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.
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
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 24 in D 29.5 in
Pair of Hans Wegner Style Mid Century Folding Lounge Chairs, Teak Accent Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Hans Wegner Style Mid Century Folding Lounge Chairs, Accent Chairs This stunning pair of vintage lounge chairs features sculptural teak wood frames and original hand woven ...
Rope, Cord, Teak, Wood
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
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
Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous olive green mohair contrasts the beautiful walnut sle...
Mohair, Walnut
$1,200Sale Price / set|59% Off
H 30.5 in W 22.5 in D 30.5 in
Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Lafayette, IN
Charming pair of streel-frame arm chairs built in 1965 by Steelcase Inc. Chairs feature angular, black-painted steel frames, walnut armrests and new saddle-brown vinyl embossed with a classic, western-inspired, paisley motif. With their architectural lines, unique upholstery...
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Ninfea Folding Side Chair by Gio Ponti, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Ninfea folding side chair made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Gio Ponti, in good condition. The seat backrest of singl...
Leather, Walnut
$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 Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
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
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Gunlocke Chair Co.
By Gunlocke
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern armchairs boast a dark walnut frame with sculpted armrests and upholstered backrests. A wonderful design that ensures comfort without sacrificing...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,200 / set
H 35.04 in W 16.54 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Folding Chairs by Arrben, model Tamara, in cognac leather, Italy 1970s
By Arrben
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of exceptionally rare postmodern folding chairs manufactured by Arrben. They feature chrome plated steel frames and cognac leather seats and back...
Steel
$5,800 / set
H 31.5 in W 17 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Italian Side Chairs by Matteo Grassi, Brown Leather, Pair
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Mid-Century side chairs with brown leather wrapped frames and seats with defined stitching. (MATTEO GRASSI)(PRICED AS PAIR)
Leather, Upholstery
$1,353Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 16.93 in D 19.69 in
Zanotta, Pair of Grey Leather and White Lacquered Metal Folding Chairs, Italian
By Zanotta
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of folding chairs is made of white lacquered metal with a grey leather seat and back. These are comfortable and easy to store as they can be fold. These chairs are Italian,...
Metal
Pair of Sculptural Maple Chairs by Tecno Sedia
By Tecno
Located in Greensboro, NC
Pair of maple chairs by Tecno Sedia. High gloss poly finish. Condition is good with minor wear in the form of scuffs appropriate for the age. Very sturdy frames.
Bentwood
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
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