Chairs by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, 1950s, Set of 2

Born in 1916 in Palermo, Italy, the architect and designer Domenico, known as “Ico” Parisi trained in building construction between 1931 and 1935 in Como. The following year he worked for the rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni, and became a founding member of the Alta Quota and Gruppo Como architectural groups. In the late 1930s, Parisi worked as a film director. In 1945, he organized the first exhibition of contemporary furniture in Como, which was followed by many other editions. In 1947 he married Luisa Aiani, a former student of Gio Ponti and member of Alta Quota. In 1948, the couple founded the design studio La Ruota in Como. Between 1949 and 1952, Parisi studied architecture at the Institute Atheneum in Lausanne under Alberto Sartoris. In 1952 he became a member of the Art Club of Milan. In 1956, he became a member of the Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (ADI).

Parisi’s design embodies the modern Italian style of the 1950s, and includes many interiors, furniture made of wood and metal, glassware, jewelry, architectural projects, which he designed alone or with his wife Luisa. Their studio is also a meeting place for collaborations between established artists and designers of the time. His clients included Singer & Sons, Altamira, M.I.M., Longhi, and Cassina.

Parisi died in 1996.