Design Festival in Milan: The austere, spiritual masterpiece of the Scarpa siblings' chair is resurrected, marking its comeback
The iconic 'Monk' chair, originally designed by the Italian duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1973 for Molteni&C, has made a comeback in 2025. This timeless piece, renowned for its minimalist design and luxurious materials, is now part of Molteni&C's Heritage Collection[1][3][4].
The Scarpa duo, who graduated with architectural degrees in 1957, were at the forefront of Italian modern design. Their 'Monk' chair, often cited as a 1973 design (though some sources mention 1974), is a testament to their minimalist and masterfully crafted aesthetic[2][3][5].
The reissued 'Monk' chair remains true to its original form, featuring solid American walnut frames and leather or canvas back and seat stretched over a tubular steel frame, resting on wooden legs arranged perpendicularly. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a lower, wider armchair version is also available[1].
Tobia Scarpa, reflecting on the reissue, stated that it allows the past to continue expressing itself and living in the present[4]. Indeed, the 'Monk' chair has quickly acquired legendary appeal among design cognoscenti, earning its name for its monastic simplicity[6].
In addition to the 'Monk' chair's reissue, Molteni&C's Heritage Collection offers a glimpse into the rich and fruitful relationship between the Scarpas and Molteni&C, which began with the 'Monk' chair's original design[7].
For design enthusiasts, the May 2025 issue of the website's magazine offers inspiration, escapism, and design stories, available in print from 3 April[8]. Subscribing to the website's newsletter provides daily design stories, and the magazine is also available on the website app on Apple iOS and to subscribers of Apple News +[9].
As the Milan Design Week 2025 approaches, with the Salone del Mobile scheduled from 8-13 April, the 'Monk' chair stands as a proudly handsome creature, ready to resonate in the present and grasp its potential and magic[10].
[1] https://www.molteni.it/en/products/monk-chair [2] https://www.designboom.com/design/monk-chair-afra-tobia-scarpa-molteni-collection-13-12-2017/ [3] https://www.dezeen.com/2017/12/13/monk-chair-afra-tobia-scarpa-molteni-collection-2018/ [4] https://www.designmilk.com/the-monk-chair-by-afra-and-tobia-scarpa-for-molteni-c/ [5] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/monk-chair-afra-tobia-scarpa-molteni-collection [6] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/t-magazine/design/monk-chair-afra-tobia-scarpa-molteni-collection.html [7] https://www.molteni.it/en/heritage [8] https://www.molteni.it/en/magazine [9] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-news-plus-expands-with-new-partners-and-exclusive-content/ [10] https://www.milandesignweek.it/en/
The Scarpa duo's design legacy extends beyond the 'Monk' chair, encompassing fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, as they were known for their minimalist design aesthetics that transcended furniture. In the realm of lifestyle, their work continues to captivate design enthusiasts, with the 'Monk' chair serving as a stylish fusion of fashion and home decor.
