Design Icon | The Proust Lounge Chair

Magis’s Proust Chair was designed by Alessandro Mendini in 2011. It is based on Mendini’s original, world famous, iconic design ”Poltrona di Proust” dating from 1978. The colourful baroque design utilised the “pointillism” technique, whereby an endless number of polychromatic points were hand painted on the whole of the armchair including the wooden frame and fabric.

Since 1978, the arm chair has been reproduced in differing dimensions and colours; using a variety of materials, including bronze and ceramic. Magis has used clever technology to produce a functional and up-to date version of this design classic in rotational–moulded polythene. The armchair is weatherproof, and therefore suitable for outdoor use, and is available in various block colours.

Alessandro was born in Milan in 1931 and graduated in 1959. He is an architect, artist, designer and design manager, theorist and journalist and began his profession at the Nizzoli studio. In 1970 he gave up planning to concentrate on journalism relating to architecture and design: He has edited Casabella, Modo and Domus through which he has transmitted his ideas of renewing the world of design. Along with Branzi and Sottsass and with his presence in Global Tools and Radical design, he was the main force behind the renovation of Italian design in the 80