Once referred to as a “shotgun wedding between Bauhaus and Fisher-Price,” the uniquely colorful (and unmistakably ‘80s) Memphis design movement has been polarizing from the very beginning. Mention Memphis in casual conversation to this day, in fact, and you’re likely to receive one of three responses: reverence, repulsion, or complete confusion. (For those whose reaction falls into the third group, you’re not alone. Many assume the movement’s name refers to its place of origin; in fact, it was founded in Milan in 1981 by a group of designers listening to Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”.)
Known for employing asymmetry, clashing colors, unusual materials, and wild patchworks of prints and patterns, Memphis remains, even now, a symbol of the purposeful (and playful) rejection of established design rules. And more than thirty years after its debut — to the surprise of many — it’s made a comeback, inspiring modern-day makers and vintage collectors alike.

Masanori Umeda’s Tawaraya (Boxing Ring) bed, featured through October 29 at New York’s R & Company gallery
From Verónica de Arriba’s vividly patterned screen prints to Laura Vaquero’s squiggle-covered sweats to Julie Moon’s geometric glazed porcelain jewelry, contemporary designers worldwide are putting a fresh spin on the movement’s groundbreaking postmodern philosophy. And in recent years, founding member Nathalie du Pasquier has even lent a hand to produce Memphis-inspired collaborations with both American Apparel and furniture makers Hay.

A Nathalie du Pasquier scarf from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum‘s permanent collection
What’s more, there’s a new generation of fans scouring the market for original relics from the movement’s heyday — whether they’re looking for signature products designed by the era’s biggest icons or just period pieces with authentic flair. To start uncovering some eye-popping old-school finds of your own, try searching for the names of Memphis visionaries such as Ettore Sottsass, Nathalie du Pasquier, and Mattheo Thun — then click through our 20 Etsy examples of Memphis and Memphis-inspired style.
Clothing and Accessories
This cotton top (LoelaLoela, $71), made to order in Manchester, features a jumble of statement-making scribbles — matching shorts sold separately.
Laurs Kemp’s seafoam-green crop top (laurskemp, $118) pays homage to Memphis with a trio of colorful geometric appliqués.
Oelwein’s contemporary carryall (oelwein, $40) bears a rune-like mix of semicircles, dashes, and stair-step designs that would have fit right in at the time of the movement’s debut.
Boxy, loud, and straight out of the ’80s: vintage cotton drawstring shorts (NeonStockyards, $60) in a dazzling — and dizzying — array of colors.
This roomy dress (aempersand, $138), made by hand from jersey and silk, is a study in arresting asymmetry — and the black-and-white stripes are a Memphis mainstay.
Jewelry
Vibrant streaks and bright, bold circles make these enamel studs (myknickknackstore, $15) a period-perfect addition to any costume jewelry collection.
This lively lucite-and-wood wonder (Elsewind, $135) could have taken its color-blocking cues from Ettore Sottsass’s iconic Carlton bookcase.
From Detroit’s Goldeluxe come handmade brass stud earrings (goldeluxe, from $18) shaped like tiny curves and curls; it’s Memphis minimalism (if there ever was such a thing).
This porcelain bangle (LuckyPatina, $75) links a hodgepodge of shapes and patterns, from crisscrossed lines to a gilded leopard print.
With lines that echo those on classic pieces like Mattheo Thun’s Nefertiti vase, this color-splashed porcelain pendant (JulieMoonCeramics, $70) makes a modern — and supremely stylish — Memphis moon.
Furniture and Decor
With their angled shape and swerving yellow base, these steel-and-vinyl seats (Mottervintage, $949) nearly double as sculpture.
The pink curve in this limited-edition print (littleprintpress, $156) may seem simple, but its vivid hue and unusual silhouette are unmistakably Memphis.
Built on a mind-bending slant, this funhouse-inspired bookcase is equal parts wonky and whimsical (RehabVintageLA, $375).
Crafted of organic cotton twill, this cushion cover (depeapa, $39) is printed with sharp-angled shapes that converge to form a sunrise. The combination of patterns, solids, and slanting lines calls to mind Sottsass’s Tahiti lamp, designed in 1981 to resemble a bird.
