Le Stelle Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970

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Designed by mario bellini and produced by b&b italia in the late 1970s, le stelle is one of the most … Read more Designed by mario bellini and produced by b&b italia in the late 1970s, le stelle is one of the most emblematic creations of italian design of the period, an expression of the formal and technological research that made the partnership between bellini and the novedrate-based company famous.
the sofa stands out for its fluid, enveloping silhouette, built on an iron and steel frame that supports padding in cold-formed polyurethane foam and dacron® fiber, cutting-edge materials developed by b&b italia in collaboration with the company's research center during the golden age of italian industrial design.
the soft yet architectural line opens in a visual embrace: the sloping armrests project outward like wings, while the curved backrest and generous cushions define a profound, informal comfort.
the name le stelle evokes a cosmic dimension, typical of bellini's poetic and experimental language, who in those years conceived the sofa as a microcosm of form, function, and material.
the upholstery is the original vintage one, made of stretch fabric with diagonal stripes in shades of pink and salmon, a rare and refined color combination that retains its authenticity intact.
the original b&b italia label, still present under the seat, attests to its provenance and the patented materials (lycra®, polysoft®, dacron®), a direct testimony to the company's technological philosophy.
beyond its aesthetic value, le stelle represents a historic document of radical italian design, in which comfort and experimentation coexist in perfect balance. This example, perfectly preserved in its original integrity, is a collector's item for enthusiasts and connoisseurs of 20th-century design, as well as a sculptural and poetic presence in any contemporary setting. It shows minimal signs of aging, such as some stains on the sides, as shown in photographs. These can be removed with specific treatment, but it is generally in excellent vintage condition.

product name: le stelle sofa by mario bellini for b&b italia, 1970
designer: mario bellini
year of design: late 1970s
style: radical and experimental italian design of the 1970s, with a sculptural and poetic edge
main materials: iron and steel frame; cold-formed polyurethane foam and dacron® fiber padding; original diagonal-striped stretch fabric upholstery (lycra®, polysoft®, dacron®)
distinctive design: fluid and enveloping silhouette with wing-like armrests, curved backrest, and generous cushions; soft yet architectural aesthetic; original pink and salmon colors; formal and technological research typical of the bellini-b&b italia partnership. The name le stelle recalls the cosmic and experimental dimension of bellini's poetic language.
dimensions: length 165cm | height 75cm | depth 75cm
comfort: deep, enveloping, and informal seating thanks to the advanced foams developed by the b&b italia research center; the shape is conceived as a visual and functional embrace.
typical use: a sculptural piece for the living room, collectors' spaces, reception areas, or curatorial interiors; perfect as a statement piece.
design icon: one of the most emblematic creations of the bellini-b&b italia collaboration and a symbol of the radical era of italian design; an excellent example of the fusion of aesthetic experimentation and technological innovation.
versatility: easily integrated into modern, eclectic, or vintage contexts thanks to its organic shape and strong visual presence; ideal as a standalone centerpiece or in a curatorial setting.
current design condition: original, perfectly preserved example, with b&b italia label under the seat; shows minimal signs of aging, such as some documented side stains, which can be removed with specific treatment; overall excellent condition.
additional notes: please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Slight signs of wear may be present, but these do not affect its functionality. We encourage you to consider these characteristics before purchasing.

mario bellini is one of the most influential italian architects and designers of the twentieth century, a key figure in the golden age of italian design. Born in milan in 1935, he developed a design language in which technological experimentation, sculptural sensibility, and attention to human behavior merged into soft, fluid, and profoundly innovative forms. As design director for olivetti in the 1960s and 1970s, he created iconic objects such as the divisumma calculators and revolutionary office machines, now on display at the moma in new york, which dedicated a solo exhibition to him in 1987. At the same time, he collaborated with leading italian companies—b&b italia, cassina, vitra, brionvega—creating furnishings that have become symbols of international design. As an architect, he has designed museums, conference centers, and major public works worldwide, from the tokyo design center to the new musée du louvre. His vast and diverse oeuvre is considered a benchmark for its ability to combine formal poetry, technical innovation, and a humanistic understanding of design.

b&b italia is one of the most important and innovative companies in contemporary italian design. Founded in 1966 by piero ambrogio busnelli, it quickly became an international benchmark for the industrial production of high-tech and aesthetically pleasing furnishings. A pioneer in the use of experimental materials and processes—such as cold-foaming polyurethane, developed in its in-house research center—the company has redefined the way we conceive upholstered furniture, opening up new formal and production possibilities. Over the decades, it has collaborated with the world's leading designers, including mario bellini, gaetano pesce, antonio citterio, patricia urquiola, and zaha hadid, creating an iconic collection that includes objects that have become symbols of made in italy. With a global presence and an identity deeply rooted in italian design culture, b&b italia continues to represent a model of excellence, combining research, innovation, and a sophisticated vision of contemporary living. This piece has an attribution mark,
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