“Riviera” by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis – Milan, designed in 1981, belongs to the most recognisable period of the Memphis group, founded in Milan at the beginning of the 1980s and soon becoming one of the central phenomena of Postmodern design. In particular, the chair fully expresses the rejection of the stricter rationalist languages through a free use of colour, geometry and material combinations.
In “Riviera”, the white lacquered wood structure with pale yellow profiles interacts with the arched legs in blue-painted metal, creating a sharp and deliberately accentuated chromatic contrast. Furthermore, the seat and backrest upholstered in pink fabric introduce a softer element, contrasting with the linearity of the structure. Overall, the composition reflects the combination of irony, experimentation and design freedom that characterises the language of Memphis.
The pair also represents a significant example of the research of Michele De Lucchi, one of the leading figures of Italian design in the 1980s. Indeed, through elementary forms, bright colours and a deliberately unconventional construction, the design goes beyond the simple function of seating and assumes a strong visual and decorative identity.
Description: White lacquered wood structure with pale yellow profiles, arched legs in blue-painted metal, seat and backrest with padding upholstered in pink fabric. H cm 82.2 × 48 × 48; seat H cm 45.5.
Hammer Price: € 1.729,00
Auction 97 – 13 October 2026 – 20th century design and decorative arts
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