Willy Rizzo Seating
Italian, 1928-2013
Renowned Italian furniture designer Willy Rizzo is celebrated for having produced eye-catching, sensational showpieces that merged plush fabrics with wood, metal and glass. Influenced by European modernists and drawing on the spare forms and clean lines of the American mid-century modern style, Rizzo prized functionality and simplicity in his dazzling work.
Born in Naples, Rizzo never intended on designing furniture. Instead, he began pursuing photography at the age of 12. By the 1960s, he had become a notable photographer, having captured images of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. His experience with furniture design came about inadvertently when he moved to Rome in 1966. There, Rizzo rented an apartment with his wife Elsa that he described as "practically uninhabitable." Dissatisfied with the Scandinavian furniture options on offer, Rizzo built sofas, coffee tables and other furniture to suit the space's strong modern vibe. When his friends saw what he had accomplished, they were enamored by his furniture creations and commissioned him to build similar items for them.
The demand for Rizzo’s furniture grew from there. He established a production facility and workshop in Tivoli, just outside of Rome, which grew to house over 150 employees. There, finding inspiration in the work of iconic architects including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, he created more than 30 unique furniture designs. Over the years he opened boutiques around the world to showcase and sell his furniture.
Rizzo prided himself on seamlessly blending the contemporary with the classic. “It was about creating something new for a traditional setting,” he said of his work. From his sleek sideboards to his low-profile side tables, elegant chairs and entire living room sets, Rizzo's style sensibility is evident throughout every detail of his designs.
Rizzo sold his company in 1978 and returned to photography. However, the presence of his furniture resonated into the new century and is sure to impact interior décor enthusiasts into the next. Over the years, high-profile collectors of Rizzo’s work have included French actress Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí and American musician Lenny Kravitz.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Willy Rizzo tables, lighting, seating and storage pieces.
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Creator: Willy Rizzo
Circa 1970s Set of Six Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of 1970s dining chairs are the quintessence of Rizzo's style.
"Imagination and strong modern style, which blend very well with any other environment" define the Italian st...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 cantilever chairs Willy Rizzo for Cidue
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Münster, DE
Set of cantilever chairs Willy Rizzo for Cidue
Set of 4 chairs, Italy 1970s, design Willy Rizzo (1928 Naples - 2013 Paris), manufacturer Cidue, cognac-colored leather and chrome-plat...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Willy Rizzo Steel and Leather Chair for Cidue, 1960s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century steel and leather chair by designer Willy Rizzo for Italian design house Cidue. In original condition with visible wear and heavy patina, consistent with its age and use....
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Sofa "Super C" in boar leather by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
Extraordinary Super C sofa, a design icon of the 1970s designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by the prestigious house of the same name.
An incredible piece testimony to an era charact...
Category
1980s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Animal Skin
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four Dining Chairs Beech Blue Willy Rizzo, 1960s, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage set of four ( 4 ) dining room chairs from brown stained beech and upholstered seats new covered with blue velvet by Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy.
A beautiful s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brown Leather Cantilever Chairs for Cidue, 1960s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, late nineteen sixties, chrome and leather, cantilevered chairs by Italian designer and photographer Willy Rizzo for famed manufacturer Cidue. In original condition with ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Willy Rizzo black leather dining chairs
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Nijlen, VAN
Willy Rizzo black leather dining chairs
Set of 4 dining chairs by 1 of Italy's most famous desginers. Willy Rizzo, Willy Rizzo ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Four Chairs Black Leather and Metal by Designer Willy Rizzo for Cidue
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of four Willy Rizzo chairs for Cidue. Black plated flat steel frame. Seat and backrest in thick black buffalo leather. Traces of normal...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of six dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy 1970's.
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Set of six dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy 1970's.
Black thick leather and chromed metal.
The leather has acquired a beautiful patina over the years
Dxhxl: 49x82x46 cm
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Willy Rizzo, Set of 6 Chairs in Lacquered Wood and Steel for Mario Sabot, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Rizzo, Set of 6 Chairs in Lacquered Wood and steel for Mario Sabot, Italy 1960
there are lacks of paint on the top of all the chairs
the upholstery needs to be redone
the mo...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Willow Rizzo Cantilevered Leather and Chrome Dining Chairs for Cidue
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Miami, FL
C2 leather and chrome cantilevered dining or side chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy 1970s.
Priced individually
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Set of 6 Vintage Chairs by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 6 chairs by Willy Rizzo, tubular steel and fabric. 1970s.
