Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini just may be the closest thing to a modern-day Renaissance man: His creative output spans genres, from electronics to furniture to architecture to cars, comprising iconic designs in each. Vintage Mario Bellini sofas, dining chairs and other seating pieces are widely coveted, and the designer has been the recipient of multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. More than 20 of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Born in 1935, Bellini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan before founding his own firm in his native city in the early 1960s. He soon branched out beyond architecture, however, first for the tech manufacturer Olivetti, where he served as chief industrial design consultant from 1963 to 1991. During that time, Bellini oversaw the design of some of Olivetti’s most popular typewriters.
His penchant for electronic design didn’t stop there: Bellini also designed cameras for Fuji, televisions for Brionvega and a slew of audio devices for Yamaha, then served as design consultant for Renault and devised the interior of the 1980 Lancia Trevi for Fiat. Meanwhile, his architecture work spans continents, including such modern gems as the Museum of Islamic Arts at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Victoria extension in Melbourne, the Dubai Creek Complex and the Milan Convention Centre in his hometown.
And then there’s the furniture: Over the last 70 years, Bellini has designed office furniture for Vitra; lamps for Artemide, Erco and FLOS; porcelain for Rosenthal and long-admired sofas and other seating for Kartell, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Cassina and more.
His oft-imitated 1977 Cab chair for Cassina, comprising 16 individual pieces of saddle leather that create a “skin” over a minimal metal frame, remains one of the manufacturer’s best sellers today. His pudgy-legged, round tables for Cassina foreshadow Faye Toogood’s widely loved Roly Poly line. His postmodern Summa armchairs for Kartell, as well as his elegant Chiara floor lamp, still lure collectors on vintage furniture websites.
Bellini’s most famous contribution to furniture design, though, may be his 1970 Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia (then C&B Italia). An entrant to the 1972 MoMA show “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape,” the seat takes its name from the Italian words for chameleon and wave. Its bulbous, modular form makes it infinitely flexible. The sofa was a runaway hit at the show and, once discontinued, remained so popular among vintage dealers that B&B Italia reissued it in 2020 with all recycled materials and interchangeable seat covers. “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom,” Bellini said.
Browse an expansive collection of vintage Mario Bellini furniture — including dining tables, armchairs, mid-century sofas and more — today on 1stDibs.
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown Suede, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing formle...
Foam, Suede
Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage authentic modular sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini in purple and lavender striped colors from textile fabric 1970s, Italy. A great design icon modular sofa elements Le Bambole by Mario Bellini designed 1972 for B & B Italia consists of two ( 2 ) corner elements and one ( 1 ) seater. Two modular elements show labels, all elements show underneath original jute fabric stamped with company´s name. Beautiful original striped textile fabric in purple and lavender colors. These modular sofa elements gives a lot of options for installing a space and could perfectly create a thrilling contrast with contemporary environments. The condition is fair, it shows signs of age and use like stains, abrasions, fading, damages at the fabric and worn corners. Perfect for design connoisseurs, who love and appreciate preloved authentic design icons. Images are part of the description approx. measures: 2 corner elements: width 90 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm 1 one seater: width 79 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm Mario Bellini ( 1935 ) Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini designed many important furniture designs throughout its organic and complex shapes as Le Bambole Sofa, Amante or CAB Chair. This sofa design Le Bambole features cuddly and organic spirit and helps B & B Italia to earn many awards. Also the provocative advertising campaign with the female model Donna Jordan...
Textile, Upholstery
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 3 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Living Room Set for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" living room set for B&B Italia, sofa and two armchairs, faux-fur, foam and metal, Italy, 1971, set of three. The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Faux Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
$22,752Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of 8 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 8 elements: - 5 armchairs (cm 71H x 65...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa with Ottoman for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The searc...
Fur, Foam
Pianura Seating Group by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding, top rare seating group realized by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1971. Walnut structure, brown leather upholstery. Lade made of black rubber. The complete set is composed...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Living Room Set for B&B Italia, Mohair, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” living room set for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971, set of three. (sofa + two armchairs) The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Lapin Fur, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, black lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The search for a new shape ...
Foam, Fur
Italian Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini le Bambole for B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early editions, and still 100% original, r...
Leather
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 2 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71h x 65...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 7 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 7 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71 H x ...
Metal
Set of 1 CAB 413 and CAB 414 by Mario Bellini for Cassina - 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent set designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1970s This set comprises a Cab 413 armchair and a small two-seater Cab 414 sofa. This set was acquired from its original...
Leather
Vintage Camaleonda in its original fabric by Mario Bellini for B & B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Exceptional matching Camaleonda set in its original coral corduroy. Designed by Mario Bellini for B & B Italia. The “Camaleonda” sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The pl...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Pouf for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” pouf for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The...
