Alessandro Mendini (1931–2019) was an Italian architect, designer, and theorist who played a pivotal role in shaping Postmodern and Radical design. A visionary in his field, Mendini challenged conventional notions of function, embracing decoration, symbolism, and emotional expression in his work. His designs spanned furniture, interiors, architecture, and graphic art, each piece carrying his unmistakable artistic signature.

Mendini’s contributions earned him multiple Compasso d’Oro awards, including a lifetime achievement honor in 2014. His legacy continues to inspire designers worldwide, ensuring that his bold, unconventional approach remains a cornerstone of contemporary design.

Among his most celebrated works is the Poltrona di Proust (1978), a reimagination of a classic Baroque chair, hand-painted with a vibrant pointillist pattern- an embodiment of his philosophy that design should provoke thought and emotion. This iconic pattern - developed with Elisa and Fulvia Mendini (Alessandro Mendini Archive) - now adorns Normann Copenhagen’s Delta Proust Side Table, made from recycled plastic. Delta Proust features the signature Proust motif in a palette of seven colors, complemented by two shades of white, reinterpreting Mendini’s legacy in a modern take, taking the future into account.