Design duo Garouste and Bonetti is best known for concocting Surrealist, avant-garde, romantic furniture and lighting that merge whimsy and wonder with luxury and sophistication.
Born in Paris in 1946, Élizabeth Garouste studied interior design at the École Camondo and worked as a theater set designer before meeting Mattia Bonetti in the late 1970s. Bonetti, born in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1952, attended Lugano’s Centro Scolastico per L’Industria Artistica, where he studied textile design and got into photography.
Their first collaboration came in 1981, after Garouste’s husband, interior designer Gérard Garouste, asked them both to produce designs for the Paris restaurant Le Privilège. They devised a collection of Art Brut–inspired furniture called Barbare, which debuted at the Jansen House of Interior Design, earning them the nickname Les Nouveaux Barbares (the New Barbarians).
Garouste and Bonetti achieved international acclaim in 1987 when French couturier Christian Lacroix hired them to design for his maisons de couture in Paris and London. Instead of the staid decor used by other haute couture houses, Garouste and Bonetti’s furnishings were rebellious and daring. As described in Architectural Digest, “rooms and carpets were acrid ochers, edged with black baroque swirls Louis XVI-inspired chairs upholstered in fruit tones. Tree stump stools topped with ivory tufted cushions. White curtains were trimmed with black polka dots the size of pancakes.”
Following their success with Lacroix, Garouste and Bonetti designed interiors for illustrious clients such as German socialite Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and Bernard Picasso, a French art collector and grandson of Pablo Picasso.
Throughout the late 1980s and ’90s, Garouste and Bonetti designed several modern pieces such as rainbow-colored console tables, the wavy, high-backed Koala sofa, ceramic tableware, table lamps and decorative objects. In 2002, the duo parted ways.
Bonetti continues to create furniture, finding inspiration in everything from ancient Greece to children’s toys to UFOs. His works have been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Garouste also continues to design and is inspired by the natural world for her “quirky pieces,” Élisabeth Delacarte, owner of the Paris gallery Avant-Scène, says of her designs: “You feel like you’re in a dream rather than in reality. She very much has her own universe.”
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Garouste and Bonetti tables, seating and serveware.
Garouste & Bonetti style , Wrought Iron Chair
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Miami, FL
In the style of Garouste & Bonetti , wrought iron chair.
Brass, Wrought Iron
$9,654Sale Price|20% Off
Koala armchair by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Red velvet Koala by Garouste & Bonetti, created circa 1995 Bronze feet, signed BG, with its cushion Exceptional condition of the fabric which is original
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti Koala armchairs bronze alpaca velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began ...
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti “Quatuor” Armchairs, France 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Quatuor Armchairs by Garouste & Bonetti in original red/orange velvet 31x31x31 Seat 15 Arm 24
Velvet
19th Century Renaissance Style Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Renaissance style chair. Handsome antique Continental Renaissance style or Gothic style walnut Savonarola chair, throne chair, si...
Suede, Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Outdoor Chairs
By Salterini, Brown Jordan, Mario Papperzini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Available now for your enjoyment and ready to ship is a Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Lounge Chairs attributed to Mario Papperzini This lovely Wrought Iron Pair of Arm Chairs are the perfect addition to any garden, terrace, or veranda. Enjoy a glass of lemonade in the late afternoon sun, or your favorite cocktail at dusk and lounge into relaxation. This sustainable Wrought Iron Patio Set will last decades to come being made out of heavy wrought iron. The Rocker Arm Chair features beautifully designed and detailed flower motif on the top of the backrest and arms to give it the ultimate vintage garden look. The distressed antique ivory will coordinate well with any style patio or have us refinish using our 3 step Prep, Prime, and Paint process prior to delivery. Our convenient and hassle free shipping using our in-house shippers will save you time arranging your own. You’ll benefit from having your set hand delivered to your door within 2-4 weeks. We will update you throughout the entire transaction on shipping and rest assured your piece/set, will be delivered safely. Not only is shopping vintage trending in 2024, vintage wrought iron furniture...
Wrought Iron
1980s Rattan Armchair
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Europe - Minor signs of wear - suspension seat - height of seat 45 cm
Fabric, Rattan
Louis XIII Style Arm Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive French arm chair chair is carved from walnut and features an upholstered antique tapestry back and boiled wool seat. The original seat cushion stuffing has been suppl...
