Le Bambole LB2 leather sofa – Mario Bellini for B&B Italia

Le Bambole LB2 leather sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s.

• This iconic piece of Italian design stands out for its soft volumes and enveloping comfort.
• Impeccable condition, supple leather.
• W 160 cm x H 80 cm x D 77 cm

Mario Bellini, B&B Italia and the “Le Bambole” sofa

Designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 for B&B Italia, the “Le Bambole” sofa is one of the most iconic creations of 1970s Italian design. Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, this model marked a departure from traditional sofas of the time thanks to its apparent lack of a rigid structure and its intentionally soft, enveloping volumes.

With the “Le Bambole” collection, Mario Bellini developed a new approach to domestic comfort. The sofa abandons the classic codes of visible structure in favor of an organic silhouette composed of large integrated cushions. This soft, sculptural aesthetic quickly became one of the major signatures of Italian lounge furniture.

The LB2 model perfectly illustrates this search for balance between comfort and visual presence. The low proportions, generous armrests, and rounded lines give the piece an almost monolithic feel, characteristic of Bellini’s work during this period.

The first editions of “Le Bambole” were based on a metal structure encapsulated in expanded polyurethane, a technology that was particularly innovative for domestic furniture at the time. This technical research allowed for freer forms while maintaining a deep and exceptionally comfortable seat.

This “Le Bambole” LB2 sofa produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s retains all the sculptural power that made the model a success. Its supple leather highlights the sofa’s volumes and has developed a natural patina that further enhances its vintage character.

Mario Bellini’s creations for C&B Italia and later B&B Italia, including “Camaleonda”, “Amanta”, “Gli Scacchi”, and “Le Bambole”, are now among the most sought-after pieces of 20th-century Italian design.