booked her very first trip to the United States. After a week of solo tourist activities in New York City, she flew to Los Angeles and immediately fell in love with an architect that she met at baggage claim. Without hesitation, she left her Kiwi home behind and moved into his California condo.
But Mandy’s address wasn’t the only thing that suddenly changed—she also had to give up her lifelong plan to practice law, since her degree wasn’t transferable to the American legal system. So instead, she launched a self-care and beauty blog that celebrates the natural body and embraces its imperfections.
The success of Mandy’s platform gave her access to exclusive events, where she realized there was an even wider gap within the pet-goods industry. All the pups that crossed her path were donning the same tacky, glittery outfits or fluorescent, hyper-sporty accessories; there was nothing stylish or high-end. So, in 2020, Mandy founded Pagerie, an ultra-luxury fashion house for chic dogs like her beloved French bulldog, Hector.
Mandy in her contemporary house, which is filled with art and objects from her international travels. “It’s a mixture of modern and mystical indigenous vibes,” she describes.
What?Mandy’s most treasured possession is an original Wegner Ox Chair in smooth camel leather. It’s currently arranged in the living room of her modern Beverly Grove abode alongside a ’90s Philippe Starck coffee table and a vintage Peugeot poster. “I really believe in highly curated pieces of quality that age gracefully with time,” she explains. “This chair is dear to my heart for this exact reason. It was designed in the 1960s, and it’s so timeless that it still makes so much sense now in 2021.”
The ergonomic features of the seat, with its comfortable, cradling curvatures, not only make it her favorite item but also motivated Mandy to craft collars and harnesses that accentuate the animal form. “I’ve been so incredibly inspired by Hans J. Wegner’s work,” she reveals. “This chair has had a tremendous impact on my career and the designs I create for the world.”
“We haven’t recovered it or done anything to it,” Mandy insists. “I love that it has that aged feel to it, with little marks, oil, and scratches—it gives it more personality.”
When?Mandy and her husband bought the Ox Chair in 2015, right after she arrived in L.A. “At the time, vintage furniture wasn’t as cool and as acquired as it is now,” she remembers. “We got an amazing deal when we purchased it. If we were to resell it now, it would be worth at least double, if not triple, the amount.”
Where?The couple happened upon the seat while perusing the selection of mid-century gems at Modernica on Beverly Boulevard. Though Mandy was instantly drawn to it, she slept on the decision before returning to the store the next day to get it. “I knew that it would be a piece that would come with us no matter where we’re at,” she recalls. “I know that if we were to move homes again, this chair would absolutely come with us wherever we go.”
Why?Now, the best part about the chair is the fond memories it holds. On weekend mornings or festive holidays, Mandy, her husband, her three-year-old daughter, and Hector the Frenchie will pile on the seat together for some quality time. “It’s become a gathering spot for our family,” she shares.
Mandy and Hector the Frenchie enjoying a lounge.
Hans J. Wegner Ox-Chair for AP-Stolen$11,2681stDibsBuy It
Wegner Ox Chair Hans J. Wegner for Erik Jørgensen$10,575Danish Design StoreBuy It
Hans Wegner Easy Chair Model AP47 / Queen OX Chair by A.P. Stolen in Denmark$17,2481stDibsBuy ItExploreCleverSplurge WorthyShopping
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