By: John Glover (MBA)

Hollywood’s Harvey Schwartz is a former aerospace engineer turned furniture dealer who boasts a large collection of original Paul T. Rankl’s rattan. 

In a world where everyone wants to be a star, Harvey Schwartz boasts a claim like no other. 

The LA-born furniture dealer started life as an aerospace engineer, but his name has become synonymous with high-end design and luxurious rattan furniture. He has built a reputation as a master craftsman who brings nature’s beauty into elegant, contemporary forms. 

His exclusive collection features the rare and exquisite rattan furniture designed by the legendary Austrian-American modernist Paul T. Frankl and has captured the hearts of some of Hollywood’s most famous names, including Barbra Streisand.

Now, for the first time in decades, 25 museum-quality iconic Paul T. Frankl rattan pieces will be available for sale to the public via his online store, Harvey’s Private Collection.

This article takes a look at Harvey’s love for rattan, its history, and its enduring appeal…

Rattan Revived: An Enduring Passion

Traditionally used in rustic or tropical settings, rattan furniture has long been associated with a laid-back, coastal vibe. Harvey saw the potential to bring rattan into homes everywhere, turning it into a versatile material that could fit a variety of interior styles. 

His love affair began in 1969 when he opened his first store in Los Angeles, later followed in 1977 by Harvey’s on Beverly—a must-shop resource for interior designers and collectors. His passion for rattan—and in particular, Frankl’s designs—grew, which lead to the acquisition of the Tropical Sun Rattan store, in 1978. 

Over the years, Harvey has meticulously restored and preserved Frankl’s pieces, and his collection includes items sourced from homes designed by Frankl himself.

“Paul T Frankl was one of the first designers to work with rattan in Los Angeles and to put his pieces in movies and the homes of the Hollywood elite,” explains Harvey. “After that, his designs were copied all over the world. Rattan reached its peak popularity in the 50s, and it calmed down in the 60s and early 70s when I got into the business. I had a store on Melrose back then, and when I put some rattan in the window, it was an instant hit.”

A Star-Studded Clientele

Harvey is a master craftsman, and his work has drawn the attention of many members of Hollywood’s elite. His client list reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry, with famous actors, directors, and producers choosing his pieces to furnish their homes. 

A now well-established Hollywood tastemaker, when he opened his first shop, he supplied singer Barbra Streisand with a set of rattan furniture for her beach house in Malibu. More recently, model Cara Delevingne posed with a collection of Harvey’s pieces in Architectural Digest magazine.

In 1984, the set designers for the iconic TV show The Golden Girls came calling, and his furniture was featured prominently on the show’s set. 

“They gave me the fabric, and I made the cushions, and they put it in the show right from my storeroom,” he says of that time in his life.

Attention to Craftsmanship and Detail

The exclusive Frankl pieces, which feature in Harvey’s Private Collection, include chairs, coffee tables, ottomans, lamps and bar carts, and are works of art. 

Frankl’s work was reproduced widely for many years, but according to Harvey, his original designs and manufacturing skills were far superior to everybody else’s.

“His work is a testament to the enduring appeal of rattan furniture,” says Harvey. “His ability to transform a humble material into elegant, modern pieces has left an indelible mark on design history. With Harvey’s Private Collection, we offer these treasures to the world and continue Frankl’s legacy of modern American design.”

Sustainability and Style

Rattan is one of the most eco-friendly materials available, growing rapidly in tropical regions and requiring minimal resources to harvest. It’s made from a vine, which is cut into smaller sections, boiled and then bent into shape.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for consumers, these pieces not only enhance the aesthetic of a home but also offer a guilt-free purchase for eco-conscious individuals.

Dedicating his life to preserving and promoting Frankl’s work is what drives Harvey, who still sees the furniture through his engineers eyes. “I was always attracted to straight lines, circles, and squares,” he says. 

As the owner of the biggest collection of rattan in the world – and having spent over 45 years curating an exceptional collection of Frankl’s rattan designs and establishing himself as a leading authority on Frankl’s work – he’s still passionate about spreading the word. 

So why does he think that our love for rattan has endured over the decades? 

The answer is simple. 

“Rattan is associated with happiness; it’s associated with relaxation and coolness,” he says. 

For more information about Harvey Schwartz and his private collection, visit Harvey’s Private Collection.

Published by: Josh Tatunay