All Photos By Gail

“To be a visionary designer, I want to design products for myself first,” designer Kazuo Kawasaki has admitted. After a car accident left him partially paralyzed at age 27, Kawasaki created the Carna Folding Wheelchair for himself in 1989.  Rather than resembling a piece of medical equipment, his vision was for it to become part of his wardrobe.

Kawasaki conceived of this colorful and playful design for use at cocktail parties. “A car outdoors, and a chair, indoors,” in the designers words, this lightweight foldable piece was named after the Roman goddess Carna, who prevented evil spirits from crossing thresholds.

Photographed at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.