Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...
Metal
Sesann Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
An absolute icon of 1970s Italian design, the Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina is pure sculptural comfort. The soft, enveloping frame is upholstered in black leather (r...
Chrome
$5,759Sale Price|25% Off
"Sesann" Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
A vintage sofa from "Sesann" Series, realized by Frattini in 1970. Alcantara upholstery, tubular chromed steel. Cassina label. Inches 23.6 (h) x 66.9 x 35.4 (d). An iconic expres...
Steel
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Walnut and Black Leather Chairs, Italy 1981
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Sacile, PN
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini set of six walnut and black leather chairs, Italy 1981 circa. This set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, is characterized by a splendid co...
Leather, Wood
Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of six Italian dining chairs, model 101, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1960s and manufactured by Cassina. Fine rosewood combined with mint-colored fabric upholstery by L...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, bar stools, model '112', walnut, leatherette, Italy, 1959 These barstools, model 112, were first created for the Stork Club restaurant in Milan. Th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Customizable Tacchini Lina Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Lina is a re-edition of one of the earliest projects designed by Gianfranco Frattini, one of the great masters of Italian design. Nominated in 1955 for the Compasso d’oro, the armcha...
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Model 882 daybed sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This elegant piece features a solid wood frame with refined dovetail joints and new brown Mohair upholstery by Mark...
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
$10,693 / item
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features ocher velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular ca...
Chrome
$8,638Sale Price|45% Off
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN - ricinus 04 CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth ...
Textile
$3,480Sale Price|77% Off
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Sesann 180cm Sofa Mays Color 01 - Cat. M Frame T07 Painted Black Walnut T43 Feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs...
Fabric
Sesann Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Argelato, BO
One of the most iconic projects by the great Italian architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company, this three seter sofa presented here in its first edition (19...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Space Age Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as structur...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
Sesann Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Mario Bellini, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Argelato, BO
One of the most iconic projects by the great Italian architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company, this three seter sofa presented here in its first edition (19...
Chrome
Armchairs "849" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s, set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of brown leather and wood armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Model: 849. Seat height: 40 cm. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR R...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This set is composed of two lounge chairs upholstered in tobacco and chocolate brown alpaca velvet. Sesann is characterized by an organic and informal shape and is defined by the tubular metal detail that wraps around the soft, upholstered seat. In the 1970s, the Cassina catalogue...
Chrome
Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, New Upholstery, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina,New Upholstery, Italy, 1970s Gianfranco Frattini (born May 16, 1926, Padua, Italy–died April 6, 2004, Milan, Italy) was an Italian des...
Fabric
Italian modern brown leather sofa Sesann Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather sofa Sesann Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s Sofa model Sesann in brown leather. The seat, the backrest and the two armrests follow curved and roun...
Metal
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergono...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, black leather and stainless steel, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point i...
Stainless Steel
Lina - Iconic Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
The Lina armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini, combines solidity and lightness in a welcoming, timeless design. Its elegant presence transforms any space, offering comfort and s...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Grey Wool and Walnut
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model '877', wool, walnut, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular sh...
Wool, Walnut
Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in pink fabric and metal, model: Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini. Seat height: 34 cm. Stamped Cassina on the underside. Wear due to time and age of the sofa. For shipping, reque...
Metal
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$14,202 / set
Set of 8 Gianfranco Frattini chairs
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, MI
Set of 8 very rare Gianfranco Frattini in curvet walnut wood, with green velvet re-upholster.
Bentwood
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann living room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1972 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. The set is composed of a three-seater sofa and three armchairs. It ...
Chrome
$4,074Sale Price|40% Off
Sesann Lounge Chair by Tacchini designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
The Sesann armchair designed by Frattini is an icon of 1970s Italian design, the absolute representation of softness, inviting one to give in to the beauty of the most authentic comf...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Giulia Lounge Armchair with Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A re-edition of the famous model 877 by Gianfranco Frattini, from 1957, named for the wife of Gio Ponti, the designer’s great teacher and mentor. Giulia is Frattini’s modern interpre...
Leather, Fabric
1970s Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Toronto, CA
Like sitting on a cloud... Historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, ...
Steel
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
Sesann two seater sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in dark brown leather for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful early production 2 seater ‘Sesann’ sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Cassina, Italy 1969. This super comfortable sofa comes in a beautiful high qual...
Chrome
Sofa Model 830 with Light Grey Velvet, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Italy, 1955
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The body of the piece of furniture is newly covered with light grey ...
Fabric, Wood
$7,780Sale Price|50% Off
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft...
Textile
Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Fratinni in Leather for Cassina Italian
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Sesann armchairs designed by the Italian designer Gianfranco Fratinni for Cassina in 1969. Chrome-plated tubular steel frame and brown lea...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Tobacco Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This lounge chair features a chocolate brown alpaca velvet upho...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Together with the armchair and sofa already featured in a Tacchini re-edition in 2015, the Sesann ottoman continues the story of a vision of contemporar...
Leather, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, New Beige Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. They feature black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage a...
Chrome
Armchair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini 1960 Model '880'
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
This sophisticated piece of furniture, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1960 for Cassina, stands out for its scultural and futuristic line. The cover, renewed like the foam, is mad...
Leather, Rosewood
Chair by Gianfranco Frattini, 1960
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
This extraordinary chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1960. The construction of the 'Model 904' is made of solid walnut wood. The seat and back are upholstered. Th...
Wool, Walnut
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Model 849, one of his most famous armchairs, was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956. Awarded honorable mention at the 3rd Compasso d’Oro, Agnes...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This lounge chair features a chocolate brown alpaca velvet upho...
Chrome
Chrome Metal Lounge Chair with Loose Cushions by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York City, NY
Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, circa 1970s. Sleek, low lounge chair with chrome-plated metal frame, tubular legs, and unique arm and backrests typical of acclaimed f...
Chrome
2-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The sofa is in good original condition and is covered wit...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 8 “107” Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, FR
Set of eight model “107” dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. A refined Italian modern classic, defined by its two-part curved backrest and archit...
Wood, Velvet
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and dark-stained wood lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. Seat Height: 15.5” H Leg Rest Dimensions (inches): 16.5” H x...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Green Upholstery and Teak
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Teak
Gianfranco Frattini, Wingback Armchair Model 877, Cassina 1959
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Wood
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Grand Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Base: painted or chromed metal. Feet: walnut or gray stained ash. Upholstery: not removable. Sesann is reborn in new dimensions to offer greater comfort and sensuality with a deep and welcoming seat that further enhances the important volumes of this historic sofa. Grand Sesann...
Fabric, Leather, Textile
$10,994Sale Price|30% Off
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with sof...
Fabric
3-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The sofa is in good original condition and is covered wit...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of three Sesann lounge chairs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. They features brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome...
Chrome
"Sesann" Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berkeley, CA
This fantastic "Sesann" lounge chair by Gianfranco Frattini originally graced the lobby of Edward Lararbee Barnes and John Ming-Yee Lee's architectural offices and is the perfect can...
Chrome