Unveiled at Cologne’s 2002 International Furniture Fair, Contessa became an
instant global star for Okamura. 20 years on, this highly acclaimed office chair’s
popularity has not faded.
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Timeless Design
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Impeccable fit & Comfort
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Choice of Expression
An Iconic and Enduring Office Chair
Leading furniture manufacturer, Okamura, joined forces with Turin-based design firm, ITALDESIGN in 2000, to create a world class office chair. Two years later, Contessa emerged, an instant classic. Contessa’s form celebrates contrast. The sheer, transparent tension of stretched mesh across the seat and back provides an elegant counterpoint to the sleek, industrial weight of the aluminum frame. Iconic and enduring looks, with outstanding ergonomic functionality, have ensured this task chair quickly earned global acclaim. For the past 20 years, Contessa has remained a favorite in office seating.
The Industrial Design Division of Italdesign, headquartered in Moncalieri, Torino – Italy, was established in 1981 and today is one of the most renowned and leading organizations in the industrial and transportation design fields on a worldwide level. Acclaimed for its proclivity in all-round functional design, Italdesign’s projects range from automobiles to pieces of furniture, from tires to watches and home appliances.
Ultimate Comfort,
Fine-tuned for Each Individual
Operational levers on the arm rests, meant greater control for workers, who could fine-tune support through a range of working postures. Mesh of durable yarn with the finest elasticity, cradled the body in a way that had never been experienced. With the highest levels of strength and comfort, numerous leading organizations have chosen Contessa, to best support their people and teams.
A Varied Mix and Match Line-up,
to personalize expression
Working contexts are becoming more varied, from the office to home, and in shared co-working spaces. Contessa’s line-up of silhouettes with a palette of colors and finishes, provides opportunity for personalized expression and harmony to suit any environment. Specify colors and finishes of the mesh, fabric, aluminum frame and seat-back to find your own favorite Contessa!
2002
Contessa was born
Okamura’s innovative collaboration with ITALDESIGN combined distinctive, fluid form with premium, top-of-the-line comfort to create a globally acclaimed, multiple award-winning chair.
2010
Contessa turns 10
To mark Contessa’s 10th anniversary, Okamura produced several chairs as art pieces, in playful bespoke colors, materials and finishes. An enhanced gradation-support mesh was added, along with the non-fixed arm, and headrest accessory.
2014
Contessa evolves:
Contessa Seconda
In response to changing workstyles, Contessa Seconda marked a major upgrade in functionality, strength and choice. Improved fit and fine adjustments ensured individualized comfort and an extended palette of colors and materials invited greater expression.
2019
Towards a Sustainable World
2022 heralds the release of a new sustainable Contessa model. Our Circular Model, uses innovative materials to enhance sustainability credentials and contribute to a better future.
E-LOOP, recyclable cushioning
This innovative three-dimensional knitted resin excels in air permeability and pressure dispersion. This provides a more comfortable sitting experience. It is also 100% recyclable.
Re:net, a fabric recycled from discarded fishing nets
We developed this environmentally friendly fabric by knitting together strands of REAMIDE, spun from salvaged fishing nets, with recycled PET yarns. The result is both exquisite and sustainable.
CircuLeather™ is a leather product comprising more than 90% bio-based, plant derived materials. It is produced with reduced water and electricity consumption and after a long use-life, it will be returned to the soil as fertilizer.
Recycled PET mesh
Used plastic bottles are recycled into a fiber to make our own strong and sustainable mesh.
REAMIDE recycled nylon
The shell and frame are constructed from recycled nylon, made from used and salvaged fishing nets.
Stunning new finishes
Since the popularization of remote working, many people have brought Contessa home. To celebrate our anniversary, Contessa’s sleek and iconic aluminum frame will be offered in special premium finishes:
Deep Black Model – a glossy lacquer-like black
Copper Accent Model – a sophisticated lavish polished copper
These Limited Edition Anniversary models promise to elevate the work environment. Only 100 of them will be produced. A special emblem commemorating the creative collaboration between Okamura and ITALDESIGN will be
fixed onto the rear frame of each chair.
Contessa 20th anniversary model will be sold out in August 2023.
