Pair of Saporiti “Strato” sofas, an extraordinary project by Giovanni Offredi, produced in Italy in the 1970s for Saporiti Italia, one of the most radical and experimental companies in the landscape of Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century.
These sofas embody in an emblematic way Offredi’s mature language, in which architecture, material, and comfort coexist in a powerful and strongly identity-driven balance.
The structure is made of ash wood and aluminum, with geometric sides articulated by a refined sequence of horizontal lines that give the volume an architectural and sculptural, almost monolithic character. The base, solid and rigorous, creates a sharp contrast with the soft opulence of the seating, emphasizing the dialogue between constructive rigidity and ergonomic comfort, a central theme in Offredi’s research.
The padding is upholstered in original red leather, incredibly well preserved and never replaced, of exceptional quality, with a full grain and a natural patina that tells the passage of time without losing chromatic intensity.
The wide cushions, generous and deeply comfortable, are shaped according to a continuous and enveloping design, conceived for an informal yet extremely luxurious seating experience, typical of the radical-bourgeois aesthetic of the 1970s.
These sofas represent a perfect synthesis between design and lifestyle, an expression of an era in which Italian design dared to use bold volumes, noble materials, and unconventional construction solutions.
True “photonic” pieces, with strong visual impact and scenic presence, capable of dominating the space with authority without appearing excessive.
Ideal for high-profile residential environments, lofts, modernist interiors, or editorial contexts, these sofas are at once collectible objects and highly livable furnishings.
The condition is excellent, with very slight signs of age consistent with time, attesting to their historical authenticity: original period pieces, unrestored, unaltered, and exceptionally well preserved.
NB: The set can also be purchased separately.
Product Name: Pair of Strato sofas by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970
Designer: Giovanni Offredi
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century, radical modernism, 1970s radical-bourgeois aesthetic
Main Materials: Structure in ash wood and aluminum; padding upholstered in original red leather
Distinctive Design: Architectural and sculptural volumes with geometric sides articulated by a refined sequence of horizontal lines; solid and rigorous base in dialogue with the opulent softness of the seating, expressing the contrast between constructive rigidity and ergonomic comfort, a central theme in Offredi’s research
Dimensions: Length 166 cm | Depth 85 cm | Height 58 cm
Comfort: Wide, deep, and generously padded seating, designed for an informal yet extremely luxurious experience; balance between structural support and enveloping comfort
Typical Use: High-profile residential environments, lofts, modernist interiors, and editorial contexts
Design Icon: Emblematic project of Offredi’s expressive maturity and of the most radical and experimental phase of Saporiti Italia in the 1970s
Versatility: Ability to dominate space with strong scenic presence without appearing excessive; suitable both as statement pieces and as the focal point of sophisticated interior compositions
Current Design Status: Historic and consolidated design, today considered highly collectible and representative of radical Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century
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.
Giovanni Offredi was a renowned Italian designer, recognized for his significant contribution to furniture design. Born on November 22, 1927, in Bologna and passing away in 1999, Offredi reached the height of his career during the 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with some of the most important Italian furniture manufacturers. Among these, one of his most significant partnerships was with Saporiti Italia, for whom he designed several iconic pieces.
Offredi also worked with other prestigious companies such as Mobili d’Arte Cantù, famous for the production of high-end artistic furniture, establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the Italian design landscape.
Saporiti Italia, founded in 1950 in Cabiate, in the province of Como, is a company synonymous with luxury and innovation in the furniture sector. Known for creating distinctive design pieces and for collaborating with renowned designers, the company has distinguished itself through a modern and sophisticated style combined with high-quality materials and artisanal detailing. The creations of Saporiti Italia, including those developed in collaboration with Giovanni Offredi, reflect a strong commitment to innovation and contemporary taste, helping to solidify the brand’s international reputation. Its furniture is exported worldwide, representing excellence in Italian design.