The Dezza armchair occupies a special place in Poltrona Frau’s history. Designed by Gio Ponti in 1965, it was the first product to represent the brand’s new direction following the company’s relocation to Tolentino in 1962, where it is still headquartered today.
The seat’s characteristic modernist and squared lines are subtly balanced by the elegantly curved armrests that outline the entire profile of the armchair down to the feet, lending the design a sense of momentum and dynamism. As one of Poltrona Frau’s most beloved armchairs, Dezza has remained in production since its debut. To mark the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary, Poltrona Frau reintroduces the style in a precious limited edition of just 60 numbered and certified pieces.
Above: Gio Ponti c. 1970. Courtesy Gio Ponti Archives © Archivio storico Eredi Gio Ponti; Below: Dezza sketches. Courtesy Poltrona Frau
“We are thrilled to present this historic piece from our catalog in a new guise,” shares Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Fra. “Designed exclusively for us by Gio Ponti sixty years ago, it has retained its timeless modernity. 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 Dezza Limited Edition armchair is upholstered in Pelle Frau® Impact Less, in line with the brand’s commitment to sustainability — an important initiative adopted by the brand in 2022.
The elegant shades of Panna and Iris evoke the airy, joyful interiors that Gio Ponti created for the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Sorrento, featuring the iconic white and blue majolica floors also designed by the master. However, the most distinctive trait of this re-edition lies in the upholstery pattern: a reproduction of a previously unpublished illustration by Gio Ponti, acquired at auction by a private individual and selected by Poltrona Frau after meticulous research. The eye-catching pattern consists of 26 stylized hands, each uniquely designed with its own name and identity, such as ‘the gloved hand’, ‘the starry hand’, ‘pierced hand’, ‘the fortune teller’s hand’ among others. This sophisticated yet playful design reflects Ponti’s ability to evoke the artisan mastery and “intelligence of the hands” inherent in the armchair’s construction — one of Poltrona Frau’s core values.
A limited number of pieces will be available as online exclusives for purchase on Poltrona Frau e-shops in select European markets from February 13th to April 1st, after which the model can also be purchased at select Poltrona Frau stores worldwide.
Each piece is individually numbered and identified with a metal tag affixed to the back of the armchair and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.
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