Fragile, Modernariato & Design

Designed in 1965 and awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro in 1967, the Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide is a masterpiece of Italian design. Balancing form and function, Eclisse allows you to control the intensity of light through its ingenious rotating inner shade that "eclipses" the light source.

This compact and practical design has made Eclisse a symbol of innovation, featured in the permanent collections of prestigious museums like MoMA in New York and the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.

This particular lamp is a rare gray version, complete with its original packaging.

ℹ️ Discover our entire collection www.fragilemilano.com

“Periscopio” ceiling lamp, designed by Umberto Riva in 1969 for Francesconi/Bieffeplast.
Adjustable-height.

Pair of “Piatto” ceiling lamps, designed by Umberto Riva for Francesconi in 1969: an original version, predating the Bieffeplast edition.
Crafted from lacquered aluminum with opaline glass diffusers, these lamps exemplify Riva’s talent for blending elegance with functionality.

ℹ️ More details on https://fragilemilano.com/negozio/illuminazione/lampadari/piatto/

“Bunker” ceiling lamp, designed by Umberto Riva, for Francesconi in 1969. Crafted from painted sheet metal, this lamp stands out for its industrial character and the versatility of its adjustable height system using steel cables and a counterweight.

More details on https://fragilemilano.com/negozio/illuminazione/lampadari/lampadario-umberto-riva/

Step back in time to the vibrant 1960s with the exhibition "Italia Sessanta. Arte, Moda e Design. Dal Boom al Pop," now on display at Palazzo Attems Petzenstein in Gorizia until October 27th.

We’re thrilled to have contributed some of our most iconic pieces to this celebration of Italian creativity. Alongside Angelo Lelii's Cobra lamp and the Cocoon lights by Tobia Scarpa and the Castiglioni brothers for Flos, you’ll also find Umberto Riva's Ruspa lamp, a kinetic gold brooch by Atelier Des Orfevres, Sergio Mazzola's silver jewelry, and Osvaldo Borsani's AT 16 coat stand for Tecno, just to mention some.

Don’t miss the chance to explore these timeless pieces and more. Visit the exhibition and dive into the era that forever changed the landscape of Italian design.

Large mirror for the bar of the Plaza Hotel in Milan, Paolo Buffa e Antonio Cassi Ramelli, 1930. Carved pink mirror, manufactured by Luigi Fontana & C.

Alpago Novello, in 1933 so described it: “tasty engraved figures, hot air balloons, boats, dance scenes, to accompany a moment of leisure, of lightness with a glass in a hand”.

This is the short story of a discovery, one of those that live only in memories of experienced merchants who can remember the era in which these discoveries were common.

A large hotel closed for many years in the heart of Milan, an unusual circumstance in itself, still completely furnished from the last restyling of the 90s that makes it look more like a nursing home than the large hotel whose splendour is still testified by its rationalist architecture (perhaps also by Cassi) that faces a Portaluppi’s similar building on the other side of the square.

There is no electricity, it is almost dark, it is hot and nothing attracts our attention, but behind piles of chairs we glimpse a reflection, it is her! Repositioned perhaps many times since the original bar was originally located in an adjacent building, from the supporting frame we understand that it has been in that room since at least the 70s. The only vestige of an opulent environment, the vintage pictures of the room gives the image of an Italian and Milanese neoclassical art deco feel that Buffa and Cassi have been between the main and refined authors.

Every time we come across a historic Flos lamp, we are reminded of how fortunate and honored we were to hear the story of the Company directly from Rodrigo Rodriquez, who served as Vice President of Flos from 1999 to 2014.

⏳The story of Flos began with the innovative use of cocoon, a synthetic resin originally invented by Americans to protect military equipment during the Normandy landings. This material was brought to Italy by Eisenkeil and discovered by a group of visionary entrepreneurs, including Dino Gavina. What comes next is history.

💡Flos revolutionized the concept of semi-artisanal lamp production in Italy, elevating it to an industrial level. Collaborations with renowned designers like Afra and Tobia Scarpa, as well as Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, solidified its success.

