DS-88 patchwork sofa - Team De Sede - De Sede

DS-88 Modular Sofa by De Sede, Switzerland, 1975
Exceptional First-Owner Example in Fully Original Cognac Patchwork Leather

An exceptionally well-preserved DS-88 modular sofa by De Sede, purchased new in 1975 and remaining with its original first owner for the past 51 years. Complete with its original purchase invoice from 1975, additional period documentation, numbered individual elements, this is an extraordinary example with exceptionally strong provenance.

Most remarkable is the preservation of the original cognac patchwork leather. After more than five decades, the leather remains exceptionally thick, wonderfully soft and remarkably supple, without cracking or repairs. Its quality is immediately apparent both visually and to the touch, demonstrating the exceptional leather craftsmanship for which De Sede became renowned.

The original patchwork upholstery has developed an extraordinary spectrum of natural colour variations over the years. Warm cognac, caramel, honey and deeper brown tones flow beautifully across the individual leather panels, creating a rich and completely authentic appearance that could only have developed naturally over 51 years.

These subtle variations between the individual pieces of leather are one of the greatest qualities of this particular example. Combined with the gentle natural patina and honest traces of use, they give the sofa tremendous depth and character while preserving the richness and suppleness of the original hides.

Equally exceptional is the originality of the construction. The sofa retains its original foam and original lining throughout, together with the original labels and numbering of the individual modular elements. Nothing has been reupholstered, replaced or repaired.

The DS-88 was conceived as a fully modular seating system, allowing the individual elements to be arranged in different configurations. The accompanying original coffee table / storage element can be incorporated within the composition or positioned separately, adding to the versatility of the system.

The sofa remains in fantastic vintage condition, showing only normal and honest signs of use consistent with its age. The leather has retained its exceptional thickness and flexibility, the foam remains original, and the overall appearance is remarkably well preserved.

Finding an original DS-88 is becoming increasingly difficult, but finding a 51-year-old example from the first owner retaining its original leather, original foam, original lining, labels, numbered elements and original 1975 purchase documentation in this level of preservation is truly exceptional.

A once-in-a-lifetime example of the De Sede DS-88, preserved exactly as it should be.

Technical details
• Manufacturer: De Sede, Switzerland
• Model: DS-88
• Year: 1975 (original purchase invoice present)
• Materials: Original cognac patchwork leather, original foam and lining
• Provenance: First owner, original purchase invoice and additional original documentation
• Condition: Very good original vintage condition. Completely original throughout, with normal signs of wear and age-related markings. The photos provide a good overall representation of the sofa’s condition, including some of the typical signs of age and use. The exceptionally thick original leather remains beautifully soft and supple, with no cracking or repairs. The original foam and lining are preserved. Some of the elements still have their original numbering.