Add extra flair to a flower arrangement with zigzag-edged porcelain vases (mascarajones, $149) trimmed in red, yellow, and black.
Tabletop
The ’80s meet Alice in Wonderland with this storybook set of Cupola Strada serving pieces (Regarding, from $32), perfect for dinner — or for display.
For java with an extra jolt: a pink-and-purple Lagostina coffee pot (FultonLane, $95), made in the ’80s and still serving up a caffeinated kick.
This vintage creamer (ARCHIVO, $15) — with its primary colors, rounded handle, and prominent center spiral — is Memphis design to a tee (or, shall we say, tea).
Memphis cofounder Matteo Thun dreamed up this multicolored treasure (Vintageplaza, $69) as part of a line he called Fantasia — and it’s just as effective today at bringing some magic to the mundane.
Designed by Memphis founding member Nathalie du Pasquier in 1987, these napkin holders (authenticious, $75) blend a gleaming silverplate finish with a standout sculptural shape.
Lead image: Depeapa cushion cover, $39
72 comments
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 5 years ago
Interesting collection!
Fybur from Fybur said 5 years ago
These are very playful products, I feel this trends is a visual manifestation of our basic nature to be free and open to life by accepting all shapes and sizes.
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 5 years ago
I've always joked that our (hand-me down) couch reminds me of this era. Now you made it a whole lot cooler! Thanks! ;)
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore said 5 years ago
Love all of these wonderful designs!
Leanne Stock from QueensBlush said 5 years ago
Very interesting, I've never heard of this movement. Love the idea of breaking the rules.
True Confessions Style Co. from TrueConfessionsStyle said 5 years ago
The patterns! The colours! They're driving me absolutely wild. I want all of these things! And is anyone else feeling a sudden urge to get out some scissors and glue and make a Memphis-inspired collage? Now to have a closer look at all those fabulously unique accessories….
Ionela Pascan from thesecretcolors said 5 years ago
Beautiful designs!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Love the designs and colors. Congrats on the feature.
Ana from artsyana said 5 years ago
I just learned something new today. I thought of that style as Bauhaus/Deco. I like it is colorful and fun.
ACR from WoodsyWools said 5 years ago
So fun! Great post and finds :-)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Beautiful patterns and colors. Love the cute 'tabletop'. Congratulations on the feature!
Dale Coykendall from LizzyClara said 5 years ago
Love the brass stud earrings and the ceramics Time to visit !
R. Anne from LnRworks said 5 years ago
Great post as always <3
Meredith from VenerablePastiche said 5 years ago
Finally! A descriptive style name to describe this Bauhaus-meets-Deco by way of Miami Vice 1980's compilation! I've been looking for this for a long time! Such an enlightening piece! Thank you!
Jacqueline Myers-Cho from TheHappyMonsters said 5 years ago
very cool
Colette from ColettesBoutique said 5 years ago
Very eclectic and cool. I just love that yellow background for the pillow in the first picture :-)
Rosita from pillowlink said 5 years ago
:) VEry modern but feels retro at same time :) Inspiring for minimal touches while creating something new.. NIce pics as well!
Jeri Aiello from JeriAielloartstore said 5 years ago
Wow! I love everything that you featured.Best wishes to you.
Amanda Bullerwell from CrafterForHire said 5 years ago
I had been looking for a term to describe my kooky, fun, colorful 80's watch. Thanks for giving me the push I needed to finally post it.
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Applause, applause, applause! I love the Memphis-Inspired Design, multi color, design lines... There's no limit, timeless beauty of art. Thanks for the great selections of products.
Amber Harder from Tats4now said 5 years ago
Absolutely love all the colors and the abstract patterns and combos!!!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 5 years ago
What friendly and colorful pieces of art !
Adrienne from DabAndDabble said 5 years ago
Primary colors with black abstract patterns... very, very 80's !
Sandra from theFlyingMuse said 5 years ago
I am a big fan of pattern & this is so inspiring and playful! Thanks for sharing!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
So many great items!!