Seat width 50
Depth 40cm
Seat height 40cm
Seat back height 75
Good conditions.
Willy Rizzo (Naples, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Steel
Sedie di Willy Rizzo per Mario Sabot Anni 70
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di sedie in legno di faggio tinto con imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in tessuto.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Rare Midcentury Stool by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 70s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare stool designed by Willy Rizzo and produce by Mario Sabot Italy in the 70s
Lacquared wood and leather.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
1970s Super C Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo in Ultrasuede
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This rare Super C sofa set designed by Willy Rizzo features one three-seater and two single-seat modules, re-upholstered with camel ultrasuede. The modular asp...
Category
1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Ultrasuede
Set of 5 Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Leather and Steel, Italy, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 5 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, leather and steel, Italy, 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Steel
Willy Rizzo C2 70s Production Chromed Steel Frame Gray Vintage Leather Set of 4
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Willy Rizzo chairs C2 70s production with chromed steel frame and gray vintage leather seats. Set of 4 chairs.
The seat has been re upholstered with vintage leather. The chairs are...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Steel
Willy Rizzo, white painted Armchair with natural Cane Seat, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Greding, DE
Armchair with round wicker seat and white lacquered frame with curved armrests. The chair was designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. Original condition with signs of age and use.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
Willy Rizzo Peccary Leather SQ Chairs with Stainless Steel Structure, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Experience the iconic design of Willy Rizzo with this exceptional pair of SQ chairs. Crafted in 1970, these chairs boast a striking stainless steel structure that exudes contemporary...
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Brass Chairs. 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 4 Willy Rizzo dining chairs with gilt brass structure and original vintage "Rubelli" velvet fabric.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Brass
Set of 4 Chairs Lia Model by Claudio Salocchi, Italy, 1960s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Four chairs with metal structure and leather upholstery, model 'Lia', designed by Claudio Salocchi.
Original brand. Slight flaws. Prod. Sormani, Italy, around 1960.
81x 49 x 53...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Chairs by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 4 Chairs by Willy Rizzo, 1970s.
Metal and fabric.
Total height 83 cm, sitting height 50 cm, lenght 46 cm, depth 42 cm.
Good conditions.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Willy Rizzo Black Leather Tubular Cidue Barstools Mid-Century Modern
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three stitched leather, slim profile side, stools or barstools by legendary designer Willy Rizzo and manufactured by Cidue. Italian made is the late 1970s or early 1980s, high qualit...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Steel
Willy Rizzo, Set of 4 Chairs in Lacquered Wood for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970 Ca
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Argelato, BO
Willy Rizzo, set of 4 chairs in lacquered wood, fabric and aluminum, Mario Sabot production. Models created in the 1970s
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Cidue Dining Chairs Designed by Willy Rizzo Set of 4 Chrome and Black Leather
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a set of 4 chairs designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Cidue.
Original leather. No repairs or damages on the structure.
Made in Italy.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Rare Willy Rizzo Rocking Chair in Black Steel and White Leather
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Willy Rizzo, rocking chair, lacquered steel, leather, rubber rope, Italy, late 1960s
This unique rocking chair by Willy Rizzo hardl...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Steel
Cidue Dining Armchairs Chairs Design by Willy Rizzo Set of 6 Chrome and Leather
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Italian design chairs are designed Willy Rizzo for Italian manufacture Cidue.
It has a polished chromed steel base and upholstered in dark brown leather seat.
A very comforta...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Selection of Willy Rizzo sofas available, we can restore, choose your own fabric.
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This iconic sofa was designed by Willy Rizzo in 1969 and is published in many of the interior design journals of the period. This design was illustrated in Casa Vogue's feature on Rizzo's own home in St Tropez,France in their October 1974 issue.
The sofa is finished in brown suede.
We have a further selection of these Willy Rizzo sofas...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Suede, Wood
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in White Upholstery
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, fabric, ultrasuede, wood, Italy, 1970s.
This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo and consists of a three-seater, two-seater, a...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Fabric, Ultrasuede, Wood
Rare Vintage Super C Modular Black Leather Sofa by Willy Rizzo Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very rare Mid-Century, modern, modular sofa set ‘Super C’ by Willy Rizzo Italy, 1970s
Matching set.
Signed with ‘Willy Rizzo’ on every item & handcrafted in Italy.
Combination ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Leather, Faux Leather
Willy Rizzo Italian Midcentury set of two Chairs Mid 70's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bari, IT
Set of four chairs with steel structure seats in original suede designer Willy Rizzo mid 70s.
