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Memphis Group Furniture

Italian

To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look.

The Memphis story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the Milan Furniture Fair the next year, determined that all the new furniture they were then seeing was boring. Their mission: Boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. (Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, designed in 1970, embodied many of what would become the collective’s postmodern ideals.)

The group decided to design, produce and market their own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut, at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile, drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles.

So as a record of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile” played on repeat, they took their name from the song, devised their marketing strategy and plotted the postmodern look that would come to define the decade of excess — primary colors, blown-up proportions, playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art. A high-low mix of materials also helped define Memphis, as evidenced by Javier Mariscal’s pastel serving trays, which feature laminate veneer — a material previously used only in kitchens — as well as Shiro Kuramata’s Nara and Kyoto tables made from colored glass-infused terrazzo.

An image of Sottsass posing with his collaborators in a conversation pit shaped like a boxing ring appeared in magazines all over the world, and Karl Lagerfield furnished his Monte Carlo penthouse entirely in Memphis furniture. Meanwhile, members like Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Sottsass and his wife, journalist Barbara Radice, went on to enjoy fruitful careers.

Some people think of the Milan-based collective as the design equivalent to Patrick Nagel’s kitschy screenprints, but for others Memphis represents what made the early 1980s so great: freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors.

Eventually, the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990s minimalism, and Memphis fell out of fashion. Sottsass left the group in 1985, and by 1987, it had disbanded. Yet decades later, Memphis is back and can be traced to today’s most exciting designers.

“As someone who was born in the 1980s, Memphis at times feels like the grown-up, artsy version of the toys I used to play with,” says Shaun Kasperbauer, cofounder of the Brooklyn studio Souda. “It feels a little nostalgic, but at the same time it seems like an aesthetic that’s perfectly suited to an internet age — loud, colorful and utilizing forms that are graphic and often a little unexpected.”

Find a collection of vintage Memphis Group seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Memphis Group
Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Alioth Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1983. The Venetian glass vase features blue fusions and black threads. Signed on the base. Ettore Sottsass was b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Altair Glass Flower Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. I...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Rucola Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Rucola Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Rucola Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Rucola ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of the design items are a reminder of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Ananke Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is glass blown, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Tray in white porcelain. The Manitoba tray was originally designed in 1982 by Matteo Thun, and belongs to the Memphis Milano Collection 1981-1988. The white porcelain tray...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Imera Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Lettuce White Ceramic Dinner Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Lettuce White Ceramic Dinner Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Lettuce White Ceramic Dinner Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Lettuce ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Terminus floor lamp with Structure in painted sheet steel. One bulb 12V, 50W., designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Martine Bedin is an industrial d...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Continental Wood Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
Continental Wood Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

Continental Wood Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Continental side table designed in 1984 for Memphis, in laminated wood and plastic. Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Garda White Porcelain Amphora was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis Milano. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Sa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Sol Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Sol Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Sol glass fruit bowl was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below. Ettore Sottsass was bo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Astimelusa Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, and made out of blown Murano glass. Signed “E.Sottsass...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Niobe Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass and signed on the base. For further information please see authenticity i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection

Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection

By Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl was designed for Memphis in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass. This bowl features a tapering cylindrical shape with three green handles, with the side decorated ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Deneb vase in multicolored glass was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982 for Memphis. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Onega White Porcelain Cup, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Onega White Porcelain Cup, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The kitchen took a new revolutionary appeal when Matteo Thun designed its series of white decorated porcelains for Memphis Milano. The rite of the quickie espresso changed forever wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the Santa Ana Ceramic ceiling lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The lamp is numbered and does not include the bulb. Born 1952 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano

Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Labrador sauce-boat was originally designed by Andrea Branzi in 1982. This piece is featured in brass with plated silver 925, or in solid 925 silver. Prices may vary for the soli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Brass, Silver

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Nilo Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Nilo Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Nilo vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. A classic by Sottsass, the Nilo porcelain vase is part of thre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Super All White US 110V Table or Floor Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano
Super All White US 110V Table or Floor Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano

Super All White US 110V Table or Floor Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Super All White table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options for light sockets also include: blue, yellow, and multi-colored sockets. Martine Bedin was born in Bordeaux in 1957. In 1981 she was one of the founding members of the Memphis group, she works as an architect, industrial designer and professor. Her works are exhibited in many museums and private collections. Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 80s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond. Additional Information: - Dimensions: L. 17.75" x H. 11.75" inches - Lighting Info: Bulb E14, W 40. -Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket. - Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets. - If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with EU wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Midcentury Memphis style  black red Umbrella stand / Cane holder
Italian Midcentury Memphis style  black red Umbrella stand / Cane holder

