Lady Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s

“Lady” sofa designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 50’s – Italy

Incredible Lady model sofa by Marco Zanuso designed in 1951 for Arflex. This iconic sofa is a symbol of style, material and technological innovation. Presented at the IX Milan Triennale in that same year, where it won the gold medal. It has a metal structure and is upholstered in emerald green.

The Lady sofa marked a milestone technologically, as well as the materials used. Zanuso developed the manufacturing of the pieces separately, each one with foam of different densities. They are then individually upholstered and then assembled. The result is an ergonomic seat that adapts to the shape of the body: the backrest is slightly curved offering good support for the back and the armrests are wide and soft, ideal for relaxing. For their part, the slender and thin metal legs highlight the lightness of the design.‎

It is completely upholstered with a high quality green velvet. The green color brings a modern and sophisticated look to the piece, which can beautify any room.

Social context of the “Lady” model

Once the fascist regime fell into disgrace (1948), and a new Italy emerged from its ruins that sought to give a modern and cosmopolitan image, it was time to abandon the vestiges of classicist Art Deco that characterized the taste of the Mussolinian elites. Thus, Bel Design or Italian “Good Design” emerged, characterized by contributing to the influence coming from the United States an extra elegance that did not forget the ancient national artistic tradition. The Polytechnic of Milan became a quarry of creators and the names of Alberto Rosselli, Marcello Nizzoli, Franco Alboni and Marco Zanuso were added to Ponti's. Likewise, dynamic professional associations were created and the La Rinascente department store awarded the Compasso d'Oro award to reward these first champions of design. The Bel Design fever was a fact.

Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) was one of the young creators who graduated from the Milan Polytechnic. He won the Compasso d'Oro up to five times thanks to his bourgeois and modern designs, based on new technologies and materials but with an immediately seductive beauty. This was what he achieved with the Lady chair, a commission from the furniture company Arflex, which wanted to experiment with the materials produced by the parent company.

Throughout his career, the designer observed the different stages of production to develop a series of experiments and innovations, while reflecting on sociocultural issues. His creative and innovative approach can be seen in pieces such as the Lady armchair (1951), the Lambda chair (1963) and the 275 lamp (1965).

He opened his own studio in 1945. He later co-directed Domus magazine with Ernesto N. Rogers. In 1957, Zanuso began a collaboration with the famous German designer Richard Sapper. Together they produced a whole range of very functional televisions and radios. These products had a major influence on the use of plastic in various consumer products and consequently helped reduce prices.
Good condition according to its age and use.

Overall dimensions: 94 x 134 x 89 cm.