Rodolfo Bonetto, Melaina armchair for Driade

RODOLFO BONETTO (Milan, 1929 – Milan, 1991) for DRIADE.
"Melaina" Armchair. Italy, 1970.
Fiberglass lacquered in glossy black.
Vintage piece. Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 70 x 70 x 65 cm.

A unique one-piece armchair in glossy black lacquered fiberglass, designed by Rodolfo Bonetto for Driade in 1970 and considered one of the iconic pieces of Italian design from the Space Age. The piece consists of a single continuous structure with enveloping, rounded forms, featuring four arched legs that slightly raise the seat off the floor, creating a profile of striking sculptural boldness. The black lacquer lends the piece a striking presence, accentuating the fluidity of its forms and the satin finish characteristic of 1970s industrial plastic production. Rodolfo Bonetto, a self-taught designer and former jazz drummer, was one of the leading figures in postwar Italian industrial design. He was awarded eight Compasso d’Oro prizes throughout his career. The Melaina, produced by Driade, is one of his most recognizable achievements in the field of furniture design.

The self-taught designer Rodolfo Bonetto began his career working for Olivetti in the late 1950s, where he contributed to the design of various products, such as typewriters, household appliances, calculators, and furniture like the Boomerang armchair. He later also worked for Kodak, Braun, and Yamaha. His successful career led him to be honored eight times with the Compasso d’Oro, Italy’s highest design award. He is best known for his creations in the fields of technology and transportation (he worked for the Italian public transportation company ATM), as well as for bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles. He has served twice as president of ADI (Associazione Disegno Industriale) and as president of ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design).