Poltrona Frau celebrates the 60th anniversary of Gio Ponti’s Dezza armchair by releasing a limited edition of just sixty pieces, each upholstered in Pelle Frau Impact Less leather. This updated version introduces a rare pattern from Ponti’s archive, offering a fresh interpretation of one of the designer’s most well-known works. The re-edition marks a significant milestone for both Ponti and Poltrona Frau, which first produced the armchair in 1965.
The Dezza Armchair’s Role in Poltrona Frau’s History
Dezza holds a significant place in Poltrona Frau’s story. In 1965, it became the first product to signal a new direction for the brand following its move to Tolentino, where the company continues to operate today. Ponti created a seat that combined modernist angles with subtle curves, allowing the armrests to define the chair’s outline from top to foot. Its distinctive structure and compact form helped it remain in production for decades, becoming one of Poltrona Frau’s most recognizable designs.
A Re-Edition with a Hidden Sketch
This 60th anniversary edition introduces a never-before-seen pattern based on an original drawing by Ponti. Acquired at auction by a private collector and selected by Poltrona Frau after extensive research, the artwork features 26 stylized hands. Each hand bears a different name and identity, such as “the gloved hand,” “the pierced hand,” or “the fortune teller’s hand”, and reflects Ponti’s talent for mixing symbolism and craftsmanship. The result is a playful yet highly refined print, applied across the upholstery of all 60 armchairs.
Materials Rooted in Research
To align with the brand’s current design direction, Poltrona Frau upholstered each armchair in its environmentally conscious Impact Less leather, a material introduced in 2022. The company chose two tones, Panna and Iris, that reflect the airy palette Ponti once used for interiors like the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Sorrento. The colors recall his signature use of blue and white ceramic floors, creating a subtle link between past and present.
A Tribute to Ponti’s Design Philosophy
Ponti frequently used the hand as a motif in his practice, treating it as both a tool and a symbol. He saw the hand not just as a unit of measurement or function but as a gateway to storytelling, play, and theatre. Whether through ceramics or illustration, Ponti returned to the hand as a way to express human ingenuity and craft. His designs for “Lo Stile” magazine, metal silhouettes with Lino Sabattini, and even ceramic sculptures from the 1920s show his fascination with the idea. This limited edition brings those ideas into the structure of a usable object, linking function with imagination.
Availability and Identification
Poltrona Frau will sell a small portion of the 60-piece edition exclusively online across selected European markets until April 1, after which the chairs will also be available in select stores. Each piece is individually numbered and marked with a metal tag on the back of the chair. Buyers will also receive a certificate of authenticity signed by the company. This attention to detail reinforces the significance of the edition while honoring Ponti’s legacy through tangible design.
Continuing a Creative Dialogue
Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, described the edition as an opportunity to deepen the cultural significance of a historic piece. He explained that every re-edition the company undertakes serves not only to update finishes or materials but to reconnect with the creative process behind the original. With Dezza, this meant finding an archival design that could speak to the imagination of today’s audience while remaining grounded in the mastery of Ponti’s vision.
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