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. Today, the Memphis Milano brand, which is managed by Alberto Bianchi Albrici, still produces designs created by the group between 1981 and 1988.
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 Memphis Milano seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Vienna, AT
A post-modern wall-mounted mirror, Model „Diva" designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy. This mirror is a vintage original from the 1980s, made from wood and mi...
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Diva Mirror, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Diva Mirror with plastic laminate, was originally designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated...
Mirror, Plastic
Memphis Milano "Ionian" Luxury Table Mirror Vanity Mirror by Michele De Lucchi
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by acclaimed Italian architect and Memphis co-founder Michele De Lucchi in 1985, the "Ionian" table mirror originated from a special Christmas gift...
Mirror, Wood
Memphis Milano "Dorian" Luxury Table Mirror Vanity Mirror by Michele De Lucchi
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by acclaimed Italian architect and Memphis co-founder Michele De Lucchi in 1985, the "Dorian" table mirror originated from a special Christmas gift...
Mirror, Wood
Luigi Serafini "Sheraton" Free standing Mirror for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Luigi Serafini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Luigi Serafini in 1981 during the early days of Memphis Milano, the "Sheraton" mirror is a powerful and monumental piece conceived as a "portal"...
Metal
$3,615 / item
Memphis Milano "Diva" Wall Mirror by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Memphis founder Ettore Sottsass in 1984, the "Diva" mirror metaphorically brings to life his famous assertion: "Design is a way of looking at life, of building a possible figurative utopia or a metaphor for life." In a highly surreal manner, the design simultaneously conceals and highlights a bold "X" shape, accentuated by the vivid colors of its decorative laminate. The upper section is defined by two striking circular elements, while the lower base is anchored by a podium crafted from natural wood veneer. Without a doubt, "Diva" demands the active participation of anyone who looks into it, inviting the observer to narcissistically become an integral part of the artwork itself. Material Excellence & Craftsmanship This extraordinary piece merges bold architectural geometry with the classic, disruptive material palette characteristic of the Memphis movement. Structure: A sturdy wooden base covered with high-quality natural wood veneer and iconic decorative laminate, paired with reflective mirror glass. Surface Finish & Craftsmanship: The piece expertly juxtaposes smooth, reflective surfaces with brightly colored lacquered elements and vibrant patterned laminates. The finely finished natural wood podium...
Mirror, Wood
$10,942
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Ultrafragola Mirror/Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Asti, Piemonte
The Ultrafragola mirror / lamp with its sinuous shape, evocative of a wavy female hair, belongs to the Gray Furniture series, a complete bedroom and liv...
Glass, Plastic
$9,367 / item
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Ultrafragola Mirror/Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Asti, Piemonte
This is Ultrafragola a nice mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova in the 1970. It is a translucent white plastic frame of undulating outline, concealing pink internal flu...
Glass, Plastic
$854
H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 1.58 in
Colored Mirror with Irregular Shape in the style of Ettore Sottsass, Italy 2010s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made with different colored mirrors, wood and metal. Limited production. This mirror is in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. The decorative objec...
Metal
$4,739 / item
H 29 in W 59 in D 4.5 in
Memphis Milano Style Rainbow Mirror. Inspired by Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola
Located in Hurricane, UT
The Rainbowla Mirror made by Greg Palombo takes its inspiration from the Memphis Milano movement and Ettore Sottsass's Ultrafragola mirror. Five lacquered bands of orange, blue, yell...
Wood, Lacquer
$4,123 / item
H 78.75 in W 19.69 in D 3.15 in
DIVA Standing Mirror, by Jean-Marie Massaud for Glas Italia
By Glas Italia, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diva standing mirror is shown here in the rectangular shape. Standing mirror realized in glued smoked glass. The upper and lower part is transparent while the central part has a spec...
Mirror
$9,562 / item
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror!
Glass, Acrylic
$9,565 / item
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror!
Glass, Acrylic
$9,562 / item
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror...
Glass, Acrylic
$23,937
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.91 in
Ettore Sottsass 1st Series Ultrafragola Mirror Object 1970 for Poltronova Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Munster, NRW
Original 1st edition model of the Ultrafragola Mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova. Light up mirror with acrylic shell made of layered waves around the central mirror...
Plastic
Ettore Sottsass wall mirror production Santambrogio&De Berti
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, MI
Very rare and beautiful wall mirror by Ettore Sottsass produced by Santambrogio & De Berti with brass .
Brass
Art Deco Dressing Table Mirror or Vanity Mirror from France
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French free-standing vanity mirror or dressing table mirror of chrome and mirrored glass from the Art Deco era, with a swiveling square mirror surface and felt back, supported...
Chrome, Metal
$6,104
H 74.81 in W 27.56 in D 2.37 in L 74.81 in
Gioiello Burnished Brass Free Standing and Floor Mirrors by Ghidini 1961, Italy
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
Gioiello mirrors are inspired by the infinite possibilities of a brass sphere as a single building block, designed to create a collection of objects and their story through repetitio...
Brass
$9,565 / item
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror!
Glass, Acrylic
$17,135
H 76.78 in W 39.38 in D 5.12 in
20th Century Ettore Sottsass Mirror Ultrafragola for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ettore Sottsass was a 20th-century Italian architect, noted for also designing furniture, jewellery, glass, lighting, home and office wares, as well as numerous buildings and interio...
Opal
$1,994
H 21.07 in W 14.57 in D 7.88 in
Mid-Century Brass Vanity Table Wall Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten , Germany
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-Century Brass Vanity Table Wall Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten , Germany , 1950s
Metal, Brass