Fur, Foam
$10,987
H 29.53 in W 68.9 in D 37.41 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
$27,500 / set
H 27.5 in W 37.5 in D 37.5 in
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. ...
Fabric, Wood
$79,343 / set
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca. Original C&B Label. Wood, Metal and Leather Height: 65cm Width: 95cm Depth: 95 cm ...
Leather
$28,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
$12,180 / set
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia in Brown Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Chrome
$6,067
H 28.35 in W 70.08 in D 38.59 in
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
Pianura Seating Group by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding, top rare seating group realized by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1971. Walnut structure, brown leather upholstery. Lade made of black rubber. The complete set is composed...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Sofa for C&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extremely rare first-year production example of Mario Bellini's iconic Le Bambole sofa, manufactured by C&B Italia in 1972, the same year Bellini introduced the design. The co...
Leather
$32,500
H 27 in W 144 in D 38 in
4 Piece Gray Velvet Corduroy 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa in gray velvet fabric Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970. The modular sofa comes with three 36” wide seats and one 25” smaller seat. All seats c...
Metal
$37,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
$25,669 / set
H 28.35 in W 60.63 in D 31.89 in
Pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Le Bambole two-seat sofas designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known individually as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is pa...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
$17,780 / set
H 26 in W 37.75 in D 37.75 in
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda Sofa and Ottoman - Set of 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Vintage authentic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa; a designer classic. Modular design includes three seating pieces and one ottoman. The ottoman was reconstructed to match the existing original seating modules. Includes three spherical pillows. Total reupholstery required. 3 Seat Sections, dimensions per piece: D: 37.75" H: 26" W: 37.75" Arm height: 21" Seat height: 15.75 Overall width of three seat sections together: 113" 1 Ottoman Section...
Bouclé
Sold
H 62 in W 82 in D 82 in
Mario Bellini C&B Italia Modular 'Amanta' sofa Elements Brown original corduroy
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 'Amanta' lounge chairs or sectional sofa, corduroy fabric and fiberglass, Italy, 1966. The Amanta lounge set, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B...
Textile, Polyester
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Modular Sofà Mario Bellini Amanta 1970s White and Green Italian Design Resin
By Mario Bellini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Modular sofà Italian design green and white resin.
Velvet, Resin
Sold
H 32.29 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Cab 413 Set of Six Armchairs in Multicolor Leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Here is the stunning collection of Cab 413 armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The Cab 413 is an icon of Italian design, originally presented in 1977. The 413 is the progenitor ...
Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 112.21 in D 37.41 in
Modular Sectional Sofa Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Fully modular sectional sofa couch Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy. 3 sectional chairs elements also use as armchairs, footstools, slipper lounge chairs. Each section is 9...
Metal
Sold
H 31.5 in W 37.01 in D 30.71 in
MARIO BELLINI FOR CASSINA CAB 415 ARMCHAIR & SOFA SADDLE LEATHER, ITALY 1980s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Absolutely stunning, very high-quality, and rare Mario Bellini for Cassina model "CAB 415" armchair and 2seater sofa made of thick black saddle leather, Italy, 1980s. Very solid, la...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 118.12 in D 39.38 in
Camaleonda, divano B&B 2 posti e divano 3 posti in tessuto bouclè, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Manzano, IT
Camaleonda, divano B&B 2 posti e divano 3 posti in tessuto bouclè, 1970 DESCRIZIONE In questa nuova versione, Camaleonda, con tessuto bouclè, conserva gli elementi che...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood
C&B Italia set of 4 Amanta Cord lounge chairs by Mario Bellini
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of 4 Amanta armchairs comes in the classic combination, brown corduroy and white fiberglass shells. The cord is in first class condition, the color of the cord is strong thr...
Cord, Fiberglass
Sold
H 25.6 in W 104.34 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini Rare model Pianura living room set by Cassina, Italy – 1971
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Pianura living room set by Mario Bellini for CASSINA is a beautifully designed and stylish collection of furniture pieces that can transform your living room into a luxurious and...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in W 102.37 in D 33.47 in
Italian Dark Brown Sofa and Armchairs Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark brown Sofa and armchairs Le bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1970s Living room set composed by a 3-seater sofa and a pair of armc...
Leather
Sold
H 32.49 in W 18.9 in D 16.93 in
Italian modern Leather chairs mod CAB 414 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Leather chairs mod CAB 414 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1980s Set of fantastic and comfortable 6 chair mod. CAB 412 in black leather. The leather follows the shapes ...
Leather
Mario Bellini Sofa Set of 4 Made by C&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mario Bellini sofa set of 4 made by C&B Italia, 1970 C&B Italia 'Amanta' from the 1970s, modular sofa with four armchairs designed by Mario Be...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Modular Sofà Mario Bellini Amanta 1970s White and Green Italian Design Resin
By Mario Bellini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Modular sofà Italian design green and white resin.
Velvet, Resin