Rea’s enduring relevance lies in its understated versatility and essential construction. More than a functional seating object, it represents a quiet architectural gesture where simplicity becomes a form of elegance capable of adapting seamlessly across different environments and contexts.
De Padova
Rea
Originally designed in 1956 by architect Paolo Tilche, Rea embodies a timeless vision of essential design where formal rigor meets functional versatility. Conceived with a restrained architectural language, the project moves naturally between indoor and outdoor environments, expressing a refined balance between structure, proportion, and material authenticity. Its minimal silhouette reflects the rational elegance of mid-century Italian design while maintaining a contemporary presence defined by clarity and precision.
The chair and stool are constructed around a slender matte black painted steel frame that outlines the geometry of the piece with graphic lightness. Attached to this rigorous structure, the leather seat and backrest introduce warmth, tactility, and visual softness, creating a sophisticated contrast between industrial precision and artisanal materiality. The collection is available in natural leather and a specially developed caramel-coloured leather suitable for outdoor use, while interior versions expand the palette with black and brown leather finishes.
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Meet the designer
Paolo Tilche
(1925 – 2003) Born in Egypt, he graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in 1949 and immediately started working as an architect developing both residential and industrial buildings. In 1955, he opened Arform, a design store in Milan. At the same time, he worked intensively as a designer for important brands such as Ideal Standard, Guzzini, Bonacina. He later hosted “Il piacere della casa“, archetype of the TV show dedicated to design.
A timeless seating collection where rigorous architectural lines and refined leather detailing create understated versatility.
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