Driade

A laboratory constantly in search of beauty, cultural mixes and creativity.

Driade is an Italian brand specialising in designer furniture, founded in 1968. Its founders, Enrico Astori, Antonia Astori and Adelaïde Acerbi, building on their success, have turned Driade into a veritable aesthetic laboratory, constantly seeking beauty and originality for living spaces.

The Cool Team has absolutely fallen in love with this range of furniture, which is as stylish as it is original and high-quality – we highly recommend it if you’re looking for a piece to make your home stand out!

Driade’s catalogue is extensive and includes furniture for the home, garden and public spaces, such as chairs and tables. Each product in the collection is a work of art in its own right, whilst offering a pleasant, functional and ergonomic everyday experience.

The pursuit of creativity in every item in the range is the very mission of this Italian company, renowned for its products which are at once unique, eclectic, eccentric, elegant and timeless; the materials used in the manufacture of Driade furniture are of the highest quality and characterised by their distinctiveness.

Philippe Starck and many other renowned designers have helped to build the brand’s reputation by creating pieces with unique designs that continue to leave a lasting impression.

The renowned designer, whose name is on everyone’s lips, has notably designed the Costes armchair – a key piece for the brand – as well as the Lago chair, the full range of which, in a wide array of on-trend colours, can be found in the pages dedicated to the Driade collection of plastic furniture, which stands out from its peers with its enveloping rigid polyurethane shell and ‘stiletto’-style aluminium legs that accentuate its lines, making them true works of art. Add a few cushions to the seat of your chair, sofa or stool to maximise your comfort. The incredible expressiveness of Driade’s furniture lends it a certain flair and unrivalled uniqueness. Fall in love with pieces that are both realistic and abstract, and which can withstand exposure to light, whether indoors or in your garden.

The Sissi collection is also one of the Italian company’s iconic ranges, featuring chairs and armchairs with sculptural lines and unfailing versatility. The Sissi chair boasts a modern design that draws inspiration from vintage furniture and the feminine aesthetic. Attractive, stackable and irresistibly stylish, it is equally suited to both indoor and outdoor use.

Discover the Driade catalogue. This selection from the Driade brand, curated by The Cool Republic, features nothing but the finest pieces – and is sure to include the perfect item to enhance the style of your living spaces!

Frequently asked questions

Who is Driade and what is the brand's history?

Driade is an Italian brand founded in 1968 in Milan by Enrico Astori, his sister Antonia and designer Adelaide Acerbi. It is one of the historic reference points of Italian design from the 1970s and 80s, alongside Cassina, Kartell and Driade. The brand made its name through its ability to discover and launch the careers of major designers: Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Antonia Astori, Borek Sipek, Konstantin Grcic. Driade cultivates a highly recognisable style: bold design, sculptural and sometimes eccentric shapes, and a mix of fine materials (ceramic, polished aluminium, precious woods). The brand has remained family-run and is based in Piacenza, near Milan, where most of the production still takes place today in the historic workshops. Driade furnishes design restaurants and hotels all over the world (from Paris to Tokyo). The Cool Republic distributes Driade in France with fast delivery throughout France.

What are Driade's iconic pieces?

Several Driade pieces have gone down in design history. The Sissi chair by Stefano Giovannoni (2003), with its pronounced feminine curves, has become iconic. The Lord Yo stool by Philippe Starck, available in several heights, has been furnishing designer kitchen counters for 30 years. The Frate table by Enzo Mari, an archetypal piece of 1970s Italian design, is still produced exactly as it was. The Costes chair by Philippe Starck (1984), originally created for the Café Costes in Paris, has become an Italian mid-century classic. More recently, the Pip-e chairs by Eugeni Quitllet (in injection-moulded plastic) and the ceramic tableware collection designed by contemporary designers have brought a breath of fresh air. Driade's strength lies in a catalogue that blends historic reissues with bold new designs, making it a brand for collectors as much as for interior decorators. Several pieces are exhibited in museums (MoMA New York, Triennale Milan).

How much does Driade cost and is it a lasting investment?

Driade sits at the high end of Italian design. For a Sissi or Costes chair, expect to pay 400-650 euros depending on the finish. The Lord Yo stool sells for 280-400 euros. The Frate table (available in 4 sizes) ranges from 1,500 to 4,500 euros. Original vintage pieces or limited reissues can reach 800-3,000 euros per chair. Driade tableware costs around 25-150 euros per piece. This is more expensive than most contemporary Italian brands, but the value for money is fair given the Italian production, the signature design (each piece is attributed to a recognised designer) and the durability of the materials. As an investment, Driade pieces retain exceptional resale value, particularly the Starck pieces and limited editions. A Costes chair bought in 2010 can be resold today for almost its original purchase price on the second-hand design market (Selency, Galerie XX). Make the most of the official sales twice a year and the outlet end-of-line offers.