Gastone Rinaldi

Gastone Rinaldi was a key figure in 20th-century Italian design, with a career that combined an avant-garde vision of furniture and a deep connection to his family's industrial tradition. Born in Padua in 1920, he trained in economics, although his passion for design led him to take the reins of RIMA, the metalworking company founded by his father. From there, he developed modern and functional pieces that quickly attracted the attention of figures such as Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass. The DU30 chair, awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1954, is one of his most iconic creations, exemplifying his precise technical and aesthetic approach.

Rinaldi not only designed furniture, but also actively participated in the evolution of Italian industrial design, collaborating with institutions such as the Milan Triennale and international projects like Altamira. His work was distinguished by formal innovation, the expressive use of metal, and a constant concern for ergonomics. After founding his own studio, Thema, he continued to develop pieces such as the Arianna chair and the Dafne, both nominated for the Compasso d'Oro. His legacy, of pure lines and timeless character, remains present in the most demanding design collections.