Bronze discs that open up like clamshells for storage and fold back in to become side tables. Sleek cubes barely suspended off the ground that transform into full-size dining tables. Clean-lined boxes that contain multilevel shelving. Looking at the work of Italian designer Gabriella Crespi, born in 1922 and who still produced furniture in her Milan studio until her death in 2017, it’s hard to believe that many of these highly functional pieces — modernist Rubik’s Cubes of materials, colors and ergonomics — were created decades ago.
Among her best-known creations, the bronze Ellisse table, 1976, and her bronze-and-lacquer Yang-Yin bar, 1979, encapsulate a designer who had a strong dualism in her vision, mixing humble and precious materials, for instance, or creating geometric shapes that were softened by sensual surfaces.
Crespi began studying architecture in 1944 at the Politecnico, in Milan, where she was among just a handful of women, and became profoundly influenced by the work of Charles-Édouard "Le Corbusier" Jeanneret and Frank Lloyd Wright. After getting married and having children, she launched her own collections, from jewelry to furniture, and soon gained a loyal following, with design houses such as Maison Dior snapping pieces up for their own lines.
She began work on her most iconic collection, Plurimi, in the late 1960s, and the series — including her Dama table, which plays on the themes of volume, light and adaptability that Crespi has explored throughout her career — flourished through the 1970s and early ’80s. Then there is her famed Z desk, from a mid-1970s series, which manages to be both stylish and humorous, looking like it’s ready to leap off the floor at any moment. Well-born and beautiful, Crespi garnered attention among the jet set. She was a muse to Valentino, and her pieces appeared in the homes of Princess Grace of Monaco, the Shah of Iran and Greek shipping magnate George Livanos.
In 1987, with her children now adults, the designer surprised everyone when she moved to the foot of the Indian Himalayas to study with the guru Sri Muniraj. This turned into a 20-year self-imposed exile that, if anything, made her pieces even more sought-after by collectors.
Find vintage Gabriella Crespi furniture on 1stDibs.
Picture Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell & Glass by Gabriella Crespi, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful large rectangular "Due Lune" picture photo frame in tortoiseshell lucite effect and glass by Gabriella Crespi. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original labe...
Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
20th Century, Gabriella Crespi Round Photo Frame in Brass, 70s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Born in 1922, Gabriella Crespi studies architecture at the Politecnico in Milan, where her work is permeated by her perspective on Le Corbusier’s and Frank Lloyd Wright’s design expe...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Circular Brass and Burl Wood Photo Frame, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi circular brass and burl wood picture frame, Italy 1970s Signed Gabriella Crespi.
Brass
1970s Italian Photo Frame by Gabriella Crespi, Silvered Metal & Lucite
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in London, London
A refined and highly characteristic photo frame by Gabriella Crespi, dating to the 1970s and exemplifying her sophisticated use of luxurious materials and clean architectural lines. ...
Metal
Gabriella Crespi Half Moon Picture Frames Mirrors
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice pair of brushed Steel picture frames (or mirrors) Designed by Gabriella Crespi, engraved signature Left and right. Price is for the pair
Steel
Gabriella Crespi Signed Plexiglass and Nickel-plated Brass Photo Frame, Italy 70
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Naples, IT
Very rare plexiglass photo frame with nickel-plated brass frame. Incised signature to the reverse.
Brass
$869Sale Price|55% Off
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s Renowned for her elegant and sculptural designs, Gabriella Crespi has excelled yet again with this sophisticated piece....
Nickel
Gabriella Crespi Brass and Chrome Geometric Picture Frame, 1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
A Gabriella Crespi very rare large picture frame with alternating bands of brass and chrome, with a 6" x 6" centered picture frame. The triangular frame in the middle creates a fant...
Brass, Chrome
Gabriella Crespi Designed Modernist Picture Frame
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
A Gabriella Crespi designed Modernist Picture Frame. A square form in silvered bronze with inset panels of shagreen in alternating concentric squares. Italy, 1960's.
