Flexform: What It’s Like Growing Up Inside A Made In Italy Brand

In the aftermath of World War II, as Italy began finding its footing again, the Galimberti family sensed a new era of modernism transforming not just the art and design scene, but also the way people lived. Modern living saw factories taking over and urban apartments growing in popularity. The family had to accept the change or be left behind.

Thus, in 1959, the brothers established Flexform di Galimberti, building on the family’s modest workshop and developing it into a refined atelier. Shortly after, they also launched their first showroom, displaying sofas and armchairs that found entry into the luxurious residences of Milan and Lake Como villas, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most highly regarded opera houses.

In 1967, the brothers expanded the atelier into an industrial facility and the brand became known as Flexform S.p.A. By this period, art and design had become increasingly experimental, influenced by Pop Art and Radical Design. The brand rode the wave, collaborating with the most visionary figures of Italian design, including Joe Colombo and Rodolfo Bonetto, whose works produced some of Flexform’s most iconic pieces. These designs were later recognised by the Museum of Modern Art, which affirmed the brand’s status as more than a mere commercial design house.

Over the years, the Galimberti brothers came to view luxury not in heaviness or visual provocation, but in comfort and craftsmanship. The palettes were softened with neutral tones, designs embraced modularity, and the focus was placed on structured upholstery and textiles, ensuring that every piece of furniture was built to stand the test of time. Quiet luxury became the brand’s forte.

In the 1970s, the brand began its growth in the international sector. Germany’s Cologne Furniture Fair was Flexform’s first venture outside Italy, opening up opportunities for expansion in northern European markets. From there, the subsequent generations of the Galimberti family gradually extended its presence across America, Asia and Australia.

In 2001, the brand’s long-standing partnership with the talented architect-designer Antonio Citterio marked a defining moment in its journey. He was known for his timeless approach and, with a background in architecture, his pieces were engineered with precise proportions that seemed like they naturally belonged within a space. Between Flexform and Citterio, they were a match that felt meant to be.

That year, the designer’s creation of the Groundpiece sofa cemented the brand’s core identity as one rooted in restraint and endurance. It was exactly what the brothers had envisioned, and it was proof that true design has no fear of time. This year, Flexform celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Groundpiece sofa, showcasing it in all its glory: low and deep in form for lounging, soft goose-down cushions that envelop, and a modular configuration that enables flexible living. It became a spot to be lost in for hours. Adding to its functionality, its armrests extend beyond their basic purpose, doubling as side tables or shelves.

“When we designed it in 2001, it felt like an idea rich in substance but with little chance of success,” Citterio said in a statement. “Too simple, too direct, non-traditional. It wasn’t even clear whether it was a sofa or not.” Fortunately, he followed through and, several months later, the Groundpiece sofa took off. Today, it remains one of the brand’s bestsellers, available in leather, linen, cotton and cashmere.

To own a Flexform piece is to own an heirloom, designed to last beyond a lifetime and, even after all these decades, it is still authentically made in Italy, just as it has been from the very beginning.

Flexform