Renowned leader in high-end furniture, Poltrona Frau, has unveiled a limited edition of the iconic Dezza armchair by Gio Ponti for the piece’s 60th anniversary. This is a rare, exclusive opportunity to own a piece of design history enriched with the legend’s visionary artistry, as Poltrona Frau is reintroducing this emblematic piece with an exclusive release of just 60 individually numbered editions.
As one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design and architecture, Ponti wore many hats as an architect, furniture designer, artist, industrial designer, and more, and is known for shaping modern Italian aesthetics. One of his most famous works is the Pirelli Tower in Milan, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
In 1965, Ponti designed the Dezza armchair for Poltrona Frau, a brand synonymous with the impeccable craftsmanship that embodies the excellence of handmade Italian furniture. It is a particularly historic piece for the brand as it was the first product to represent their new direction after relocating to Tolentino in 1962, where its headquarters remain today. The armchair became one of the most celebrated pieces in the brand’s catalogue, and its enduring appeal is such that it has remained in production since its debut. The Dezza has also appeared in design museums such as the Triennale Design Museum in Milan and other high-end interiors. In fact, original chairs from 1965 even appear in Sotheby’s auctions.
Quintessentially Ponti
Six decades on and 45 years after his demise, the Dezza Limited Edition armchair will feature an incredible, yet-unseen design by Ponti. The pattern, unearthed from a privately owned, unpublished drawing acquired at auction, was carefully selected by the brand following meticulous research. The playful print consists of 26 stylised hands with its own name and identity, like The Fortune Teller’s Hand and The Moon-Shaped Hand, giving them an almost surrealist quality. Ponti frequently incorporated hand motifs in his designs, using them both decoratively and to symbolise human connection and craftsmanship.
The Dezza features elegantly curved armrests that outline the entire profile of the chair down to the feet, with its seat featuring its characteristic modernist and squared lines. Contrasting yet tasteful shades of Panna and Iris were selected for the piece, which were inspired by the white and blue majolica floors designed by Ponti for the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Sorrento. Each chair is individually numbered with a metal tag on the back, and is accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.
View the chair from more angles
Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, shared, “With our re-editions, we always try to create and deepen the cultural significance of the original design, offering something truly exclusive that not only enhances the materials and finishes but, above all, celebrates the creative process behind the products”
The chair may be pre-booked from now until 1 April 2025 via Poltrona Frau Kuala Lumpur’s flagship store by Stanzo Italia. For more information, please contact +60103887966.