Some repairs without any stability problems.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Green Velvet
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, Kvadrat Harald 3 - 0952, wood, Italy, 1970s.
This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. This alignment consists of s...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Set of Six Italian Design Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in London, GB
A set of 1970 Italian dining chairs in chrome with original blue velvet upholstery. Designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot.
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs for Mario Sabon
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot set off four dining chairs made of curved wood lacquered in black shiny colour and leather padded cushions, custom made for these chairs, and hold ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Diningchairs in Chrome and Leather for Cidue, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautifully patinated dark cognac brown dining-room chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. As we are used from Willy Rizzo we see a good combination between the two materials used in this ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Superb Pair of Suede Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs, Signed Studio Willy Rizzo, 1969
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Extremely rare pair of signed Willy Rizzo lounge chairs finished in suede with stainless steel bases.
These are very early examples which were produced by the 'Studio Willy Rizzo' in Rome in 1969, recognised by the Willy Rizzo signature in the fabric. Original Signed early period Willy Rizzo lounge chairs are very rare, 95% of the output of this design were produced as either two, three or four-seat sofas and the individual lounge chairs are very rarely seen on the market today.
This iconic design featured prominently in the prestigious Italian design periodical 'Casa Vogue' throughout the early to mid-1970s including a feature on Rizzo ad Elsa Martinelli's own home in St Tropez, France in the October 1974 issue which illustrates this design. Please see image 4.
These rare chairs have had their upholstery completely renovated including new seat support strapping, new foam and suede upholstery to the original specifications. The Willy Rizzo signatures from the original upholstery have been carefully cut from the original worn fabric and sown to the underside of each chair to maintain the authenticity. Photos of the restoration process are available on request. Please see image 10 as an example.
Literature:-
CASA VOGUE, October 1974 (features this design in the home of Elsa Martinelli and Willy Rizzo in St Tropez,France). See image 4
CASA VOGUE , JUNE 1975
CASA VOGUE, September 1975, Please see IMAGE 9
CASA VOGUE, November 1976, Please see IMAGE 8
Willy Rizzo is best known as a photographer. He began his illustrious 20 year career with Paris Match in 1948 which lead to him photographing some of the greatest names of the period.
Rizzo was married to italian actress Elsa Martinelli,which gave him unparalleled access to the star names of the period and his cornucopia of sitters would include among others Brigitte Bardot, Sofia Loren...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Hollywood Regency Willy Rizzo Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Brass Frame
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern geometrical shaped lounge chair and ottoman by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s.
The square tubular frame in brass keeps the cushion in place that still holds their or...
Category
1970s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Brass
Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Cantilever Dining chairs for Cidue, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Malibu, US
Chic set of 6 matching cognac brown leather chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy 1970’s.
All in excellent vintage condition. Excellent patina to the leather commensurate ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
A Set Of Six 1970s Dining Chairs By Willy Rizzo With Black Upholstered Seats
By Willy Rizzo
Located in London, GB
A set of six gilt metal 1970s dining chairs by Willy Rizzo with new black upholstered seats and backs.
Category
1970s French Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Metal
Willy Rizzo for Cidue Dining Chairs in Brass and Cognac Leather, c 1970, Signed
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful set of eight (8) dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy circa 1970, featuring gorgeous cubist brass frames and cognac colored leather. Signed with Cidue labels rea...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Brass
Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Modern Sofa in Brown Strié Velvet, circa 2010s, Signed
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly stylish and elegant sofa is by Willy Rizzo and signed on one leg with Rizzo's signature. Featuring gorgeous strié velvet in a luscious brown color with contrasting yellow undertones. A bit of James Mont chinoiserie style mixed with 70s Italian modern flair that Rizzo was known for.
Produced in recent years, this sofa has had very little use and looks almost new aside from the very light use only noticeable upon close inspection. Ready for immediate use for those who wish to avoid the incredibly long lead times - not to mention shipping from overseas. Get this large Willy Rizzo sofa...
Category
2010s French Modern Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four Willy Rizzo Signed Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four chrome metal chairs signed Willy Rizzo on the chrome leg.
Newly reupholstered in black ultrasuede.
Measures: 19" H seat.
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Seating
Materials
Chrome
Willy Rizzo seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Willy Rizzo seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Rizzo seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Willy Rizzo were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Carlo Bartoli, Mobil Girgi, and Vittorio Introini. Prices for Willy Rizzo seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,850 and can go as high as $29,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,400.
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