Italian Midcentury Memphis style black red Umbrella stand / Cane holder

By Memphis Group

Located in Valladolid, ES

Fun and original Memphis style umbrella stand, made in the 1990s in Italy. Very decorative, it reflects the aesthetic principles of Ettore Sottsass, characterized by the use of geome...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Super White with Colored Sockets EU 220V, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

Super White with Colored Sockets EU 220V, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the EU wired, super white table or floor lamp in fiberglass with multicolored light bulbs. Designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Martin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Kariba fruit bowl was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Salzburg Academy of A...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Ladoga White Porcelain Cocktail Glass, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Ladoga White Porcelain Cocktail Glass, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Ladoga vase or goblet, was originally designed by Matteo Thun for Memphis in 1982, and it takes its name from the biggest European lake. Decorated in white porcelain, a complex s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Super White with Colored Sockets USA 110V by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano C.
Super White with Colored Sockets USA 110V by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano C.

Super White with Colored Sockets USA 110V by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano C.

By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Super White table or floor lamp in fiberglass with multicolored light bulbs. Designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Martine Bedin was born in Bordeaux in 1957. In 1981 she was one of the founding members of the Memphis group, she works as an architect, industrial designer and professor. Her works are exhibited in many museums and private collections. Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of new design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond. Additional information: Dimensions: L. 17.75" x H. 11.75" inches Lighting info: Bulb E14, W 40. -Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket. - Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets. - If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Euphrates Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano
Euphrates Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano

Euphrates Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Beirut, LB

The Euphrates vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. A classic by Sottsass, the Euphrates porcelain vase is part of three 'rivers' vase...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection
Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection

Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection

By Javier Mariscal, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Hilton trolley in lacquered metal and crystal glass, designed in 1981 by Javier Mariscal. He was born in Valencia in 1950. In 1971 he moved to Barcelona to study Graphic Design at the Elisava School. There he came into contact with comic book writers and illustrators of the time, such as Mique Beltrán, Daniel Torres and Sento. Together they set up "El rollo enmascarado", a group specialized in underground comics. In the 1980s, he worked as interior designer. In these he collaborated with Memphis Among his best known works are Cobi, the mascot for the 1992 Olympic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.

Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.

By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The lacquered metal Rossella Ceiling Lamp, with EU wiring accessibility, was designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Memphis Group furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Memphis Group furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Memphis Group furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 33 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 132 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Memphis Group were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Fulvio Bianconi, Ferruccio Laviani, and Rodolfo Dordoni. Prices for Memphis Group furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $104 and can go as high as $23,720, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,266.
Questions About Memphis Group Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
    The Memphis Group is famous for creating the most radical and attention-getting designs of the postmodern period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. Its story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair. Their mission was to boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. The group decided to design, produce and market its own collection, one that wouldn't be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut at Milan's 1981 Salone del Mobile drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles. The group remained active until the 1990s. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture and decorative objects.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group was an art and design collective formed in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass. The group debuted in 1981 and continued working together until 1987, producing furniture, decorative objects and textiles. Shop a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Numerous artists and designers were in the Memphis Group. Ettore Sottsass founded the collective and served as its leader. Other members included Aldo Cibic, Andrea Branzi, Javier Mariscal, Martine Bedin, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Michael Graves, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Peter Shire and Shiro Kuramata. You'll find a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group was created by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass to bring together artists and designers with similar visions. He hoped to combine the ideas of all the members and create single furniture and decorative object designs under one name. You'll find a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Italian designer Ettore Sottsass founded the Memphis Group in 1980 to fulfill his vision of having a team of like-minded designers collaborating to produce unique furniture and decorative objects. In 1981, the group held their first exhibition and continued to design together until 1987. You'll find a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group designed a wide variety of items from 1980 to 1987 when the collective was active. Their designs included furniture and textiles as well as decorative objects made out of ceramics, metal and glass. Shop a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group formed in 1980 when Italian designer Ettore Sottsass invited fellow artists and designers to band together and create a collective. In 1981, the group debuted with a show in Milan, Italy, and continued to collaborate until disbanding in 1987. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group had an eclectic style created by combining the creativity of numerous artists and designers. Its furniture, textiles and decorative aspects blend elements of Pop Art and Art Deco design. Shop a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group got its name from the Bob Dylan song "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again." During the group's first meeting led by Italian designer Ettore Sottsas the song was on repeat, and the gathered artists and designers drew inspiration from the title. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Memphis Group debuted their designs in 1981 with an exhibition at the Salone del Mobile of Milan in Milan, Italy. Although many people criticized their designs at the time, the design group developed a cult following that boasted famous creatives like fashion designer Karl Lagerfield and musician David Bowie. Shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.