Milanese architect, art director, and designer Piero Lissoni is one of the true masters of his field. His work, spanning over three decades, has dramatically impacted the world of design — from projects across architecture, landscape, and interiors; products and graphic design, to his art direction for some of the world’s leading brands — from B&B Italia to Boffi, Lissoni is recognised and revered the world over. With a foundational emphasis on designing for human beings above all else, setting himself apart with this individualistic approach, the Italian designer stands up on the world stage as one of the greatest creative minds of his generation. Here, we explore his life and career via some of his most iconic work.
Piero Lissoni was born in the vibrant, design-led city of Milan, Italy, growing up as what he describes as a ‘questioning kid’ — fascinated by reason. He went on to study design at the Politecnico di Milano, soaking up tutelage from masters such as Achille Castiglioni, Aldo Rossi, and Vico Magistretti, before founding Studio Lissoni in 1986. He quickly earned a name for himself with his innovative designs which are known for their sense of rigour and simplicity, capturing the attention of some of the industry’s biggest names. Fast-forward to today, and Lissoni & Partners, now with offices in both Milan and New York, has a thirty-year history of developing international projects spanning the full design spectrum, in addition to being responsible for the art direction for some of the world’s most influential design companies. The practice, still led by Lissoni, combines a range of expertise with a holistic and tailored approach that sets it apart — the resulting projects instantly recognisable for their proportion, elegance, and emphasis on experience.
“[Lissoni] has a thirty-year history of developing international projects… in addition to being responsible for the art direction for some of the world’s most influential design companies.”
Lissoni was recently quoted in an interview saying, “Every project is a new story, a new adventure,” nodding to his unbridled ability to approach any and every project anew, adapting to the client’s specific needs and desires, despite the scale or context. And it’s perhaps this ability to meet people where they are and enhance their daily lives, in a world of so much banality and superficial, aesthetically-led design, that has seen the designer and his practice not only endure, but thrive, for decades.
Lissoni has worked with many of the world’s most prominent design brands, from Boffi to Cassina, Kartell, and Flos, maintaining an experimental and innovative approach to projects that seek to reinvent and reinterpret their subject — rewriting the rules of design.
Here, we look at a handful of the design luminary’s most iconic pieces — a visual representation of a true master at work.
Frog lounge chair for Living Divani (1996)
Available locally from Studio Italia
A masterclass in restraint, the Frog armchair by Piero Lissoni blends minimalist design with a casual elegance in a tribute to the evolutionary animal. Its low profile, wide legs, and slightly reclined back create a laid-back, inviting seat, with myriad material combinations — from interwoven leather, cotton, or PVC straps, or upholstered for a more refined look. With a tubular steel or stainless-steel frame for outdoor use, the Frog chair offers versatility in one- or three-seat configurations, making it both a stylish and functional choice for indoor and outdoor spaces alike.
Mex Low table for Cassina (2006)
Available locally from Matisse
Designed to compliment the sofa of the same name, Lissoni’s Mex Low table blends incredible versatility with functional design to craft a truly contemporary piece of furniture. A captivating fusion of simplicity and sophistication, with its clean geometric forms and ethereal glass surfaces, the table exudes a sense of lightness while remaining bold and functional. Elevated by a matte black metal base, Mex Low floats effortlessly above the floor — its versatile design, available in various shapes, seamlessly blends elegance with practicality, affording it a
striking yet playful presence.
Extrasoft sofa for Living Divani (2008)
Available locally from Studio Italia
The Extrasoft sofa combines modern, modular design with a plush, overstuffed form and ultra-low seat — sitting as an iconic and influential piece of design history. First introduced in 2008 and evolved through 2022, its soft, yielding cushions invite relaxation, while its versatile, geometric configurations can create both structured and irregular forms. Recently enhanced with integrated storage units, the sofa blends functional utility with a minimalist aesthetic, and remains an iconic example of contemporary, adaptable furniture design.
Sherazade Spin pivot glass door for Glas Italia (2016)
Available locally from ECC
The Sherazade Spin is a dynamic pivoting door that turns functionality into art. With 360-degree rotation and seamless, bidirectional movement, it creates fluid, customisable spaces. The sleek glass, wood, or ceramic panels float within elegant aluminium frames, available in five finishes. Magnetic alignment ensures a flawless fit, while its frameless look conjures a minimalist elegance. Sherazade Spin transforms interiors into flexible, open environments, blending cutting-edge design with effortless sophistication.
Camouflage for Flos (2018)
Available locally from ECC
Mimicking a lunar eclipse, the Camouflage wall light by Piero Lissoni for Flos is a novel blend of design and nature. Its ultra-slim, disc-shaped LED fixture creates a halo of light, reminiscent of a full moon aglow. With a fixture available in various finishes — from teak wood to basaltina stone and crema d’Orcia marble, the unique light is perfect for outdoor walls and ceilings. Its fibreglass-reinforced concrete or exterior-rated powder coats ensure durability, making it an elegant solution for blending with any outdoor architectural style.
Borea outdoor sofa for B&B Italia (2020)
Available locally from Matisse
The Borea collection is an inspired fusion of aviation and outdoor elegance. With fluid, joint-free tubular metal frames, its design echoes the seamless grace of flight. Techniques borrowed from aeronautics lend a lightness to the two- and three-seater sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs, while soft, sustainable cushions — crafted from recycled PET bottles — ensure luxurious comfort. Borea’s timeless aesthetic and eco-conscious innovation bring a refined yet playful air to any outdoor space, effortlessly blending style and sustainability.
