Ettore Sottsass

Designers

Oct 3

Ettore Sottsass was a visionary and trailblazing Italian architect and designer whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. Born on September 14, 1917 in Innsbruck, Austria, Sottsass was raised in a creative environment which fostered his passion for art and design from an early age.

Sottsass studied architecture at the Politecnico di Torino, where he developed a deep understanding of architecture's relationship with design. After graduating, Sottsass entered the Army. He served dutifully in the Italian army during WWII before he was captured by the Germans and was taken as a prisoner of war. He was then transported to a concentration camp in Yugoslavia. After the end of the war, Sottsass was freed and he went on to work for iconic American mid-century designer, George Nelson.

His next journey was one that would inevitably change the course of furniture design, ultimately founding the influential Memphis Group in 1981.

Sottsass was renowned for his bold and avant-garde approach, often incorporating vibrant colors, unconventional shapes, and unexpected materials into his designs. His creations challenged the traditional notions surrounding furniture design, rejecting the rigidity of established styles in favor of unrestricted creativity and experimental aesthetics.

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Casablanca’ cabinet, , Italy, 1981 via Wright
*estimate: $6,000–8,000*

One of Sottsass's most iconic pieces is the ‘Casablanca’ cabinet (pictured above). Designed in 1981, the cabinet reflects Sottsass's fascination with combining form and function. Its vivid red and blue laminate surfaces, bold geometrical shapes, and asymmetrical arrangement challenged the conventional notion of what a cabinet should look like, making a strong statement about individuality and personal expression.

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Valentine' typewriter, Olivetti, Italy, 1969 via Wright

Another notable creation by Sottsass was the ‘Valentine’ typewriter, designed in 1969. Partnering with the Olivetti company, Sottsass brought a fresh and innovative perspective to the design of this everyday object. The typewriter featured a compact design, bright red casing, and a whimsical aesthetic that defied the established notion of office equipment as dull and uninspiring. Sottsass's "Valentine" typewriter became a symbol of progressive design and still holds a significant place in design history.

Sottsass's revolutionary designs not only challenged the status quo but also had a profound impact on subsequent generations of designers. His work inspired a wave of creativity and experimentation, breaking free from the reliance on traditional style and materials. Sottsass believed in the power of design to shape society and provoke emotional responses, making him an influential figure in the development of contemporary design philosophy.

Even after his passing in 2007, Ettore Sottsass's legacy lives on. His creations continue to be exhibited in major museums worldwide, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless designers who draw inspiration from his daring and unconventional approach.

In summary, Ettore Sottsass revolutionized furniture design with his fearless exploration of color, shape, and materials. Sottsass's legacy as a visionary and trailblazer in the field of furniture design will forever be celebrated and remembered.

Work

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Tahiti’ table lamp, Italy, 1981 via Wright

estimate: $2,000–3,000

Ettore Sottsass, Mobile bar, Italy / The Netherlands, 1994 via Wright
*estimate: $30,000–50,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Adesso Pero’ bookcase, Italy, 1992 via Wright
*estimate: $9,000–12,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Rare ‘Elledue’, 1970 via Invaluable

estimate: €100,000 EUR - €150,000 EUR

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Sinus’ lamp, Stilnovo, Italy, 1971 via Wright
*estimate: $1,000–1,500*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘UFO’ table lamp for Arredoluce, Italy, 1957 / c. 2000 via Wright
*estimate: $2,000–3,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Palm Springs’ dining table, Italy, 1984 via Wright
*estimate: $3,000–5,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Carlton’ bookcase, Italy, 1981via Wright
*estimate: $7,000–9,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Diva mirror’, Italy, 1984, via Wright
*estimate: $1,500–2,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Max’ bookcase, Italy, 1987 via Wright
*estimate: $10,000–15,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Hyatt’ occasional tables, Italy, 1984 via Wright
*estimate: $1,000–1,500*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Treetops’ floor lamp, Italy, 1981 via Wright
*estimate: $1,500–2,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Bookshelf No. 31, Italy, 1994 / 1997 via Wright
*estimate: $40,000–60,000*

Ettore Sottsass,'Cometa’ floor lamp, Poltronova, Italy, 1971 via Wright
*estimate: $7,000–9,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘In Praise of Epicurus’ chair, Italy, 1987 via Wright
*estimate: $10,000–15,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Table No. 41, Italy, 1994 via Wright
*estimate: $5,000–7,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Vanity No. 9, Italy, 1996 via Wright
*estimate: $30,000–50,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Bruco’ wall lamp for Poltronova, Italy, 1971 via Wright
*estimate: $3,000–5,000*

Various Vases by Sottsass

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Del Diavolo’ mirror, Italy, c. 1980 via Wright
*estimate: $10,000–15,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Mobile Giallo’ cabinet, Italy, 1988 via Wright
*estimate: $10,000–15,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Malabar’ cabinet, Italy, 1982 via Wright
*estimate: $4,000–6,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘C’ tables, Italy, 1995 via Wright
*estimate: $5,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Golden Eye’ table, Custom, Executed in India 1984 via LAMA
*estimate: $25,000–35,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Headboard with attached drawers, 1984 custom commission for Max Palevsky's Malibu home, Sottsass Associati via LAMA
*estimate: $15,000–20,000*

