Italian Postmodern Club Chair in Black Pelle Frau Leather by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1989

Details

Description

This rare Italian Postmodern Vintage Club Chair, Model

“Intervista,” was designed in 1989 by the world-renowned design duo Massimo & … Read more This rare Italian Postmodern Vintage Club Chair, Model

“Intervista,” was designed in 1989 by the world-renowned design duo Massimo & Lella Vignelli for the Italian luxury manufacturer Poltrona Frau.

The perfect interplay of historical design and timeless drama in deep black allows the sculptural curves of this design to unfold their full, modern impact.

Black here is not merely a color, but a visual statement that instantly lends any sophisticated interior architectural depth and on-trend elegance.

While light-colored furniture often fades into the background, these deep black chairs create sharp, architectural contours in the room. The light refracts elegantly on the gentle curves of the matte black "Pelle Frau" leather.

The historical significance:

In the late 1980s, the Vignellis completely redesigned the newsreel set for the Italian television channel RAI (TG2).

Since television was then transitioning from the classic "half-portrait" shot to full-body shots, a chair was needed that would elegantly frame the guest, support an upright, voice-protecting posture, and look perfect from every angle. The result is a sculptural masterpiece with a flowing, shell-like silhouette – the “Intervista” armchair…

Material & Comfort

* The armchairs feature a highly stable core made of steel and molded polyurethane foam.

* The seat is equipped with elastic webbing suspension and additional steel springs.

* The upholstery is made of the legendary, thick, robust “Pelle Frau” leather – prized worldwide for its unparalleled feel, natural texture, and extreme durability.

Styling Tip

Perfect as a dramatic contrast in bright, minimalist spaces (e.g., on light travertine, wood, or exposed concrete floors) or as part of a monochromatic, all-black executive look. Perfect for high-end conference rooms, prestigious lounges, or sophisticated dining rooms.

Condition

The armchair is in good, authentic vintage condition with a beautiful, characterful patina. The structure and substance of the piece are excellent.

+ Upholstery: Still very well preserved, absolutely dimensionally stable and firm. The seating comfort is excellent.

+ Leather surface: The thick black Pelle Frau leather shows normal signs of age. There are a few small surface abrasions, mostly on the edges and predominantly in the lower area.

+ Here and there, minor surface scratches and very few tiny roughenings or minimal chips are visible on the leather surface.

Overall, these are original pieces from the late 1980s/1990s, whose patina perfectly underscores the vintage charm and the design's history. No tears, no holes.
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