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Willy Rizzo Chairs

Italian, 1928-2013

Renowned Italian furniture designer Willy Rizzo is celebrated for having produced eye-catching, sensational showpieces that merged plush fabrics with wood, metal and glass. Influenced by European modernists and drawing on the spare forms and clean lines of the American mid-century modern style, Rizzo prized functionality and simplicity in his dazzling work.

Born in Naples, Rizzo never intended on designing furniture. Instead, he began pursuing photography at the age of 12. By the 1960s, he had become a notable photographer, having captured images of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. His experience with furniture design came about inadvertently when he moved to Rome in 1966. There, Rizzo rented an apartment with his wife Elsa that he described as "practically uninhabitable." Dissatisfied with the Scandinavian furniture options on offer, Rizzo built sofas, coffee tables and other furniture to suit the space's strong modern vibe. When his friends saw what he had accomplished, they were enamored by his furniture creations and commissioned him to build similar items for them.

The demand for Rizzo’s furniture grew from there. He established a production facility and workshop in Tivoli, just outside of Rome, which grew to house over 150 employees. There, finding inspiration in the work of iconic architects including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, he created more than 30 unique furniture designs. Over the years he opened boutiques around the world to showcase and sell his furniture.

Rizzo prided himself on seamlessly blending the contemporary with the classic. “It was about creating something new for a traditional setting,” he said of his work. From his sleek sideboards to his low-profile side tables, elegant chairs and entire living room sets, Rizzo's style sensibility is evident throughout every detail of his designs.

Rizzo sold his company in 1978 and returned to photography. However, the presence of his furniture resonated into the new century and is sure to impact interior décor enthusiasts into the next. Over the years, high-profile collectors of Rizzo’s work have included French actress Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí and American musician Lenny Kravitz.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Willy Rizzo tables, lighting, seating and storage pieces.

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Creator: Willy Rizzo
chairs Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vezzano Sul Crostolo, IT
Set of 6 chairs designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Mario Sabot 1970s. Brass-plated metal frame in good condition. Velvet fabric replaced.
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s Set of six chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s. The combination of clean lines, high-quality...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Four Willy Rizzo dining chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, FR
Four dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo, circa 1970 Italy. Chrome structure. New Alcantara upholstery.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Palermo, IT
Pair of chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo 1960s Products that reflect the age of the 20th century. Mid-centurymodern. Modernity for interior decora...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs for Mario Sabon
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot set off four dining chairs made of curved wood lacquered in black shiny colour and leather padded cushions, custom made for these chairs, and hold ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Willy Rizzo C2 70s Production Chromed Steel Frame Gray Vintage Leather Set of 4
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Willy Rizzo chairs C2 70s production with chromed steel frame and gray vintage leather seats. Set of 4 chairs. The seat has been re upholstered with vintage leather. The chairs are in excellent condition, the steel shows only light signs of use. Set of 4 chairs. Measurements: L seat 45 cm, total P 55 cm, H 83 cm, seat P 41...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Steel

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Willy Rizzo chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Rizzo chairs 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 Willy Rizzo chairs, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Willy Rizzo were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Tobia Scarpa, and Carlo Bartoli. Prices for Willy Rizzo chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $579 and can go as high as $10,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,050.

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