Alky Lounge Chairs - GIANCARLO PIRETTI - ANONIMA CASTELLI

ALKY LOUNGE CHAIRS BY GIANCARLO PIRETTI FOR ANONIMA CASTELLI, ITALY, 1970s

An exceptionally well-preserved pair of Giancarlo Piretti’s iconic Alky lounge chairs, retaining their beautiful original brown velvet upholstery.

Designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970 for Anonima Castelli, the Alky is one of the most recognizable expressions of Italian seating design from the period. Its sculptural silhouette flows continuously from the low seat into the curved sides and backrest, creating an enveloping form with a distinctly relaxed character.

This matching pair remains upholstered in its original brown velvet, an increasingly desirable feature that gives the chairs an authenticity and depth that newly reupholstered examples simply cannot reproduce. The velvet has aged beautifully, retaining its rich texture and warm chocolate-brown tone. The colour feels particularly relevant today, perfectly aligned with the earthy browns, tobacco tones and warm neutrals currently prominent across both contemporary interiors and fashion.

Beyond their striking appearance, the Alky chairs were designed around comfort. Their generous molded forms create a low, embracing seating position, while discreet aluminium alloy elements underneath provide structural support without interrupting the purity of the silhouette. The original metal elements retain their period manufacturer and production markings.

The combination of an iconic Italian design, original period upholstery and remarkably well-preserved condition makes this pair particularly appealing. Rather than being restored into something new, they retain exactly the warmth, texture and authenticity that make original vintage pieces so desirable.

Condition:
The chairs are in exceptionally good vintage condition, particularly considering their age, and retain their original velvet upholstery. The fabric remains remarkably well preserved, with its rich colour, texture and overall appearance intact. One chair shows a small area of superficial wear to the velvet pile. This is purely cosmetic: there is no tear, hole or structural weakening of the fabric. Beyond this minor detail, the pair presents beautifully, with only minimal signs of age and use.

Technical details