Modular Black Eco Leather Sofa by Giovannetti

Extraordinary five-seat modular sofa designed by Alessandro Mazzoni Delle Stelle and Gianfranco Gualtierotti for Giovannetti in 1976.

Born from a collaboration between a group of young designers, the Minni sofa was part of a small-scale project that introduced an innovative, highly modular system using steel profiles as the structural base. This technical choice ensured maximum configurability, allowing the sofa to be fully disassembled and reassembled as desired-adapting effortlessly to changing spatial and relational needs.

Upholstered in black vegan leather, the sofa is in excellent condition considering its nearly 50-year age. A rare piece produced by Giovannetti-one of the most influential Italian design companies, known for iconic works such as the Anfibio and Bazaar sofas, both held in the permanent collections of world-renowned museums.

Currently a unique piece on the market and officially confirmed by the manufacturer as an original production.
Featured in Domus magazine, issue 634, December 1982, pages 13 and 14.

Product Name: “Minni” Sofa by A. Mazzoni D. Stelle and G. Gualtierotti for Giovannetti
Designers: Alessandro Mazzoni Delle Stelle & Gianfranco Gualtierotti
Design Year: 1976
Style: 1970s Italian Design with a focus on modularity and innovation
Primary Materials: Steel frame, black vegan leather upholstery
Distinctive Design: Fully modular and reconfigurable design with visible steel profiles enabling great flexibility in layout
Dimensions:
• Corner configuration: 190 x 190 cm (74.8 x 74.8 in), Height: 82 cm (32.3 in)
• Linear 4-seat configuration: 250 x 70 cm (98.4 x 27.6 in), Height: 82 cm (32.3 in)
Comfort: High, thanks to its modular design allowing the sofa to adapt to different functional and spatial needs
Typical Use: Ideal for luxury living areas, modern residential interiors, or sophisticated lounge spaces
Design Icon: Produced by Giovannetti, a key name in Italian design history, also known for the Anfibio and Bazaar sofas featured in international museum collections
Versatility: Highly adaptable due to its modular system; configuration can be changed at will
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with well-maintained vegan leather, despite nearly 50 years of age
Additional Notes: Rare and collectible piece, officially verified by the manufacturer. Published in Domus No. 634, December 1982, pages 13-14

Giovannetti is an Italian furniture company founded in 1966, known for its strong spirit of innovation and influential contribution to contemporary design. The company has become known for producing bold, often experimental pieces that combine creativity and functionality in ways that have captured international attention.

One of Giovannetti’s defining characteristics is its commitment to working with both emerging and established designers-including Alessandro Becchi, Gianfranco Gualtierotti, and Alessandro Mazzoni Delle Stelle. These collaborations helped shape a line of modular, flexible furnishings that embody the playful and free-spirited ethos of 1960s and ’70s Italian design.

Among the company’s most celebrated works is the Anfibio sofa by Alessandro Becchi, designed in 1971. This iconic piece, which converts from a sofa into a bed, is held in the collections of the MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. It represents the brand’s philosophy: creating multifunctional furniture that challenges conventional typologies.

Alongside the Anfibio, Giovannetti also produced other landmark pieces such as the Bazaar sofa, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in experimental and forward-thinking design. Known for bold lines, innovative materials, and a modular approach, the brand’s creations reflect the changing needs of modern living.

Over the years, Giovannetti has preserved its artisanal roots while embracing technological innovation. Its commitment to handcraftsmanship and high-quality materials continues to result in products that are both practical and visually striking.

Today, Giovannetti remains a benchmark in Italian design-producing pieces that transcend mere function and elevate furniture to the realm of art, echoing the evolution of taste and style in contemporary interiors.