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.
Sesann 3-Seater Sofa in dusty pink by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in amstelveen, NL
An early edition Sesann three-seat sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, circa 1970. The Sesann is celebrated for its sculptural silhouette and distinctive expos...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Pre restoration images avai...
Fabric, Plywood
Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s, 10 pcs
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Diest, BE
Great set of 10 Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Overall good vintage condition. Some chairs have scratches on the seat and wood. Literature...
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 Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Walnut and Black Leather Chairs, Italy 1981
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
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
Two Seater Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Two seater sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1969. Original label. Black Leather, excellent condition. Ref. Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Design Italiano1950-200...
Steel
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 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, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$4,074Sale Price|40% Off
Original SESANN Indoor Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini - made in Italy
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
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
$10,693 / item
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 for Cassina Lounge Chair in Grey Wool and Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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, Lounge Chairs, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Vintage fabric in...
Fabric, Plywood
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
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
1970s Italian Cognac Leather & Chrome Sesann Lounge Armchair by Frattini Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Mario Bellini, Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original 1970s Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina upholstered in aniline cognac / camel colored calfskin leather. Gianfranco Frattini was born in Italy, in Padua, on 15...
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
Iconic Sesann Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic Sesann lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the 1970s. A true statement piece, this design is instantly recognizable for its bold, sculptural form and t...
Aluminum
$14,160 / 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 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
Italian Modern Black Leather Wood 3seat Sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather wood 3-seater sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s 3-seater sofa Bull model with the rectangular seat, that is made up of padded cushions covered in ...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Chair by Gianfranco Frattini, 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Lina - Iconic Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 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
Three Seater Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
Three seater sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1969. Original manufacturer's label. Black Leather, excellent condition. Ref. Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Design...
Steel
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
Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
849 Lounge Chair, Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the 1960s, the iconic Model 849 lounge chair is a refined example of Italian modernist design. Its sculptural solid wood frame is paire...
Upholstery, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Sesann - Sofa black leather by Gianfranco Frattini Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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...
Leather
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970s, Polyuretane, leather, tubolar chromed steel structure, wooden base. Excellent condition. Reupholster in new vi...
Metal
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
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, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Giulia Lounge Armchair with Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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
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
Iconic Mid Century Armchair Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an iconic example of Italian radical design of the 1970s, the Sesann armchair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1970 and remains one of...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Tobacco 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
"Sesann" Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Metal
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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
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 Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
"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
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, 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
Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Gianfranco Frattini 6 chairs Model 101 Rosewood Cassina Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, IDF
Gianfranco FRATTINI (1926-2004) Set of 6 chairs model 101 with structure and backrest in rosewood. Seat covered with a yellow wool fabric. Traces of use. Lo...
Rosewood
Set of 2 Gianfranco Frattini Chairs Modell 830, 1950s, Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This pair of "Model 830" armchairs was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for the Italian company Cassina in the 1950s. Both pieces are upholstered in dark green fabric and are supporte...
Fabric, Wood
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
Pair of Armchairs Mod. 849 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs Mod. 849 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s
Fabric, Wood
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
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 en...
Fabric
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 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 Black Leather Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
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