Luxury Italian brand Poltrona Frau has introduced a limited edition of the Dezza armchair, marking the 60th anniversary of this iconic piece originally designed by the renowned architect Gio Ponti in 1965. This release not only celebrates Ponti’s lasting contribution to design but also underscores Poltrona Frau’s commitment to blending heritage with modernity. The new edition of the armchair remains faithful to Ponti’s original vision while integrating contemporary elements that reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable and innovative design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Gio Ponti
Brand: Poltrona Frau
Collection: Limited Edition Dezza Armchair
Material: Pelle Frau Impact Less Upholstery
Focus: Sustainability and Innovation
The Dezza armchair’s enduring appeal lies in its masterful combination of art and functionality. Poltrona Frau has harnessed Ponti’s prolific approach, which spans across various creative domains including art, ceramics, and crystal, to infuse the Dezza with both historical significance and modern relevance. The design features tight tailoring and modern square lines, providing a dynamic silhouette complemented by gently tufted cushions and curvaceous armrests. The armchair strikes a balance between visual reserve and unexpected comfort, while its slender legs maintain an angular stance that adds to its aesthetic allure.
Poltrona Frau’s dedication to sustainability is exemplified in the Dezza’s use of Pelle Frau Impact Less upholstery, which aligns with the company’s environmentally conscious goals. This includes working with traceable and certified suppliers, employing chromium-free tanning processes, and undertaking initiatives for CO2 emission compensation. The new edition offers shades inspired by Ponti’s joyful interiors at the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Sorrento. Notably, the upholstery features a unique pattern derived from an unpublished illustration from Ponti’s oeuvre, digitally printed on leather.
This distinctive pattern on the Dezza’s upholstery showcases 26 stylized hands, each with its own identity. This artistic choice not only adds to the chair’s allure but also celebrates Ponti’s vision of transcending mere objects to incorporate theatrical and poetic elements into design. Salvatore Licitra, curator of the Gio Ponti Archives, emphasizes that Ponti’s hand symbolizes the human capacity for imagination and playful creativity, all of which are embodied in this new edition of the armchair.
With only 60 pieces available, each armchair comes individually numbered and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity, ensuring that this release is as exclusive as it is culturally significant. Available initially through selected European online markets, these limited editions will later be available for purchase at select retail locations around the globe. This release is not merely a refresh of a beloved classic; it is a faithful continuation of Ponti’s design ethos, crafted with an eye toward cultural significance and contemporary relevance.
Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, highlights the brand’s excitement in reviving this historical piece, noting that the aim is to deepen the cultural narrative of the original design. The Dezza re-edition is a testament to Poltrona Frau’s commitment to celebrating the creative process that drives their products, offering a design that not only enhances physical materials but also honors the artistic genius of Gio Ponti. More details about this remarkable milestone can be discovered by visiting Poltrona Frau’s online platforms.
