Paolo Gucci Seating

Sculptural curved sofa and matching side table showcase Paolo Gucci's sophisticated approach to luxury furniture design. Created for Formitalia's inaugural Boutique collection in 199...

A rare and highly distinctive two-seat sofa designed by Paolo Gucci for Formitalia, Italy, circa 1991. It translates the visual language of luxury leather goods into furniture and is a striking example of the exuberant Italian luxury design of the early 1990s. Design Deep black leather is combined with warm burl wood, slim brass-toned accents, embossed basket-weave panels and a decorative leather strap with buckle at the centre of the base. These details refer to traditional saddlery, travel trunks and fine Italian leather goods. The sculptural side panels follow a sweeping curved line that frames the generously padded leather cushions. The sides and back are fully finished, so the sofa can stand freely in the middle of a room. An oval heraldic badge on the side bears the name Paolo Gucci and his personal crest. About the designer Paolo Gucci (1931–1995), grandson of the Gucci founder Guccio Gucci, worked for many years in the family company before developing furniture and lifestyle designs under his own name. His pieces for Formitalia combine luxury materials with references to equestrian and leather-goods traditions. Condition Good original vintage condition. The leather is deep black with natural creasing and craquelure from age and use. The burl wood shows scratches and lacquer wear on the edges, and the brass details show light patination. Unrestored, with the original finishes retained throughout. Please see the photos for details. Dimensions: height 81 cm, width 160 cm, depth 110 cm, seat height 38 cm. Style and interior With its black leather, burl wood, brass and equestrian details, the sofa has a strong postmodern character, with touches of Art Deco revival and executive design. It works particularly well in interiors that combine travertine, marble, plaster walls, dark wood, brass and collectible 20th-century furniture, next to pieces by designers such as Willy Rizzo, Romeo Rega, Tommaso Barbi and the luxury Italian brands of the 1970s to 1990s. It is equally effective in a private study, a boutique hotel lobby or a fashion showroom. Keywords: Paolo Gucci sofa...