Ettore Sottsass, Master bedroom bed frame, 1984 custom commission for Max Palevsky's Malibu home, Sottsass Associati
via LAMA
*estimate: $10,000–15,000*

Ettore Sottsass, 1984 custom commission for Max Palevsky's Malibu home, Sottsass Associati via LAMA
*estimate: $6,000–9,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Donau’ Desk, Sottsass Associati, 1986 via LAMA

estimate: $3,000–5,000

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Ultrafragola’ lamp, Poltronova, 1970 via LAMA
*estimate: $15,000–20,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Litta’ desk, Zabro, Italy, c. 1986 via Wright
*estimate: $7,000–9,000*

Ettore Sottsass, rare chandelier, Venini, Italy, 1995 via Wright
*estimate: $9,000–12,000*

Ettore Sottsass 'Nefertiti' writing desk, 1968-1969 via Phillips

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Asteroid’ lamp, Poltronova, Italy, 1968 via Wright
*estimate: $5,000–8,000*

Sottsass Milan ‘Omaggio’ 3 Comparison-Furniture. Photo © Studio Ettore Sottsass Srl

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Capanna Di Luce’ table lamp via Sothebys
*estimate: $3,000-5,000*

Westside Armchairs by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1983 via 1stDibs
*estimate: $8,000-10,000*

Ettore Sottsass ‘Demistella’ Italian Console, 1990s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $9,000-11,000*

Ettore Sottsass Wardrobe Oak Design Edizioni, Italy, 2000s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $20,000-30,000*

Ettore Sottsass ‘Flying Carpet’ armchair for Bedding Brevetti, 1970s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $10,000-15,000*

Ettore Sottsass Flying Carpet Sofa, 1970s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $15,000-20,000*

Ettore Sottsass Rare Limited Edition Piccoli Libri Cabinet, 1992 via 1stDibs

estimate: $55,000-60,000

Ettore Sottsass Pair ‘Dado’ Stools Mod. T29, 1960s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $2,000-4,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Shiva’ vase, B.D. Barcelona, Italy / Spain, 1985 via Wright
*estimate: $700-900*

Ettore Sottsass ‘Nairobi’ cabinet by Zanotta, Italy, post 1989 via Bukowskis
estimate: $2,000-3,000

1980s Pair of Teodora Armchairs '4 Available' by Ettore Sottsass via 1stDibs
*estimate: $10,000-20,000*

Ettore Sottsass Essetre Shelving Unit for Poltronova, 1970s via 1stDibs
*estimate: $15,000-20,000*

Ettore Sottsass totems, set of five, Bitossi, Italy, 1998 via Wright
*estimate: $3,000–5,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Bruco’ ceiling lamp from the Mobili Grigi series, Poltronova, Italy, 1971 via Wright
*estimate: $5,000–7,000*

Ettore Sottsass, ‘Ashoka’ table lamp, Italy, 1981 via Wright
*estimate: $2,000-3,000*

ettore sottsass and shiva vase, 2005 image courtesy B.D. ediciones de diseño

Ettore Sottsass in India, 1988 Courtesy Studio Ettore Sottsass

Ettore Sottsass and Fernanda Pivano at their home in Milan in 1969

The home of David M. Kelley – designer of Apple's first computer mouse, designed by Sottsass Associati.

Sottsass 'eledue' bed, 'ultrafragola' mirror

Frank Ocean laying on Ettore Sottsass' Eledue bed

Ettore Sottsass 'Eledue' bed and 'Ultrafragola' mirror

PLEASE NOTE* WE HAVE NOT INCLUDED EVERY WORK OF ETTORE SOTTSASS’, WE URGE OUR READERS TO DO THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTO ALL OF HIS DESIGNS.

DISCLAIMER: THE MILLIE VINTAGE DOES NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

MORE LIKE THIS

Featured

Ricardo Fasanello

Ricardo Fasanello is a notable Brazilian furniture designer recognized for his unique approach that combines modern aesthetics with functionality.

Inside Ward Bennett’s New York Apartment

Bennett himself referred to the building as a “Manhattan A-frame.” The historic Dakota was constructed between 1880 and 1884 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Pierre Paulin’s Château La Coste

The Château La Coste exhibition lies within the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium. Paulin’s designs and Niemeyer’s vision create an otherworldly experience with the buildings curvaceous forms complementing Paulin’s serpentine-like storage units and organic biomorphic sofas.

Marc Held

In 1960, Marc Held founded Archiform, a Paris-based design firm where designers and architects could come together as a study center.

Designer Joseph D'Urso

Joseph D'Urso (1937–2002) was a prominent American interior and furniture designer known for his minimalist and functional designs that emphasized simplicity and elegance.

Architect Harry Gesner

Harry Gesner is a prominent American architect known for his innovative designs and use of unconventional materials in architecture.

Round House by architect Eddie Parker, 1962

Located in Dallas, Texas and situated on nearly half an acre, this architectural marvel is a sophisticated mix of vintage and modern elements that incorporate natural stone, wood, and glass.

Featured: Brutalist Furniture

Brutalist design is an architectural and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its stark, rugged aesthetic and the use of raw materials.

Architect Bruce Goff

American architect Bruce Goff is known for his out-of-this-world, eclectic, modernist homes. nearly 500 of them span across the mid-west, of which only a handful remain.