“Form ever follows function,” American architect Louis Sullivan famously wrote in 1856. Even though changing times and cultures have challenged its apparent infallibility, Sullivan’s statement is still widely considered a definition of good design. This hairdryer follows his idea with particularly expressive results. Shaped to the contours of the human head, perforated hollow tubes form the hood—similar to the hairdryers used in salons today—and evenly blow hot air to dry the user’s hair.

Gallery label from

Pirouette: Turning Points in Design, January 26, 2025–November 15, 2025

Manufacturer Müholos, Leipzig
Medium Brass and metal
Dimensions Overall: 56 x 20 x 25" (142.2 x 50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Credit Marshall Cogan Purchase Fund
Object number 550.1986
Department Architecture & Design

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