Whether on the big screen or in the homes of Italians,
the Sacco armchair by Zanotta
has now become for all intents and purposes an iconic piece, able to enter the collective imagination thanks to its comfort, style, and probably also to a playful dimension that can only be understood by those who have placed one of these armchairs in their living room and spend minutes “playing” with its countless shapes before finding the most comfortable one.
A design object as recognizable as few that was born in the late 1960s from the minds of three architects from Turin, the fathers of an idea whose potential the Lombard company Zanotta immediately sensed.
HOW THE SACK CHAIR WAS BORN
The proper name by which to call it, or at least the original name, would be “Sacco seat.” Indeed, this is how in 1968 Turin architects Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro decided to christen that pear-shaped object, which in fact possessed neither armrests nor backrests that would allow it to resemble an armchair.
Produced from the start by Zanotta, Sacco consisted of six strips of fabric forming the outer structure, joined by stitching to a top and base both hexagonal in shape. Inside, then, was a second, lighter bag filled with styrofoam balls.
As explained at the time by the three designers, the idea that provided them with inspiration was that of the burlap sacks used by farmers, combined with an increasing focus on the concept of ergonomics: “We were interested in designing objects that were as flexible as possible, that could adapt […] So we began to think about the material that would allow this adaptability: like snow in which one jumps and leaves the mold of his body imprinted on it.”
The debut of the Sacco armchair in front of the public officially took place at the Paris furniture fair in 1969: from then on, there would be no turning back!
FIRST FILM APPEARANCE WITH FANTOZZI
Also adding to the Sacco armchair’s fame over the years were appearances in commercials and on the big screen: most famously in the film “Fracchia and the Human Beast,” during which the main character Fracchia (not Fantozzi, as some remember) played by Paolo Villaggio tries unsuccessfully to find a comfortable position in a Sacco armchair during an interview with its director, who repeatedly invited him to sit down.
HOW TO USE ZANOTTA BAG IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
Precisely because of its adaptability, a feature that is at the origin of its very design, the Sacco armchair lends itself to a wide variety of uses, allowing it to be both the main protagonist of your living room, perhaps alternating with more classic seats to add a touch of originality, and to become a highly appreciable furnishing accessory.
In fact, its soft, ergonomic nature that is light to move allows the Sacco armchair to be used for lying down, for stretching your legs in search of greater comfort, or even to exploit it as a tabletop or, why not, as a fun pastime for children, who can play by creating and reclining on ever-changing shapes.
SACK ARMCHAIR UPHOLSTERY : COLORS AND FEATURES
Despite a timeless design that is always true to itself, the Sacco armchair also leaves room for customization: available covers include Tulip, Pied de poule, Vip and leather, the first two also with removable covers.
There are also many options when it comes to color choice: in addition to the textures already mentioned, in fact, the Sacco armchair is also available in solids in many different colors, ranging from black, suitable for industrial chic environments, for example, to brighter shades such as red, yellow, and orange, as well as more neutral or cool colors such as blue, gray, and white.