Walnut
Vintage Woodard Style Outdoor Wrought Iron Arm Chairs- Set of 4
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a Set of 4 Vintage Woodard Style Outdoor Wrought Iron Arm Chairs. These classic patio chairs feature black metal mesh construction with decorative floral detailing across the backs and elegant curved arms. The chairs have a timeless mid-century garden look and have been repainted black. Ready-to-use condition. The chairs are not signed, but have the look and style of vintage Woodard outdoor furniture...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$2,850
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 19 in
Elegant Gilt Metal Lounge Chair Style of Garouste Bonetti Post Modern Art Deco
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Gilt Metal Lounge Chair, in the style of Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti, unsigned, France, circa 1980s.
Metal
Vintage Textured Wrought Iron Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of romantic, architectural interest to your home with this exceptional vintage wrought iron accent chair. Defined by its whimsical scrollwork back and elegant X-frame bas...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Gold Parlor Chair
Located in Asheville, NC
Gold painted wrought iron chair with honeycomb pattern seat and tassels.
Wrought Iron
Salterini Wrought Iron Chairs A Pair
By John Salterini, Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
A Pair of Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Chairs by Salterini are available now and ready to ship. Highly desirable Laurel Leaf pattern. A perfect addition to any patio, terrace, or garden.
Wrought Iron
$696Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 26.78 in D 35.44 in
Set of Two Leather Armchairs by IKEA, Sweden, 1990's
By IKEA
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of two leather armchairs, manufactured by IKEA in Sweden, in the 1990's. Made of leather and wood. Repolished, cleaned, used a reviving wood oil. Fully functional.
Leather, Wood
Pair of Armchairs Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Guglielmo Ulrich, Melchiorre Bega
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A super pair of modern armchairs newly upholstered in a premium, taupe, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Quality handmade beech frames, traditional sprung seat, feather / fibre loose seat ...
Mohair, Wood
Big-E, Armchair by Ron Arad for Moroso, Italy, 1990s
By Ron Arad
Located in Greding, DE
Large red armchair out of plastic. Signed on the back “Big-E by Ron Arad for MOROSO”.
Plastic
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Garouste & Bonetti Koala armchairs and stools bronze mohair velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs with their ottomans by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bo...
Bronze
Koala Armchair From Garouste & Bonetti, 1990s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Koala armchair by designers Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti from the 1990s. Gilded bronze base, wooden frame upholstered in gold velvet. Stamped "B.G" on the inside of the base...
Velvet
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Pair of armchairs Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze black velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their co...
Bronze
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Pair of armchairs Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze green velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their co...
Bronze
Sold
H 33.5 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti Pair of Koala Armchairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti elegant and chic pair of Koala armchairs or lounge chairs in ivory bouclé with cast patinated bronze legs impressed with monogram "BG," produced...
Bronze
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.93 in D 20.87 in
Koala Armchair by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1990s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair model "Koala" by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1990s. Wooden structure, bronze feet, plum velvet upholstery. Artist's stamp (BG).
Bronze
Koala Armchairs by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Koala armchairs by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, bronze feet with the monogram BG, reupholstered with a Lelievre fabric, France, 1990s.
Bronze
Sold
H 33.47 in W 29.93 in D 29.14 in
"Koala" Armchair and Ottoman by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair and Ottoman model "Koala" by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1995 Wooden structure, silver bronze feet, orange velvet upholstery. Artist's stamp.
Bronze
"Koala" Armchair by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair model "Koala" by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1995. Wooden structure, silver bronze feet, orange velvet upholstery. Artist's stamp.
Bronze
Pair of Koala Armchairs by Garouste & Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Koala armchairs and ottoman by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, nickeled bronze feet with the monogram BG, covered with the original purple velvet, ...
Bronze
Koala Armchair by Garouste & Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Koala armchair by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, bronze feet with the monogram BG, covered with a brown velvet, France, 1980s.
Bronze
Garouste and Bonetti Pair of Koala Armchairs
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Two koala armchairs by Garouste & Bonetti, feet are in bronze and signed BG inside.