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Seating has always been a field of experimentation for Zanotta: each product is conceived as an encounter between technology and craftsmanship, balancing structural rigour with enveloping softness.
Striking a dialogue between continuity and innovation, every design becomes an opportunity to reinterpret the same idea of ultimate comfort in different shapes and aesthetics, capable of transcending styles and trends. Zanotta’s range of armchairs is particularly broad and versatile, offering different solutions in terms of types and uses, able to adapt naturally to settings ranging from contract to residential.
Three projects epitomise this philosophy: Yori-Kiri, the new lounge chair designed by Francesca Lanzavecchia; Nena Lounge, the natural evolution of the Nena family by Lanzavecchia + Wai; and Maggiolina, Marco Zanuso’s 1947 icon that continues to embody modernity.
The name Yori-Kiri is drawn from a traditional sumo move symbolising strength, balance, and control – values reflected in the sculptural yet inviting silhouette of this bergère, complete with a matching pouf. Generous upholstery and curved armrests that flow seamlessly into the backrest express a balance between geometric precision and tactile softness. Its dimensions (87 cm wide, 105 cm high, 99 cm deep) provide a generous seat, while a concealed synchronised mechanism allows the backrest to recline smoothly and intuitively, with the option to lock it in any position. The frame is in steel; the padding in self-extinguishing polyurethane foam with plant-based polyols, complemented by a back cushion in recycled PET fibre. The fabric upholstery is fully removable, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. The swivel base in polished painted metal is available in talc, hemp, orange, algae, amaranth, and black. The matching pouf (74 × 37 × 58 cm) is crafted with the same construction details, acting as a natural extension of the armchair.
With Nena Lounge, Lanzavecchia + Wai expand the Nena seating family, adding an armchair to the existing chair and stool. The collection stems from the idea of versatile comfort, adaptable to both domestic and contract settings, offering an ergonomic seating experience. The lounge chair is defined by the contrast between the lightness of its steel frame and the softness of its upholstered elements, lending it a contemporary and recognisable identity. The semi-circular backrest, which also functions as an armrest, provides support and comfort, while the open space between seat and back lightens the volume, emphasising the dynamism of the slender, angled legs. A distinctive feature of the collection is the concealed zip along the back, softened by a delicate ruffle detail, which refines the profile and allows the cover – in fabric or leather – to be removed.
Designed in 1947 by Marco Zanuso, the Maggiolina lounge chair marks a turning point in the history of design. Originally conceived for a MoMA New York competition, it represented a shift away from traditional artisanal techniques towards a construction system designed for industrial serial production. The structure is in steel, while the shell – in pigmented cowhide 90 – accommodates two plywood panels suspended within a textile “sling”, supporting the cushions: goose-down padding for the backrest, polyurethane/Dacron Du Pont for the seat. Upholstery options include fabric, Ecofire, or leather, with matching armrests available in leather or Ecofire.
An enduring icon, Maggiolina has traversed eras: from experimental exercise in process simplification to timeless design classic, embodying elegance and innovation.
