2-seater Le Bambole sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1960s

An iconic piece of Italian design history, this “Le Bambole” sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a rare original from the 1960s. With its bold, sculptural shape and deep, welcoming curves, it redefined the concept of informal comfort and continues to inspire contemporary interiors.

Newly reupholstered (as original) in warm brown fabric with a thin orange filament weave, the sofa has undergone a conservative restoration, preserving its authentic character while ensuring long-lasting comfort. The cushioning is in excellent condition plush, supportive, and ready to enhance any living space. It retains its original manufacturer’s logo, a hallmark of genuine quality and provenance.

This collector’s item combines sculptural elegance with everyday usability, making it the perfect centrepiece for stylish, design-forward homes.

H.71 / W.168 / D.90 (cm)

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The Le Bambole collection, conceived in the late 1960s by architect and designer Mario Bellini, marked a radical shift in the perception of domestic comfort. Unlike the rigid frames of traditional sofas, Bellini imagined seating that was soft, welcoming, and completely free of hard structure. The result was a groundbreaking design—playful in name and form—that responded to the social and aesthetic shifts of the era.

This vision was brought to life through Bellini’s collaboration with C&B Italia (later B&B Italia), a company founded by Cesare Cassina and Piero Busnelli, known for their experimentation with modern materials and industrial processes. With its polyurethane foam construction and innovative upholstery techniques, Le Bambole became one of the first examples of truly industrial design applied to upholstered furniture.

The collection debuted in the early 1970s but was developed throughout the late 1960s, symbolizing the fruitful exchange between Bellini's organic vision and B&B's cutting-edge production capabilities. The partnership helped establish B&B Italia as a global leader in modern design and solidified Bellini’s legacy as one of the great innovators of 20th-century furniture.

Today, original pieces from this collaboration—like the one featured here—are prized by collectors for their unique blend of comfort, artistry, and cultural significance.