Willy Rizzo
© Willy Rizzo
Willy Rizzo was born on October 22nd, 1928 in Naples, Italy. His career began in the 40s in Paris as a photographer shooting fashion and famous personalities. It wasn’t until he relocated to Rome in 1968 and seemed to stumble into a completely different career almost by accident.
“I needed to furnish my new home in Rome, and I couldn’t find anything that matched my taste. I didn’t like all that psychedelic trend of the time, nor did I want Scandinavian design. So, I decided to do it myself”
This amateur project he started would blossom into a booming business with clients interested from every corner of the world. With his new found success in furniture design, Rizzo opened various workshops in the 70s to fulfil his business operations.
“I never tried to sell my designs; however, the friends who used to come to my home, when seeing my “works”, would want to buy them: And how could I say no?”
Soon, his pieces would grace the homes of the rich and famous, such as Salvador Dali, Brigette Bardot and Lenny Kravitz.
Lenny Kravitz Brazilian Home featuring a Willy Rizzo lacquered cocktail table. ©simon upton
His imaginative, modern style was unique to the market and surely made a splash.
In 1979, Rizzo married Dominique Rizzo and would go on to have three children together, Willy Jr, Camilla and Gloria.
© Willy Rizzo
In 2009, the family opened the Willy Rizzo Design & Photography Studio in Paris. Sadly, four years later, Willy passed away at the age of 84 in Paris. The man known for capturing iconic photographs and the heart of design aficionados all over the world would leave behind a legacy of work that would continue to be highly sought after by future generations decades into the future.
“I’m a photographer who makes furniture.”
- Willy Rizzo
© Willy Rizzo
DISCLAIMER: THE MILLIE VINTAGE DOES NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
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