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.
Gubi Bohemian 72 Sofa in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 sofa designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 sofa is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the designer's...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Foam
Gubi Bohemian 72 Outdoor Sofa in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 sofa designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 sofa is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the designer's...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Foam
Gubi Bohemian 72 Ottoman in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 pouf designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 pouf is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the designer's interest in natural materials and curiosity for refined oriental culture in years of travel. Gubi unveils Bohemian 72, a collection of rattan outdoor furniture...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Foam
Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 armchair designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 armchair is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the de...
Rattan, Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Gubi Bohemian 72 Outdoor Lounge Chair in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 armchair designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 armchair is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the de...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Foam
GUBI Bohemian 72 Chair with The Row Towel Cushions, Two Chairs Available
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
One-of-a-Kind, New Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chairs by Gubi. With custom cushions handcrafted in The Row terry cloth cotton towels. Designed by Forsyth. The Row towels are...
Fabric, Rattan
Customizable Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a lounge chair, three-seater sofa, ottoman and floor lamp – all crafted from rattan – the Bohemian 72 Collection embodies Crespi’s ca...
Fabric, Rattan
Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Sofa Diagonal Bouclé Dedar 007 for GUBI
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
The Bohemian ‘72 Collection brings together Gabriella Crespi’s interest in natural materials, her fascination with stacked sculptural forms, and her curiosity about Eastern cultures ...
Upholstery, Rattan
Pair of Mid-Century Italian "Sedia Jacaré" Folding Chairs by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A pair of Mid-Century Italian brass and leather 'Sedia Jacaré' folding chairs. Designed by Gabriella Crespi in 1975.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair Diagonal Bouclé Dedar 007 for GUBI
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
The Bohemian ‘72 Collection brings together Gabriella Crespi’s interest in natural materials, her fascination with stacked sculptural forms, and her curiosity about Eastern cultures ...
Upholstery, Rattan
Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Ottoman Diagonal Bouclé Dedar 007 for GUBI
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
The Bohemian ‘72 Collection brings together Gabriella Crespi’s interest in natural materials, her fascination with stacked sculptural forms, and her curiosity about Eastern cultures ...
Upholstery, Rattan
Customizable Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a lounge chair, three-seater sofa, ottoman and floor lamp – all crafted from rattan – the Bohemian 72 Collection embodies Crespi’s ca...
Fabric, Rattan
Mid-Century 1972 Vintage Gabriella Crespi Sofa
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in London, GB
Gabriella Crespi (1922–2017) was an Italian designer, artist, and sculptor known for her luxurious and sculptural furniture, lighting, and decorative objects. She worked extensively ...
Aluminum
Gubi Bohemian 72 Outdoor Ottoman in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 pouf designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. Bohemian '72 pouf is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the designer's interest in natural materials and curiosity for refined oriental culture in years of travel. Gubi unveils Bohemian 72, a collection of rattan outdoor furniture...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Foam
Gabriella Crespi Set of 8 Sedia 73 Gray Leather Chairs
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
A set of 8 chairs by Gabriella Crespi. The design is quite striking in its perfect simplicity, clean modern lines with the polished metal contrasting with the organic beauty of the leather. When folded we realize that we have been deceived by the apparent simplicity of the design as the unexpected way the leather seats are held in place is revealed. These chairs were designed by Gabriella Crespi in several versions. First introduced in 1973 with the Puzzle dining table...
Metal
Handcrafted Moroccan Leather Ottoman by Berber Tribes, Bohemian Style
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan handcrafted brown camel leather ottoman, with embroideries.Could be used a foot stool, or side table or ottoman.The Moroccan leather pou...
Leather
$4,399 / item
H 25.5 in W 30.3 in D 33.4 in
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' lounge chair upholstered in Harp ivory fabric (24- Fabric group A). Paulin designed the 'Pacha' lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creating a sensation of sitting on clouds. With ivory cotton upholstery and a returning swivel wood base with a pearl gold finish, the curvaceous and low-slung Pacha lounge chair...
Cotton, Wood
Cini Boeri for Arflex Strips Sofa in velvet, Italy 1968
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Cini Boeri for Arflex, two seater strips sofa in aubergine velvet, Italy 1968 The iconic Strips sofa, a comfortable and versatile design. Reupholstered in a beautiful high quality b...
Velvet
Poltrona Tria Lounge Chair in Rattan by Carlo de Carli for GUBI
By Carlo di Carli, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Poltrona Tria Lounge Chair in Rattan by Carlo de Carli for GUBI Seamlessly merging the inherent beauty and charm of natural rattan with meticulous ergonomic precision, the Poltrona ...
Upholstery, Rattan
Round Rattan Ottoman, Boucle, Mid Century
By Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
Round Rattan Ottoman, white Kravet Ivory Nubby Boucle fabric seat. Ready for a new home.
Fabric, Rattan
$3,899 / item
H 35.44 in W 41.34 in D 27.56 in
Customizable Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a lounge chair, three-seater sofa, ottoman and floor lamp – all crafted from rattan – the Bohemian 72 Collection embodies Crespi’s ca...
Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Coastal Ikat Braided Rattan Ottoman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a beachy vibe to your home with this vintage coastal Ikat braided rattan ottoman. Featuring a vibrant Ikat pattern and intricate braided rattan design, this ottoman adds a spla...
Upholstery, Rattan
$1,200 / item
H 14 in W 27 in D 23 in
Knotty Contemporary Rattan Indoor-Outdoor Ottoman, Cushion in Sunbrella Fabric
By Nina Edwards Anker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Looped are a set of armchairs in polyethylene rattan. The set debuted at ICFF in 2016, comprising of sculptural knot forms. Edwards Anker says: “The affect of the form imitates the f...
Textile, Rattan
$12,099 / item
H 25.6 in W 99.61 in D 33.47 in
New and Made to Order Gubi 3-Seater Pacha Sofa with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Kinley Rattan Sofa by Bunny Williams Home
By Bunny Williams Home
Located in New York, NY
Our collection uses the natural fibers of the rattan palm: graceful, minimal frames are contrasted with a variety of decorative wicker artistry: tight loops run along the chair apron...
Wicker
$4,899 / item
H 25.5 in W 30.3 in D 33.4 in
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge chair with returning Swivel for GUBI. Pierre Paulin designed the Pacha lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creati...
Cotton, Wood
$2,499 / item
H 29.14 in W 31.5 in D 29.53 in
Customizable Gubi Grace Rattan Lounge Chair by Tove Kindt Larsen
By Gubi
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, organic and harmonious compendium of curves, the Grace chair by Tove Kindt-Larsen leads the contemporary revival of the sustainable and natural rattan material. Inspired by the soft curves of pebbles and driftwood she would collect from the beaches of northern Denmark, architect and designer Kindt-Larsen’s envisioned a graceful refinement of the informal rattan lounge chair. With its sweeping, gentle curves and intricate loops of flexible rattan, it supports a generous, upholstered seat and envelopes a plump, loose back cushion. Together they bring a comfort, tactility and and lightness that brings the outdoors inside, while the characteristics of the rattan frame give it a natural robustness and longevity. The timeless beauty of Tove Kindt-Larsen’s 1936 design and the sustainability of the rattan material make the Grace Chair a highly versatile and popular addition to the GUBI collection. With a choice of upholstery options available, it can add light and texture to a home and an informal yet elegant welcome to hotel or business interiors...
Textile
Set of 6 Rattan Chairs By Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 chairs in rattan and fabric by Gabriella Crespi Composed by 2 armchairs and 4 chairs Rising Sun collection All chairs have the signature stamped on brass Italy 1975 the bu...
Bamboo, Fabric
Sold
H 37.8 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Four Chairs and 2 Armchairs, Rising Sun Collection Italy, 1974, Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Marbella, ES
Four chairs and 2 armchairs, Rising Sun collection Italy, 1974. Gabriella Crespi.
Bamboo
Sold
H 33 in W 20 in D 21 in
Gabriella Crespi Pair of Chairs in Polished Brass and Leather 1970s 'Signed'
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of chairs in polished brass with stitched leather seats and backs, by Gabriella Crespi, Italy 1970's (signed "Gabriella Crespi Italy"). These chairs are super chic and beau...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Rising Sun Collection Rattan Chairs, Set of 8
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
Set of eight bamboo dining chairs, each retain a metal Gabriella Crespi tag. Great original vintage condition. The design is from the Rising Sun series designed and produced in Ital...
Bamboo
Set of 6 Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Bamboo Dining Chairs
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
Great original vintage condition, this set has 6 armless chairs. Of the 6 chairs 3 have the brass Gabriella Crespi signature plaque on the back (see detail images). The design is fro...
Bamboo
Sold
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in L 33.47 in
Pair of Gabriella Crespi Reclining Chairs, Sedia 73, Brass and Natural Leather
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Uccle, BE
Pair of folding or reclining chairs, brass and leather, Ingenious closing of the seat by belt-type strapping, circa 1973. Signed with Gabriella Crespi markings "Gabriella Crespi BREV." About Gabriella Crespi : Gabriella Crespi (1922 Saronno IT – 2017 Milano IT) is an italian decorator and designer associated to « hippie chic » taste of the seventies. She studied architecture in Milan (polytechnical school) and was a great admirer of the work of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1945 she married Giuseppe Maria Crespi...
Brass
Set of Eight Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Dining Chairs
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
Eight House of the Rising Sun collection rattan dining chairs by Gabriella Crespi, signed and documented.
Rattan
Pair of Gabriella Crespi Bamboo Stools, circa 1970s Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of Gabriella Crespi Bamboo Stools Signed Circa 1970's, Italy Excellent Condition
Bamboo
Sold
H 27 in W 27 in D 45 in
Original Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Collection Reclining Lounge Chairs
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
These reclining chairs made entirely of Malacca Rattan and are key elements of Crespi's visionary rising sun collection created in 1974. Each is signed to brass plaque, original seat...
Rattan
Eight Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Bamboo Dining Chairs
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
Set of eight bamboo dining chairs, each retain a metal Gabriella Crespi tag. We also have a set of ten additional finish chairs with white leatherette upholstery. Note: This is lo...
Bamboo