By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through five decades of design history as a true icon.
The elements that made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks, and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is specifically this unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
The modules of this sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. Considering the inherently modern and innovative design, this shall comes as no surprise.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules are upholstered in a brown velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Large segments:
147.63 in W x 37.79 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 19.68 in
375 cm W x 96 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 50 cm
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