Bronze
Signed Gabriella Crespi Photo Frame in Nickel and Blue Silk, Italy, c.1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Dublin, IE
Details Circular Photo Frame by Gabriella Crespi Signed Nickel Blue silk lining and backing Italy, c.1970 Diameter 17.5 cm (6.9 in) Height 1.5 cm (0.6 in) Signed on the edge ...
Nickel
Pair of Gabriella Crespi Picture Frames / Mirrors
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of brushed steel picture or mirror frames designed and signed by Gabriella Crespi.
Steel
Gucci Horsebit Picture Frame, Brass, Nickel, Signed
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Horsebit picture frame, brass, nickel, signed. Stirrup form photo frame finished in brass and nickel. The display opening is 5.63 inches in height by 5.75 inches wide. The four...
Brass, Nickel
$1,256
H 8.86 in W 6.7 in D 0.6 in
Vintage Mid-20th Century Tortoiseshell Picture Photo Frame, Italy 50s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant antique frame dating back to around the 1950s, crafted in tortoiseshell and soft dark rust-colored velvet. In this mid-20th century piece...
Tortoise Shell, Glass
Two Malachite Picture Frames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two malachite picture frames. One is Landscape measuring 10 inches wide x 7.75 inches high. The other is Portrait. Each have a bronze inner frame. Both hold pictures measured at 5.7...
Malachite
$1,080
H 0.4 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Gabriella Crespi Brass Cigarette Case, Italy, Signed, Vintage 1972
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
An original 1970s Gabriella Crespi ciagrette case signed on the side and with the original Crespi sticker on the base. The case is dated 11 Decemer 1972 on the inside. A perfect piec...
Brass
Italian Red Marble Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame crafted from richly veined red marble, featuring a bold beveled geometric profile. The natural white veining makes each section unique, while the warm w...
Marble
$650
H 9.45 in W 9.45 in D 4.73 in
Marble and Glass Picture Frame - Centerpiece by Skipper, Italy, 1970s
By Skipper
Located in Milan, IT
Italian marble picture frame / centerpiece manufactured by Skipper. Three marble slabs host the curved shape glass with sandblasted and transparent stripes.
Marble
English Silver picture frames, by Ron Carr, Sheffield
By Carrs of Sheffield 1
Located in Delft, NL
English Silver picture frames, by Ron Carr, Sheffield English Silver frames with ribbon pattern and velvet blue backs. The frames are complete English hallmarked with the master sig...
Silver
$19,000 / set
H 31 in W 27 in D 3.5 in
Neo Egyptian Two Tone Solid Mahogany & Rosewood Picture / Mirror Frames
By Dana Nicholson
Located in New York, NY
Two (of four) designed and handmade frames by Dana Nicholson at Altura Studio in New York. Solid Mahogany and rosewood assembled in a heavy torsion box method. Custom cast brass fitt...
Brass
$869Sale Price|55% Off
H 0.6 in Dm 6.89 in
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s Renowned for her elegant and sculptural designs, Gabriella Crespi has excelled yet again with this sophisticated piece....
Nickel
Dior Photo Frame in Ice Effect Lucite and Chrome, Italy, 1970s
By Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century picture frame in a gorgeous frosted lucite and chrome-plated metal. This incredibly charming and unique piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attribut...
Metal, Chrome
2x Art Deco Picture frames vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
2x Art Deco Picture frames vienna around 1920 Brass polished and stove enameled The pictures are only for the photoshooting and they are not included. Picture size: H: 10,5cm W: 6,5cm
Brass
$1,182Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.42 in W 8.67 in D 0.79 in
Italy Brass and Plexiglass Frame Midcentury Design Style, Contemporary Product
Located in Brescia, IT
This item is the example how the design can create a beautiful ordinary object. It is fully handmade in Italy with heavy thick plexiglass and brass p...
Brass
Pair of Art Nouveau Picture Frames
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Art Nouveau picture frames. There's a slight difference in coloration as seen in the photos. They measure 9.5" wide, 4" deep and 11.75" high.
