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Administration
Archetype Forms
329 Howe Street, Unit 1221
Vancouver, BC V6C 3N2, Canada
Where we deliver
Throughout Canada and the Continental USA. Your rate is calculated at checkout. Standard
delivery is $299, and free on orders over $4,000. White glove pricing shows in your cart, based on your order size
and delivery address.
Standard delivery
By appointment and to your threshold, which is typically your doorway, garage or lobby. A
signature is required for release. Smaller items may ship by courier, and still require a
signature for release.
White glove delivery
By appointment, placement in your home, room of choice up to one flight of stairs, full
removal of the packaging, and minor assembly where required. A signature is required for
release.
Taxes and duties
USA orders have no sales tax. Canadian orders have sales tax calculated at checkout. There
are no duties, tariffs or VAT on deliveries within Canada and the USA.
Originally designed by Marco Zanuso, the Lady Chair is considered an icon of Italian design. It was the first to use expanded polyurethane and foam rubber, allowing for a smoother silhouette and enhanced comfort by conforming to the sitter’s body, setting a new standard in contemporary upholstered furniture.
Ground-breaking at the time, the Lady Chair's modern construction and appealing design were so innovative that it was awarded the Gold Medal at the IX Milan Triennale in 1951.
Shown in Orchid Heavyweight Structured Woven Fabric on Mirror Chromed Stainless Steel Legs.
The Archetype Forms Lady Chair Armchair is a faithful reproduction of the original Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair.
The images shown are for illustrative purposes. Actual finishes, patterns, and details may vary slightly due to the nature of materials used and quality refinements. Colors and textures may appear differently across devices and screen settings.
Pairing a soft structured weave with tonal layering, this heavy woven fabric’s substantial body brings grounded warmth and a natural finish. It accentuates its forms with nuanced texture and enduring character.
COMPOSITION: 85% PES, 15% Viscose
WEIGHT: 500 g/m²
WYZENBEEK EP: 100k+ Rubs
MARTINDALE ABR. EP: 100k+ Rubs
Material Details
Premium 30µm multilayer chrome plating (2-4x thicker than industry standard) on 304 stainless steel. This finish delivers the highest-shine, most reflective finish available. Regular cleaning with soft cloth and occasional polishing maintains the pristine mirror-like appearance.
BASE: 304 Stainless Steel
FINISH: Multi-Layer 30µm Nickel-Chrome
APPEARANCE: Mirror like; Brightest reflectivity
CARE: Med-high; regular cleaning; chrome polish for extra shine; avoid hard impact or abrasive materials
Woven Fabric
Orchid | Heavyweight Structured Woven
Valentino | Structured Woven
Chalk | Heavyweight Structured Woven
Chenille
Mosaic | Chenille Micro Boucle
Midnight Weave | Chenille Micro Boucle
Leather
Black | Aniline Leather 1.1 mm
White | Aniline Leather 1.1 mm
Tangeri | Aniline Leather 1.1 mm
Ceruleo | Aniline Leather 1.5 mm
Natural | Leather
Sueded Leather | Nubuck
Black | Aniline Sueded Leather Nubuck: 1.8 mm
Rich Sierra | Aniline Sueded Leather Nubuck: 1.4 mm
Duna | Aniline Sueded Leather Nubuck: 1.4 mm
Mirror Chrome Plating
Brushed | Stainless Steel
White | Powder Coat
Black | Powder Coat
Details
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Product Information
Product Details
Lady Chair Armchair
Marco Zanuso once remarked, “Through my projects, I want to give form to what I call complexity,” a philosophy reflected in the innovative design of the Lady Armchair. Introduced in 1951, the Lady Chair was revolutionary for its time, being the first piece of furniture to incorporate expanded polyurethane foam and polyester fibre batting in its construction. This departure from traditional materials like horsehair and cotton allowed for a more streamlined silhouette, reduced weight, and enhanced comfort, as the padding conformed to the sitter’s body.
The chair’s tubular steel frame provides strength and durability, while elastic webbing and high-density foam ensure lasting support and ergonomic comfort. Plywood armrests and sleek upholstery options complete the design, offering a balance of luxury and functionality.
The Lady Chair armchair has earned its place as an icon of Mid-Century Modern design, exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Royal Ontario Museum. Its blend of industrial innovation and artistic sophistication illustrates Zanuso’s commitment to addressing the complexity of modern living through thoughtful design.
Shop the Lady Chair armchair, originally designed by Marco Zanuso, online in Canada and the USA. Bring the history of Italian Design into your space.
Designer
Marco Zanuso
Marco Zanuso was an Italian architect and designer who played a pivotal role in shaping post-war Italian design. He began his career after graduating from the Politecnico di Milano in 1939. Zanuso is recognized for his innovative approach to industrial design and mass production techniques.
Zanuso's architectural works include the Olivetti factory in Buenos Aires and the IBM factory in Segrate. He created the iconic Lady Chair (1951), known for its use of new materials, being one of the first furniture pieces ever to use foam rubber padding, revolutionizing seating comfort and manufacturing. He also made significant contributions to product design, including radios and televisions for Brionvega.
Zanuso's multidisciplinary approach still influences Italian and international design throughout the 20th century.
Construction
Upholstery: Custom Premium Leather, Suede or Fabric Selection from Archetype Forms
Outer Structure: Tubular 304 Stainless Steel legs in Chrome, Brass, Gunmetal or Other Custom Finish, Paint or Powder-Coat Selection from Archetype Forms
Inner Structure:
Seat & Back: Tubular Steel with Elastic Webbing
Armrests: Plywood
Padding: High-Density Polyurethane Foam and Polyester Fibre Batting
Feet: Black Plastic Material
Archetype Forms reserves the right to make any changes it deems appropriate to the products at any time and without notice. For specific materials, finishes and coatings, and dimensions associated with each individual product, please contact us.
Reproduction
The Archetype Forms Lady Chair Armchair is a faithful reproduction of the original Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair. This item is not manufactured by or affiliated with the original designer(s) and associated parties.
Marco Zanuso was an Italian architect and designer who played a pivotal role in shaping post-war Italian design. He began his career after graduating from the Politecnico di Milano in 1939. Zanuso is recognized for his innovative approach to industrial design and mass production techniques.
Zanuso's architectural works include the Olivetti factory in Buenos Aires and the IBM factory in Segrate. He created the iconic Lady Chair (1951), known for its use of new materials, being one of the first furniture pieces ever to use foam rubber padding, revolutionizing seating comfort and manufacturing. He also made significant contributions to product design, including radios and televisions for Brionvega.
Zanuso's multidisciplinary approach still influences Italian and international design throughout the 20th century.
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