Introducing: Cassina
Among Cassina’s most classic products is the wooden Red and Blue armchair, designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld.
CASSINA IS A NAME that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. The story of this nearly century-old design house began in 1927 in the northern Italian town of Meda, where brothers Cesare and Umberto Cassina founded a small woodworking shop, crafting custom-made furniture for their clients.
The post-war years brought a change in direction. Inspired by Italian architects Franco Albini and Giò Ponti, the Cassina brothers began to shift from traditional craftsmanship to the world of contemporary design.
The 699 Superleggera chair is an irresistible blend of high-quality materials and uncompromising design.
The 1950s marked a turning point for Cassina. Having focused on artisanal craftsmanship, the company became one of the first in Italy to embrace industrial production methods in furniture making. This shift opened the door to new materials, lighter structures, and a bold new design language.
One of the first standout pieces was the Superleggera chair, designed by Giò Ponti in 1957. Ponti spent years perfecting every detail of the design, refining it into a chair that’s as light in weight as it is striking in form. With its graceful silhouette and effortless versatility, the Superleggera remains a beloved classic.
Here’s another glimpse into Cassina’s modern elegance: the Chaise Longue à réglage continu designed by the visionary trio Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand.
Designed by Pierre Jeanneret for one of Le Corbusier’s landmark buildings, the Capitol Complex chair is a fine combination of architecture and furniture design.
The Tabouret Berger stool showcases Charlotte Perriand’s modern take on the traditional milking stool.
Known as a pioneer of modern architecture, Le Corbusier also left his mark in furniture design. In the late 1920s, he teamed up with Charlotte Perriand and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret to create pieces that challenged the design conventions of their time.
Decades later, Cassina brought these visionary designs into the spotlight, securing exclusive production rights and launching the ambitious I Maestri collection which is a tribute to the great masters of modernism.
The Fauteuil à dossier basculant, designed by Le Corbusier, Perriand, and Jeanneret, uniquely combines simplicity with a hint of luxury.
Another standout in Cassina’s collection of classics is the characterful Zig Zag chair, designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld.
The Dutch designer also created the iconic Utrecht lounge chair, originally designed for Amsterdam’s Metz & Co department store.
Over the years, Cassina has worked with some of the greatest names in modern design and architecture. In addition to Le Corbusier, the brand’s collaborators include legends like Frank Lloyd Wright and Gerrit Thomas Rietveld.
Since 2015, Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola has led the brand’s creative direction. Under her guidance, Cassina has balanced its iconic heritage with bold, contemporary design. Newer collections feature work by famous designers such as Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Michele De Lucchi, and Philippe Starck.
A dose of newer Cassina: the plush Soriana lounge chair was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
Today, nearly a century after its founding, Cassina continues to inspire the design world by blending traditions with forward-thinking ideas. The result is a timeless, durable design that brings joy to both homes and public spaces.
See also:
• All products by Cassina at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Cassina
Published on 27 Mar, 2025
