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 Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini, Mario Bellini
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
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
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
Sesann Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Mario Bellini, 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
Sesann Leather Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Mario Bellini, 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
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
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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
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
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 Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
1950s Italian Armchairs in the Style of Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Practicing both industrial design and architecture, focusing mostly on interiors, Gianfranco Frattini is one of the members of the generation that created the Italian design movement...
Metal, Brass
Sesann - Armchair in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini, Rare Pair of Wingback Armchairs Model 877 (First Edition)
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare pair of Wingback armchairs from an important chalet in the Italian Alps. Designed by the Italian Architect Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company in 1959. The fabric, in ex...
Fabric, Wood
Lina - Iconic Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Armchair and ottoman mod 877 Gianfranco Frattini Cassina 1959 white mohair
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair model '877', designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1959. The frame is made of teak wood, while the foam padding is covered in white mohair wool. An elegant example ...
Mohair, Wood
Agnes - Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Ref. Model 849 of 1956
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Agnes Armchair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Agnese is one of Gianfranco Frattini's most celebrated armchairs-the 849 model from 1956-and stands as a timeless icon of Italian desi...
Fabric, Wood
Sesann - Armchair in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
Fabric
$5,186 / set
H 30.71 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
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
$15,343
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
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
Gianfranco Frattini, Wingback Armchair Model 877, Cassina 1959
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
$4,868 / set
H 32.68 in W 20.87 in D 17.72 in
6 walnut chairs, Model 104, by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s.
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MADRID, ES
6 walnut chairs Model 104 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Set of 6 upholstered in Namay Samay fabric. Gianfranco Frattini was an architect and designer of furnitur...
Walnut
$7,363 / item
H 26.38 in W 43.21 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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
$7,072 / set
H 39.77 in W 34.26 in D 37.41 in
Pair of armchairs in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of comfortable bergère armchairs in fabric and wood, upholstered in velvet, in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italian manufacture, 1950s. The elegance of the bergère armch...
Fabric, Wood
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
$8,251
H 27.56 in W 40.01 in D 39.38 in
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
$4,422 / item
H 28.74 in W 33.7 in D 29.92 in
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
$16,503 / set
H 27.56 in W 40.01 in D 39.38 in
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
$12,259Sale Price|5% Off
H 36.62 in W 37.41 in D 36.23 in
Vintage iconic Joe Colombo Elda armchair, Italian Space Age 1960s, Black Leather
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic Armchair , Vintage Italian Armchair , Joe Colombo , Elda It’s 1963, Space Age is at its dawn, and Italian architect Joe Colombo designs a piece that will define the aestheti...
Leather, Fiberglass
$15,200
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
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
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.64 in D 30.32 in
Original Pair of Gianfranco Frattini 836 Lounge Chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of original lounge chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In good original condition - wooden frames, patinated brass legs and presumably orig...
Metal
Tariff Tacchini Lina Armchair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
just tariff
Fabric
Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Oakville, CA
Design care of Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Made in Italy, 1970s. Reupholstered by Joe Banone in his Paris Atelier [recently worked on all seating in Lenny Kravitz's home as seen...
Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 42.52 in
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
Chrome
Sold
H 27.75 in W 21 in D 19 in
Rare set 4 Gianfranco Frattini Chairs for Bernini.. Modernist , Made In Italy
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Buffalo, NY
PRICED PER CHAIR !!! Rare set of 4 Italian Modernist . Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini mid-century modern and stylish chairs with Italian Rosewood seat back, circular upholstered se...
Steel
Sesann Armchair
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
A newly reupholstered "Sesann" armchair in luxurious baby pink velvet, designed by renowned Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in 1969 (first edition).
Stainless Steel
Armchair '849' by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Anni 50-60
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina starting in the 1950s. Stained wood frame, foam seat, back and cushion, fabric cover.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 26.38 in W 42.92 in D 37.01 in
"Sesann" Lounge chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s, set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of brown leather and metal armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini. Seat height: 43 cm. Stamped Cassina on the underside. Wear due to time and age of the armchairs. For shipping, reque...
Metal
Sold
H 85 in W 83 in D 96 in
Gianfranco Frattini, Pair of Upholstered Armchairs, model 830, by Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Pair of elegant model 830 armchairs, designed in the 1950s by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Cassina. Each chair is supported on tapering conical wood legs, and measures 85...
Upholstery, Wood
Two Armchairs '849' Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina starting in the 1950s. Stained wood frame, foam seat, back and cushion, fabric upholstery in freshly reuphol...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Leather Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This pair is made with red leather and has the Cassina signature on the backside of the seat pillows. We love the comfo...
Leather
Sold
H 27.17 in W 42.52 in D 37.8 in
Sesann Leather Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina (First Edition), 1972
By Mario Bellini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Black leather armchair "Sesann" model, designed by the Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, 1969 (First edition).
Chrome