Jessica from CreativeDollCrafts said 5 years ago
Colorful and pretty!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Great picks of Memphis-Inspired Design! Thanks for sharing!
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 5 years ago
What an awesome selection!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
I love those steel and vinyl seats! They are so cute.
Linen Bee from Linenbeeshop said 5 years ago
I love colorful and abstract design of 70 s.! Thank you!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Love those serving pieces!
Hiromi from HiromiParis said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection!!
Louise Goransson from FAGR said 5 years ago
Gorgeous products, very original, I just love it! Great colors and great variation. Congrats on being featured and good luck in the future!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
I hadn't heard of this style before - although I recognise the designs having been a teenager in the 80s. The modern versions are a little more subtle, I think. Lovely!
Mónica Little from Netamente said 5 years ago
Wonderful design, love the style!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Nice!
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
awesome style, the prints look so cool!!!
Harshita Gaur said 5 years ago
Nice!
Hannah Yoo from ybyhy said 5 years ago
the 80s are back!
Linda Foerster from HollyCreekHome said 5 years ago
Wow---I learned something new today! Didn't know there was a name for this style! Love the freedom in it. Great collection!
Terry from Parachute425 said 5 years ago
I really like this design when used in furniture! Thanks for the great article.
silkyskyjewelry from silkyskyjewelry said 5 years ago
cool! i love the prints!
Katrina Nikolajevna from Audumelj said 5 years ago
Creative, original ideas, interesting vision!
Lisa Northcraft from TheNorthLives said 5 years ago
Love the cotton top from LoelaLoela, $71 in Manchester! Id have to buy the matching shorts too! Its an outfit!!!!!!!! Lisa
Second Studio from secondstudio said 5 years ago
Great and modern ideas! Amazing style! Congrats
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection. Congrats!
Vera Noritsa from CobraQueensGift said 5 years ago
Awesome selection! Great!
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
interesting post!
Michelle White from SPARKLESandSASS said 5 years ago
Pretty!
Lowe Jewelry from lowelowejewelry said 5 years ago
Great :)
Vickie Street from StreetCrossingDesign said 5 years ago
Learn something new everyday. I sell vintage and never seen this design. I like learning about these old styles. I wish Etsy told on all the styles.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Great abstract designs!
e l e c t i v said 5 years ago
Wow! I really love it all, great stuff!
Shikha from ArtsyCraftsyShoppe said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection!
veronica m from spremutadipois said 5 years ago
Meraviglioso
Yael Berger from TheJoyofColor said 5 years ago
I really loved the Memphis group design and the changed they brought to the design world - great finds
Helen from BESLOV said 5 years ago
Interesting!
Andrii from OakKitchenBoards said 5 years ago
Cool !!!!!
tomonidesign from tomoniLA said 5 years ago
Love the bold and playful design. Precious collections!
Jen Frisch from TimetheftEmpire said 5 years ago
Love it! Feels like a blast from the 80s!
Kim Strozewski from SassySisterVintage said 5 years ago
where have I been? I've never heard of Memphis design before, only the city. I would've considered this stuff just full on 80's.
ambra homecreative from AmbraHomeCreative said 5 years ago
love it, so inspire
Pardar Chia from NaturaSilver said 5 years ago
Cool design. Thanks for the enlightening article!! I am such a fan. :)
Heather from iHartFelt said 5 years ago
Love the pop of bright color!! xo
Alina from ALINABabyClothes said 5 years ago
Interesting collection!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 5 years ago
Wow, that was a trip back in time to the 1980's. I didn't know that style is called Memphis. Very cool.
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Learned something new... interesting! :)
Katie Franklin from LeHoneyPot said 5 years ago
So fun!!! Love the quirkiness and creativity ! !
Mary Bradford from OfSmallThings said 5 years ago
Wow! A lot of the colors and designs take me right back! Really great article!
Carol Bender from BarnshopAntiques said 5 years ago
Wonderful collection.
Not Made In China Finds from NotMadeInChinaFinds said 5 years ago
Different! Inspiring!
sarantos from SARANTOS said 5 years ago
This design style always reminds me of the movie Ruthless People and Bette Midler. :)