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Brass Bamboo Photo Frame, Dior Style, 1970s
By Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century photo frame in solid brass with a bamboo cane finish. This stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s, in the style of Maison Jansen and Ch...
Brass
$306
H 7.09 in W 5.52 in D 1.58 in
1970s Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Italian Rectangular Picture Frame
By Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Picture Frame is a stylish and distinctive piece of decor that reflects the design trends of its era. The frame is crafted from Lucite, a type of acrylic glass known for i...
Lucite
Gabriella Crespi Signed Photo Frame "Ellipse," Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Naples, IT
Very rare zapponata solid brass photo frame from the Ellipse series designed by Gabriella Crespi in the 1970s. Incised signature to the reverse.
Brass
Sold
H 2.17 in W 11.03 in D 11.03 in
By and Documented Gabriella Crespi "2 Moon" Photo Frame in Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Roma, IT
The fabulous "Due Lune" photo frame was designed by Gabriella Crespi in Italy during the 1970s. Signed on the back and with the certificate of authenticity from the Archivio Gabriell...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Small Nickel Photo Frame, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi rectangular three windows picture frame, Italy 1970s Signed Gabriella Crespi.
Nickel
Gabriella Crespi Large Brass Rectangular Picture Frame, Signed
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare large rectangular picture frame with alternating bands of polished and brushed brass, Italy, 1970s. This incredibly chic picture frame is a striking example of...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Sfera Picture Frame Italy 1971
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Munich, DE
A very rare sphere portrait frame with structure in brass and plexiglass. Engraved signature. Manufactured by Crespi, Italy, 1971 cm 13×14 Literature (edited by) C. Cunacchia, Gabrie...
Brass
Sold
H 10.63 in W 5.52 in D 2.76 in
Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior Brushed Steel Picture Frame, 1970
By Christian Dior, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful mid-century picture frame designed by Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior and made in Italy in the late 1970. Made entirely with brushed steel, the frame looks solid, moder...
Steel
Sold
H 1 in Dm 14.75 in
Gabriella Crespi Rare Large Signed Bamboo and Brass Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare large round picture frame from the iconic Rising Sun series in bamboo and brass, Italy, 1970s. This elegant bamboo frame is a striking example of Crespi’s deft...
Brass
Signed Gabriella Crespi Brass Frame
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare Gabriella Crespi gold brass frame with oval shape with fixed standing base. Signed "Gabriella Crespi" on the back side. Italy, 1970.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Circular Brass and Burl Wood Photo Frame, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi circular brass and burl wood picture frame, Italy 1970s Signed Gabriella Crespi.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Circular Seven Fotos Nickel Table Frame, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi seven fotos circular nickel picture frame, Italy 1970s Signed Gabriella Crespi.
Metal
Gabriella Crespi Three Foto Frame, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi three foto picture frame, Italy 1970s Signed Gabriella Crespi.
Metal
Sold
H 3.55 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Silver Sewing Kit Storage Egg, 1970, Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vis, NL
Rare signed Gabriella Crespi oval sewing kit storage in a shape of an egg with scissors, thimble and the threads seen on displayed. Silver plated piece. 1970s, Made in Italy. ...
Gold Plate
Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Sfera Photo Frame, 1970, Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vis, NL
Rare signed Gabriella Crespi sphere frame brass and blown glass photo frame. We have used pictures of Gabriella Crespi herself to illustrate the beauty and rarity of this piece. 19...
Gold Plate
Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Sfera Photo Frame 1970, Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vis, NL
Rare signed Gabriella Crespi sphere frame brass and blown glass photo frame. We have used pictures of Gabriella Crespi herself to illustrate the beauty and rarity of this piece. 19...
Gold Plate
Gabriella Crespi Brass Picture Frame
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi square picture frame with alternating bands of brushed and polished brass, Italy, 1973. Signed to reverse "Gabriella Crespi-BREV". This frame comes from a private co...
Brass