Downtown Design
redazione 26/08/2025

The new old

Through a blend of faithfulness to original intent and fresh material interpretations, reissued design icons are once again telling their story using contemporary language. Limited editions, innovative materials, and signature designer details breathe new life into projects that continue to set industry standards

Introduced in 1975, Sintesi (on cover) was the first Artemide lamp designed by founder Ernesto Gismondi. The table version, now reissued, represents the core from which the entire system developed. Its structure is minimalist, yet adjustable in both tilt and height. Two C-shaped profiles of different lengths form a Y-support, allowing the lamp to be oriented with a simple opening and closing motion.

Dezza by Poltrona Frau, design Gio Ponti

Dezza by Poltrona Frau, design Gio Ponti

Marcus by Zanotta, design Marco Zanuso

Marcus by Zanotta, design Marco Zanuso

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Gio Ponti‘s Dezza armchair, Poltrona Frau is launching a limited edition of just 60 pieces. The Dezza 60th Anniversary Limited Edition, with its distinctive angular lines, is upholstered in Pelle Frau® Impact Less leather, available in Cream and Iris shades. The upholstery features an original, previously unseen illustration by Ponti: a decorative motif composed of 26 stylized hands, each with its own unique name and distinguishing characteristic.

A testament to Zanotta‘s technical prowess, the Marcuso table, designed by Marco Zanuso in 1969-1970, is now back in the catalog in its original round version, featuring a stainless steel frame and crystal top. Two new interpretations are also available, characterized by a central base and legs in polished painted steel, offered in talcum, hemp, seaweed, amaranth, and espresso hues. One version is completed with a Calacatta marble top, while the second features a lacquered MDF top.

Biagio by Flos, design Tobia Scarpa

Biagio by Flos, design Tobia Scarpa

Arran by Alessi, design Enzo Mari

Arran by Alessi, design Enzo Mari

Flos pays homage to Tobia Scarpa with a limited edition of 150 numbered pieces of the celebrated Biagio lamp (1968). The new onyx variant utilizes a rare stone, characterized by a honey-yellow color similar to amber, which imparts a warm, enveloping light to the lamp. Each numbered piece is accompanied by an adhesive label bearing the serial number and the author’s signature.

Alessi‘s Archivio collection was created with the goal of reviving projects stored in the company’s museum, such as the reissue of Enzo Mari‘s Arran tray. Characterized by clean, essential lines, it’s a true graphic design piece, made possible by cold stamping on a steel sheet. It’s offered in its original polished stainless steel version and in two new iridescent finishes in shades of green and purple, the result of sophisticated color research.

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