Upholstery

Le Bambole reborn

Above: Le Bambole reimagined Opposite: the controversial 1972 shoot

Fifty years after their initial creation, these icons of Italian style are evolving, thanks to new design choices that make them even more comfortable and increasingly sustainable

In 1972, B&B Italia (known as C&B at the time) presented Le Bambole to the world, a collection of revolutionary upholstered furniture items designed by Mario Bellini. Cosy softness, plush roundness, gentle harmony and playful informality are the keynotes for armchairs, sofas and beds that mark a point of no return, thanks to their aesthetics, production technology and unprecedented marketing campaign.

Le Bambole was presented as a series of large cushions arranged almost randomly, in line with the changes in lifestyle at the beginning of the 1970s. Inside, the metal frame ensured solidity, while generous polyurethane padding – the company’s trademark from the outset – made it possible to enjoy the embrace of each Bambola. The upholstery was also designed to be flexible and supportive, in keeping with the structure.

The advertising campaign at launch made history in communication and design. Le Bambole was the subject of a shoot by Oliviero Toscani, who photographed Donna Jordan, a model known for her work at Andy Warhol’s Factory. Jordan dances and laughs topless, relaxed and happy, next to or nestled in Le Bambole.

The 1960s and 1970s had seen Italy enact laws that were designed to improve the lives of women (even if they were more honoured in the breach than in the observance). So Toscani’s images were a shock. They were revealed for the first time in the corridors of the 1972 Salone del Mobile and were immediately censored.

A constant presence in the B&B Italia catalogue for 50 years, Le Bambole has evolved to become even more contemporary, the revamped version

Mario Bellini

recapturing the original curves.

‘I am delighted to revisit this family because it confirms to me that it is anything but old: on the contrary, it is enjoying a second life, a rebirth done in a big way, with enthusiasm, with decoration and original flourishes. We have recovered its charm, sumptuous form and softness,’ says Bellini.

The range has been defined and enhanced, starting with the basic elements: the Bambola armchair, Bibambola two-seater sofa and Bamboletto double bed. The threeseater sofa has been updated for today’s needs, with a deeper seat that has earned it the name Granbambola.

The renewal of this collection brings with it Sila, a new sablé fabric available in eight colours. ‘The variation in this fabric, in contact with your hands, your arms, your body, empathises with your skin and is very pleasant,’ says Bellini.

Manila is a dreamy, whimsical floral print characterised by classic roses, a contrast that gives each Bambola a totally individual style. The limited edition fabric is available on a white or black base.

Le Bambole can also be upholstered in Kasia leather, an extremely soft and naturally marked full-grain leather. Visit: www.bebitalia.com