Established in 2002, ESPASSO is committed to conserving Brazil's rich 20th century design heritage and expanding its global reach, while promoting new creative generations and today's leading designers.
Present in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London, the gallery represents mid-century modern and contemporary Brazilian designers, and has consolidated itself as a thriving outpost for architects, interior designers, artists, collectors and museum curators, to engage in education and exchange.
The brand has acquired global recognition for its curatorial vision and impeccable services, representing works of the finest execution and enduring cultural relevance.
On International Women's Day we are honoring the powerful architect-designer Lina Bo Bardi, whose socially-driven works answered to diverse realities which still exist today. These include community-oriented restoration, cultural centers and landscape projects. Featured are three spaces that help exemplify the impact of her designs: 1. SESC Pompeia Built in an old metal barrel factory, in what at the time was a working class district in São Paulo, Bo Bardi was commissioned to build a sports and culture center. Her radical priority, therefore, was to maintain and promote this vital activity, without demolishing the existing structures, designed by the French François Hennebique, one of the pioneers in the use of reinforced concrete. 2. Historic Center of Salvador Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1985, the Historic Center of Salvador, Bahia, gathered a series of unique urban and architectural features. When they commissioned Bo Bardi to develop the refurbishment project, the center was practically in ruins with over thirty percent of abandoned properties. However, the intervention focused not only on restoring the relevant structures, but also on preserving the ‘popular soul’ of the city, creating a productive tissue that would avoid displacing the local population. 3.Teatro Oficina The birthplace of avant-garde artistic movements, the Teatro Oficina was set up in the 1950s as an experimental drama company in the Bixiga neighborhood of São Paulo. In 1984 Bo Bardi began redesigning the space through the reutilization of the historic office building which had been partially destroyed in a fire. Existing as a sort of open corridor, the theater is composed of scenic spaces that blur the boundaries between actors and audience. Text credits: Arquitetura Viva, ArchEyes Photo credits: Instituto Lina Bo Bardi, Arquitetura Viva, Nelson Kon, Bob Wolfenson #internationalwomansday #linabobardi #brazil #history #culturalspaces #urban #interiordesign #design #homedecor #architecture #furniture #inspiration #designer #braziliandesign #midcenturyfurniture #archdaily #architecturedaily
An incredible opening night for Keep This Between Us by Zé Tepedino. Thank you to everyone who showed up to celebrate and support. Special thanks to @zetepedino & @casa.ysasi Photo credit @eliseucavalcante & @haley.comstock
March first marked the birthdate of the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, known for it's stunning landscapes, strong sense of culture and diversity. The city is home to many of Brazil's most well-known and loved creatives, including Sergio Rodrigues, Fernando Mendes, Claudia Moreira Salles, Oscar Niemeyer and Lia Siqueira. Featured here are spaces projected or used by Espasso designers in Rio de Janeiro. Credits: 1. Donatas Dabravolskas 2. @siqueira_azularquitetura 3. @ruy_teixeira 4. @ateliericardofasanello 5. @claudiamoreirasalles 6. @fernandomendesdesigner 7. @institutosergiorodrigues #riodejaneiro #oscarniemeyer #anniversary #designgems #atelier #exhibit #workshop #espasso #interiordesign #design #homedecor #interiordecor #style #architecture #interiordesigner #furniture #inspiration #designer #braziliandesign #collectibledesign #minimalist #midcenturyfurniture #archdaily #architecturelovers #midcenturystyle #midcenturydesign #modern #architectural #architecturedaily #architecturelover
