Furniture as Vision

Throughout his career, Prina developed furnishings that balance sculptural expression with practical use. From tables and desks to modular shelving systems and seating, his designs reveal a consistent identity: bold, experimental, yet intuitively functional. One of his most celebrated works is the Sess chair, produced by Gufram, a radical brand known for its unconventional approach to domestic objects. Upholstered in fabric and formed from polyurethane, the Sess seat in polyurethane upholstered with fabric exemplifies Prina’s commitment to tactile exploration and playful geometry. Its curved volume and unapologetically modernist silhouette made it a hallmark of 1970s Italian furniture, bridging the gap between art and usability.

The Radical Edge

As a radical Italian designer, Prina was part of a larger movement that questioned the role of design in everyday life. The Sess polyurethane seat was not just an object, it was a statement. Its presence in avant-garde collections and design exhibitions captured the spirit of an era in which creativity was inseparable from critique. The Gufram Sess collection remains a symbol of this design philosophy, with pieces now considered cult classics among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Editorial Insight and Creative Leadership

In addition to his work as a designer, Prina was also the editor-in-chief of the influential magazine Ville e Giardini, a role he took on in 1969. His editorial voice helped shape the discourse around architecture and design, offering insights that reflected his own multidisciplinary background. Known for his innovative approach to designer seating and modern interior decors, he combined practice with critique. This dual engagement, practicing design while also narrating its cultural relevance, makes his contribution to Italian design especially unique. His biography is often referenced in discussions on cross-disciplinary practices and the evolution of modern interiors.

A Lasting Design Heritage

Today, the Sess chair by Nani Prina is frequently sought after by design enthusiasts exploring the origins of postwar creativity. Whether one is looking to buy Sess online or to understand its role in the trajectory of modernist furniture, the piece remains a powerful example of how material and idea can converge. As part of Prina’s broader design history, it embodies the forward-thinking ethos that continues to influence contemporary furniture design. Few objects so elegantly capture the essence of their creator: visionary, radical, and distinctly Italian.