Bambole daybeds by Mario Bellini for BBItalia

A  pair of original 1980s leather Bamboletto day beds from Le Bambole Collezioni by Italian architect Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&BItalia. The iconic Bambole bed with fold up/down headrest.

Designed by / launched when The Bambole Collection came into being from 1970-72, first the armchair (Bambola), then two seater (Bibambola), and three seater (Tribambola) sofas, a daybed (Bamboletto) and a chaise (Bamboletti) and finally an ottoman. Produced by Italy’s leading contemporary design manufacturer, B&BItalia the collection epitomises everything about the 1970s design and popular culture of the time.

Inspiration In his quest for a new approach to upholstered furniture, Architect Mario Bellini (b1935 Milano) was initially inspired upon seeing some full woven hessian shopping bags slumped on a table. After experimenting with prototypes the idea morphed into the archetypical idea of a large free-form floor cushion without internal support or feet but its shape defined via a precise geometry of stitch lines. He described the seating as “a soft safe place”.

Fabrication The early 1970s prototypes of this design had an internal ‘skeleton’ of fabric wads bound in hessian and held in shape by elastic membranes. In the 1980s B&BItalia developed their patented Bayfit responsive memory foam which allowed for consistency in the production of the Collection. This thick cognac coloured natural leather is the original B&B signature upholstery, as specified by Mario Bellini.

Hidden Features Included  optional slim upholstered mattress pads for day use x 2 (as shown) plus two thicker mattresses for sleeping x 2

Design Consigned Stylist Be partners in recline on these iconic daybeds. Ideal for the home library, to take in a view, for some Binge watching, or to impress as guest room beds. The older they get, the more valuable they become. A rare and unique find not to be missed !

Design Consigned Collectors Le Bambole Collection took the prestigious Compasso d’Oro Award at the Salone Del Milano in 1979. This authentic original 1980s pair have only had one meticulous owner. These are believed to be the only ones in Australia.

Mark of authenticity Both wear B&BItalia visible seam tags and also B&B branding stamped on their amazing original (and undamaged) hessian bases.

DC Insider The Bambole Collection was launched with a deliberately provocative marketing campaign with photography by a young Oliviero Toscani, featuring jean clad, topless USA model, Donna Jordan. The Campaign caused a stir and was immediately censored which, as planned, had a very positive effect on sales. The sofas and armchairs were re released in 2007 with another attention seeking campaign by Toscani. View HERE. 

Our Condition Report 3/5 Excellent vintage condition (that’s over 10 years) in the original leather.

Priced and for sale as a pair, (and hopefully never to be parted)

0