❤️And while popular models like Arco and Taccia might not be rare from a collector's standpoint due to their widespread production, their intrinsic value and genius design make them some of the most beautiful lamps ever conceived.

A rare series of sculptural bronze vessels designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1962 and manufactured by Fonderie Battaglia in Milan.

A pair of timeless “Monachella” table lamps by Luigi Caccia Dominioni.

Designed in 1953 and manufactured by Azucena, the “Monachella” table lamps are a tribute to tranquility and duty. Named after the headwear of nuns, these lamps embody calm and dedication. The slightly downward-tilted shade echoes the gentle, focused presence of those who balance work and prayer.

Franco Albini: A Master of Modern Design and Architecture

Born in Robbiate in 1905, Franco Albini was an architect and designer who left an indelible mark on Italian architecture. Known for his meticulous approach and silent, perfectionist nature, Albini believed in the social function of his profession. He famously said, "It is the voids that we need to build, as the air and the light are building materials."

Graduating from the Politecnico of Milan in 1929, Albini began his career at the Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia studio before opening his own studio in 1931. His early works, such as the Baracca quarter in Milan, showcased his commitment to creating functional spaces with optimal light and air flow.

Albini's post-war projects expanded his influence, blending tradition with innovation. His collaboration with Franca Helg, starting in 1951, enriched his work: together, they created iconic projects like the Milanese metro, which was awarded a prestigious Compasso d'Oro in 1964, along with the other one awarded for the Luisa chair in 1955.

Albini’s legacy continues to inspire modern design with his timeless principles of simplicity, functionality, and beauty.

Since 2023, we have a new location. We moved from the iconic space in Via San Damiano, designed by the renowned Alessandro Mendini, to our new headquarters in Via Simone D’Orsenigo 27, a former industrial space designed by Elio Frisia in 1950.

It's a place to discover, revealing itself little by little - a discreet beauty, understated but exceptionally captivating and unique.

Come and visit us.

Since the 1990s, we have been driven by passion for 20th-century historical design.

It has been 30 years of meticulous research, which has enriched our collection with a vast selection of objects, including some of the most iconic pieces of Italian design.

Come discover them at our new location in Via Simone D’Orsenigo 27.

Anni Luce, another Angelo Lelii’s beauty from our current exhibition on Arredoluce.

Ph: .studio

Anni Luce, Arredoluce 100 Lampade

April 5th - May 12th

treasure among treasures

A unique Ettore Sottsass chandelier for Arredoluce.

Ettore Sottsass and Angelo Lelii at Anniluce. 100 ( and more) original vintage masterpieces by Arredoluce displayed at our new gallery.

📸Alcuni scatti dalla serata di inaugurazione della mostra “Anni Luce. Arredoluce. 100 lampade”.

Nel ringraziare tutti quelli che sono passati, vi ricordiamo che la mostra continuerà fino al 12 maggio. Non perdetevela!

🕒 ORARI
5-6 aprile dalle 11 alle 19
8-13 aprile dalle 11 alle 19
15-20 aprile dalle 11 alle 20
22 aprile - 12 maggio su appuntamento, escluse domeniche

📍 Galleria Fragile, Via Simone D’Orsenigo, 27 Milano

For us who place our hopes in the past, losing Gaetano Pesce means losing another reference. It is a pleasure, at least, to remember the pioneering work carried out in his most daring design adventure, Bracciodiferro.

Ettore Sottsass, Umberto Riva

Something Radical
Something Classical

a VeArt “Lessa” 1970’s lightning…thing

Today ten years ago. 12/12/2013

Gino Sarfatti + Bruno Gambone

Where do you think you can throw your coat or place your purse when you enter the atrium of a buorgeois home in 1930s Milan? Not on a simple bench, not even on a simple table.

Sfere Psichedeliche
Giusto Toso, Biennale 1970

Sfere Psichedeliche
Giusto Toso, Biennale 1970

Carlo De Carli
Sormani

Two small masterpieces.

#1930

when Japanese designers met Italian companies, something magical always came out

Naoki Matsunaga for Reggiani, 1970s

As Radical As It Is Chic
Kalamo, 1972 Gianni Villa