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 armchair in original brown velvet by G. Frattini for Cassina Italy 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sesann armchair designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970s, Polyuretane, original mohair velvet, tubolar chromed steel structure, wooden base. Excellent condition. Sesann...
Metal
Set of 4 Gianfranco Frattini 'Nuela' Chairs for Lema SpA, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four armless side chairs from the 'Nuela' collection, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Lema SpA beginning in 1976. Frames are varnished beechwood with a warm am...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plastic, Foam, Wood, Beech
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Yellow / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Sofa in Red fabric / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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, 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
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Anilina - Black Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute r...
Metal
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
1970s Italian Cognac Leather & Chrome Sesann Lounge Armchair by Frattini Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Mario Bellini, Tacchini, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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, 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
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
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
$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
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
Gianfranco Frattini Brown 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 brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular ca...
Chrome
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
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 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
Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
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 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
Set of 2 Gianfranco Frattini Chairs Modell 830, 1950s, Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Set of Six Gianfranco Frattini Dining Chairs in Burgundy, Italy 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hellouw, NL
Some designs quietly define a period through balance rather than excess. These dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini embody that approach, bringing together refined craftsmanship, tho...
Fabric, Walnut
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 “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
Very Rare BULL Sofa 1987 by Gianfranco Frattini for CASSINA - 1 year produced
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
RARE ONE-YEAR PRODUCTION · ORIGINAL BICOLOR BLACK & TAUPE LEATHER An exceptionally rare Bull two-seater by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, introduced in 1987 and documented as havin...
Leather
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
Iconic Sesann Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
"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
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 for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Red / Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a...
Metal
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, 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
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 Grand Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
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
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 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 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
Gianfranco Frattini Space Age Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Three Seater Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
$13,667 / 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
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 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
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
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 - Original Leather
Leather
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
Pair of Sesann armchairs in leather 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
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
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
Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini Reupholstered
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Clean Lined Italian Dining Chairs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Lema S.P.A., Italian, circa 1960s. The chairs are currently being reupholstered and can be complete...
Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Maple
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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 for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather and Chrome Metal 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute representation of softness, inviting you to surre...
Metal
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
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 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
3-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