Overview
A distinctive set of six Astro armchairs designed Studio Tecnico Mariani and by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani in 1979, combining sculptural chromed tubular steel structures with generously padded taupe suede upholstery and leather details.
Defined by their continuous cantilevered frames, enveloping upholstered seats and backrests, and refined leather fastening details at the rear, the chairs embody the sophisticated material experimentation that characterizes Faleschini's work for i4 Mariani during the period. The Astro collection is documented among Faleschini's designs for the Italian manufacturer.
Description
This remarkable set of six Astro armchairs was designed by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani in 1979.
Each chair is constructed around an elegant tubular chromed steel frame, shaped as a continuous architectural structure that simultaneously forms the cantilevered base, front supports, armrests and rear support.
The softness of the generously padded seat and backrest creates a deliberate contrast with the precise, reflective geometry of the chrome structure. Both the seat and backrest are upholstered in taupe suede, displaying the warm, tactile quality characteristic of the Astro collection.
Particularly distinctive is the construction of the back. The upholstered backrest is visually suspended within the chromed structure and secured through brown leather straps with circular metal fittings, introducing an additional material and decorative element while leaving the structural system deliberately visible.
The backrest and seat feature shaped seams and softly sculpted padding, giving the chairs a particularly enveloping appearance. From the front, the upholstery appears almost independent from the metal structure; from the rear, the exposed frame and leather connections reveal the construction of the chair.
The result is a sophisticated dialogue between soft upholstery, leather and polished metal, combining comfort with the technical and architectural character associated with Faleschini's furniture for i4 Mariani.
Design & Function
The Astro armchairs are conceived around the contrast between a rigorous tubular structure and a soft, generously upholstered body.
The chromed steel frame continues from the floor upwards to create the armrests and rear support, while its curved cantilever configuration gives the chairs their immediately recognizable profile.
The broad upholstered seats, padded backrests and integrated armrests make the chairs suitable both as dining or conference chairs, while the relatively open metal structure prevents their substantial upholstery from appearing visually heavy.
Materials & Aesthetic
The taupe suede upholstery has developed tonal variations and a pronounced patina over time, giving the surfaces a warm and tactile appearance. This contrasts strongly with the cold, reflective quality of the chromed tubular steel.
Brown leather straps positioned behind each backrest introduce a third material and warmer chromatic accent, complemented by circular metal fittings.
This juxtaposition of soft and industrial materials creates the sophisticated tension typical of Italian furniture of the late 1970s: technically precise yet luxurious, architectural yet highly tactile.
Technical Details
Product: Guido Faleschini Italian Astro Chrome and Taupe Suede Armchairs for i4 Mariani
Designer: Guido Faleschini
Manufacturer: i4 Mariani
Period: 1979
Materials: Taupe suede upholstery; chromed tubular steel; leather straps; metal fittings
Dimensions: Length: 54cm | Depth: 60cm | Height: 82cmDetailed Condition Report:
The chairs are presented in their original vintage condition and show significant signs of age and use on the suede upholstery. There is no structural damage. Several areas of the suede upholstery present visible wear, staining, discoloration and surface abrasions. Some seats show tears and splits in the suede, including larger areas of damage as clearly documented in the photographs. Localized previous repairs/patches are also visible on the upholstery.
We recommend reupholstering the seats. Upon request, JF Gallery Design can assist the client with this service.
All condition issues are intentionally documented in the accompanying photographs and should be carefully considered before purchase.
Collectibility
The set represents an interesting and highly recognizable example of Guido Faleschini's work for i4 Mariani, combining the designer's interest in exposed structural elements with the sophisticated use of tactile upholstery and polished metal.
Finding six matching examples is particularly attractive for a complete dining, conference or interior arrangement, while the distinctive cantilever construction and material combination give the chairs a strong visual identity.
The Astro collection forms part of Faleschini's late-1970s work for i4 Mariani and demonstrates the broader material language found across the series, where suede and other soft surfaces were combined with chromed elements and more architectural structures.
Designer & Manufacturer
Guido Faleschini is an Italian architect and designer particularly recognized for his furniture designs of the 1970s and for his collaboration with i4 Mariani. His work frequently combines strong architectural structures with luxurious materials, creating furniture that balances technical precision with comfort and visual richness.
For i4 Mariani, Faleschini developed several distinctive furniture collections characterized by the combination of metal structures, leather and richly tactile surfaces. His designs from this period remain particularly representative of the sophisticated language of Italian interior design during the 1970s.
