Among the masters of 20th-century Italian architecture, Giovanni "Gio" Ponti holds a prominent place. Remembered above all for his architectural masterpieces, Ponti also made significant contributions to the world of furniture. The reissue of Gio Ponti's designs by Molteni&C represents a tribute that is the result of meticulous research. This study, conducted in Gio Ponti's personal archives in collaboration with his heirs, has led to the re-creation of historic and unique pieces of furniture. These new elements were produced by utilizing the most advanced technologies, producing Gio Ponti armchairs that are current and in line with Molteni&C's vision of contemporary living. The iconic indoor and outdoor pieces are recognizable by their functionality and minimalist form.
Among Gio Ponti's Molteni armchairs is the iconic Round D.154.5, characterized by modern and innovative shapes. It is made with modern materials, such as Vipla for the upholstery, curved plywood for the backrest and seat structure, and metal feet with non-slip toe caps. The armchair consists of eight pieces and is part of the distinctive turning point in Ponti's furnituristic designs, marked by a desire for innovation and the availability of new materials. The Round D.154.5 was presented at the XI Milan Triennale in 1957 and was produced in a limited number of pieces, becoming a highly sought-after object among collectors. It was reproduced as part of Molteni&C's Heritage Collection in collaboration with the Gio Ponti Archives, faithfully maintaining the original details and offering several upholstery options. The D.154.5 Round armchair features an ash plywood frame and black chrome or satin brass feet.
Moletni’s D.153.1 armchair is inspired by the design in 1953 and is part of the reconstruction of the furnishings of Gio Ponti's private home on Via Dezza in Milan. The frame is in satin-finished brass, and the upholstery is in two-tone leather or Rubelli "Punteggiato" fabric. The fabric, designed by Ponti in 1934, reinterprets the centuries-old technique of velvet, updating it with contemporary patterns such as tight sequences of staggered stamps in color gradation. Also worth mentioning is the D.156.3 armchair which Gio Ponti designed for the American company Altamira and exhibited in the company's showroom in New York.
The D.154.2 Gio armchair has a rigid polyurethane shell, a soft polyurethane counter shell and cushion, and is upholstered in the Molteni&C range of fabrics and leathers, with the option of differentiating the three components. The D.154.2 armchair is considered one of the most representative pieces of Gio Ponti's artistic line and is also available in an outdoor version. Another Gio Ponti armchair is the D.151.4, which was also originally made for ships. The D.150.5 chaise longue was designed for the Andrea Doria cruise ship in 1952 and is one of the most iconic pieces of Gio Ponti outdoor furniture. The same goes for D.153.1. The use of solid teak highlights the production qualities of fine cabinet making, an expression of the highest quality of workmanship.
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