This elegant set of four SQ-AL model chairs was designed by Willy Rizzo for his Maison Willy Rizzo during the 1970s, perfectly embodying the refined and architectural aesthetic that characterizes the designer’s production in that period. The chairs feature an essential geometric structure entirely made of brass-plated steel, whose clean lines and rigorous proportions reflect the strong influence of modernist architecture and the sculptural language typical of Rizzo.
The structure is defined by a continuous profile that simultaneously outlines the legs and the backrest, creating a composition that is visually light yet at the same time solid and perfectly balanced. The linearity of the metal structure emphasizes the purity of the design and highlights the careful workmanship of the surfaces, with the warm brilliance of the brass interacting with the softness of the upholstery.
Seat and backrest are upholstered in the original vintage alcantara in an elegant beige/camel tone, a material that gives the seating a pleasant tactile softness while at the same time conveying a sophisticated character. The contrast between the velvety surface of the alcantara and the luminosity of the brass-plated steel creates a very refined balance between luxury and minimalism, a distinctive hallmark of Willy Rizzo’s work.
The SQ-AL model perfectly represents Rizzo’s ability to combine precious materials with an extremely rigorous formal language. The proportions are compact and the silhouette is intentionally essential, allowing the metal structure to become the dominant element of the design without sacrificing comfort.
The set presents itself in excellent vintage condition, with the alcantara upholstery well preserved and the brass-plated steel structure showing only slight signs of time consistent with age. These chairs constitute a refined example of Italian design of the 1970s and can integrate perfectly in both contemporary interiors and more classic environments, making them ideal around a dining table or as accent seating in a sophisticated living space.
Product Name: SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo – Brass Version 1970
Designer: Willy Rizzo
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: Italian modernism with architectural and sculptural influences typical of refined 1970s design
Main Materials: Brass-plated steel structure; seat and backrest upholstered in original vintage beige/camel alcantara
Distinctive Design: Essential geometric structure created from a continuous metal profile that simultaneously outlines legs and backrest. The clean lines and rigorous proportions highlight the influence of modernist architecture and the sculptural language characteristic of Willy Rizzo’s work. The contrast between the luminosity of the brass-plated steel and the velvety surface of the alcantara creates a refined balance between luxury and minimalism.
Dimensions: Width: 48 cm | Height: 77 cm | Depth: 41 cm
Comfort: Welcoming seat thanks to the alcantara upholstery, a soft and pleasant-to-the-touch material that ensures comfortable seating while maintaining an extremely essential aesthetic.
Typical Use: Ideal around a dining table, but perfectly suitable also as accent seating in a sophisticated living room, a study, or a representative space.
Design Icon: The SQ-AL model represents a perfect example of Willy Rizzo’s ability to combine precious materials with a rigorous and architectural formal language, making these chairs a significant testimony of Italian design of the 1970s.
Versatility: Thanks to the purity of the lines and the balanced combination of metal and fabric, these chairs integrate easily both in contemporary interiors and in more classic or eclectic contexts.
Current Condition: Excellent vintage condition; the alcantara upholstery is well preserved and the brass-plated steel structure shows only slight signs of time consistent with age.
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Willy Rizzo (1928–2013) was an Italian-French photographer and designer renowned for his glamorous and sophisticated style, both in photography and interior design. He began his career in photography, working for prestigious magazines such as Paris Match, where he portrayed iconic figures including Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dalí, Brigitte Bardot and Coco Chanel. In the 1960s and 1970s, he also established himself as a designer, creating furniture characterized by a luxurious and modernist spirit. Willy Rizzo revolutionized the concept of furniture by combining minimalism with opulence. His designs are distinguished by clean, elegant lines, often enriched with refined materials such as polished brass, chromed steel, lacquer and marble. Deeply influenced by the world of haute couture and the international jet set, his furniture has a strong scenic presence, ideal for sophisticated interiors. Among his most iconic creations are tables, chairs, sofas and sideboards defined by a refined yet understated aesthetic. The SQ-AL chair, in particular, is a perfect example of his ability to merge functionality and elegance. Today, Willy Rizzo’s design continues to be appreciated and collected, both on the vintage market and through re-editions produced by Maison Willy Rizzo, remaining a symbol of 1970s style that seamlessly blends glamour with timeless refinement.