Today we celebrate Geraldo de Barros’ birthday (1923 – 1998). Barros was a Brazilian painter and photographer who also worked with engravings, graphic arts, and industrial design, and has become one of the biggest names in art, design and photography in the country. He began his career painting figures and landscapes, but is most recognized for his abstract photographs and paintings. Throughout his career he was a founder and member of various artistic associations, including: Grupo 15, Ruptura, Forminform, a cooperative for furniture production called Unilabor, Galeria Rex and a furniture company called Hobjeto. Featured here are select works by Barros: 3. Experimental photograph of the Unilabor Chair, part of his Fotoformas exhibition at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in 1951 4/5. Vintage Square Lounge Armchairs Later this year we will be hosting a special event with the creative’s work—stay tuned! Photographs: @eliseucavalcante Text reference: Instituto Moreira Salles #geraldodebarros #unilabor #chair #vintage #fotoformas #espasso #interiordesign #design #homedecor #interiordecor #style #architecture #interiordesigner #furniture #inspiration #designer #braziliandesign #modernfurniture #contemporarydesign #collectibledesign #minimalist #archdaily #architecturelovers #midcenturystyle #midcenturydesign #modern #architectural #architecturedaily #architecturelover
Pictured are the "Kudasay" swivel lounge chair and ottoman in leather and iron. Ricardo Fasanello looked to the strong Japanese culture in Brazil as inspiration for the design; its name references the Japanese word meaning ‘to please.’ Favoring comfort, a voluminous U-shaped seat cups the circular backrest. Kudasay Lounge Chair by Ricardo Fasanello, 1970 Photograph by @eliseucavalcante #kudasay #chair #swivel #ricardofasanello #espasso #interiordesign #design #homedecor #interiordecor #style #architecture #interiordesigner #furniture #inspiration #designer #braziliandesign #modernfurniture #contemporarydesign #collectibledesign #minimalist #archdaily #architecturelovers #midcenturystyle #midcenturydesign #modern #architectural #architecturedaily #architecturelover
Designed in 1971, the Alta Lounge Chair marks the first piece of furniture ever conceived by Oscar Niemeyer, created in collaboration with his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer. The chair represents a pivotal moment in his legacy, when Niemeyer translated the sculptural language of his architecture into the intimate world of design furniture. Reissued by Etel and made to order, the Alta Lounge Chair features a stainless steel base, a curated selection of fine fabrics or leather, and an embedded seal of authenticity from the Fundação Oscar Niemeyer. At once architectural and deeply inviting, the Alta Lounge Chair stands as a timeless, collectible expression of Brazilian modernism and represents an enduring testament to Niemeyer’s vision beyond architecture. As seen here on the first image, one of our favorite projects featuring the Alta Lounge Chair, envisioned by the talented @roman.plyus. Part of the Etel collection. Photo credits: @roman.plyus , @ruy_teixeira , Kurt Hutton/Getty Images, Frank Scherschel/Time Life Pictures
The Katita chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1997 as a tribute to designer and friend Katia Canton, reflects the master’s unmistakable balance between playfulness and structural rigor. Evolving from the earlier Daav chair (1983), it preserves the iconic quote-shaped arms while introducing a more robust wooden frame with an oval section that enhances both comfort and presence. Elegant yet relaxed, its unexpected details, including Rodrigues’ signature circular cutouts, reveal a whimsical sophistication that feels distinctly Brazilian. A piece where memory, craftsmanship, and character converge, Katita stands as a refined expression of Rodrigues’ poignant design language. Photographs by @eliseucavalcante #katita #chair #sergiorodrigues #espasso #interiordesign #design #homedecor #interiordecor #style #architecture #interiordesigner #furniture #inspiration #designer #braziliandesign #modernfurniture #contemporarydesign #collectibledesign #minimalist #archdaily #architecturelovers #midcenturystyle #midcenturydesign #modern #architectural #architecturedaily #architecturelover
During Frieze Los Angeles, ESPASSO partners with YSASI Gallery to present Keep This Between Us, a solo exhibition of Zé Tepedino’s work. The Brazilian artist builds his work from attentive observation of the everyday. Moving between the city and the beach, chaos and calm, he gathers ordinary materials and transforms them into quiet, poetic arrangements through techniques such as sewing, painting, and sculpting. Featured are a selection of scenes, which capture the contemporary artist and where he works. Keep This Between Us Opening: February 26, 2026 ESPASSO Los Angeles 2712 S La Cienega Blvd. Portraits by: Eduardo Dall'Oglio #ZeTepedino #Espasso #YsasiGallery #FriezeLosAngeles #Frieze #LosAngeles #BrazilianArt #LosAngelesArt #ArtExhibition #Art
