Via Durini, 14. Milan, Italy. Here's a glimpse inside the showroom of B&B Italia as we take a tour along with New York-based Regional Sales Manager of B&B (and my dear friend), Kevin Woodard-- now viewing 2012's newest items and some classics too!
Theo for B&B Italia: The Theo chair is designed by Vincent Van Duysen and like
his fellow Dutch inspiration for the chair, Theo Van Doesburg, Vincent is an
artist that blurs the line between art and architecture. The chair is a
well balanced combination of comfort and design. Just the right scale and
pitch that most would be hard pressed to deny its comfort. Also
with its cantilever seat design Vincent Van Duysen has created a modern classic
that can work in the office or home with timeless appeal.
Mini Papilio for B&B Italia (modeled by Laura, JMI's web designer): The Mini Papilio by Naoto Fukasawa is a new birth in the
growing Papilio family for B&B Italia. It is a unique collection that
has done well on many levels, and the Mini Papilio provides the little seat that
was missing. It is a fun little swivel chair with 360 degree rotation or
an option of auto-return.
Husk and Husk Outdoor for B&B Italia: As with Patricia Urquiola’s original lounge
design, she wanted to create a chair that looks as comfortable as it feels,
opposite I know, with the idea of a hard outer shell replicating the softer
interior. As in nature, how the exterior outer husk reveals a softer
interior. Also, she wanted to create a modernity in the design with the combination
of soft pillow style seat, hard plastic recyclable shell with environmental
features, and strong metal base in different colors. Now the story
continues with the Husk dining chairs that were introduced for interior or
exterior.
Beverly Chair for B&B Italia: Inspired by Joseph Beverly Fenby, Antonio Citterio wanted to
design a truly elegant modern day folding chair… yes, it folds. The Beverly chair is a study
in engineered metal working to create a frame of jewelry quality and hand
crafted leather tooling for the upholstery. Modern elegance is seen and felt
in this beautiful and truly comfortable chair.
Eracle Bookcase for Maxalto: Pulling from the wood working roots of Maxalto,
the Eracle collection is a beautiful modern day storage collection with options
of the free standing bookcase shown. Available in different wood finishes,
the Eracle collection blends soft metal details to achieve a transitional
modern look.
Febo Chair for Maxalto: As with Maxalto in general, the Febo collection is a softer
look. An elegant seating collection from dining chairs, sofas and
lounge chairs as shown. The classic French inspiration of the lines
has helped the continues development and success of the Febo family.
J.J. for B&B Italia: The J.J. lounge chair by Antonio Citterio has been updated
with the new contemporary blend of metal, wood and textured fabric. The
new designs, available in low or high-back, are now available with a seat pad
in textured diamond-shaped pattern. The functional and design accent
bands on the back and armrest can be in dove grey, black or orange for a punch
of color.
Tufty Time for B&B Italia: The Patricia Urquiola has been a success in the
collection, but it is now being offered in the new Kleo open grain
leather. The soft supple hand of the leather tufts and wraps the lines of
the sofa beautifully, which is only matched by the comfort and feel.
Although the Tufty Time is available in fabric as well, it is the new Kleo
leather that elevates it to another level.
Landscape for B&B Italia: Jeffrey Bernett’s classic chaise has been a modern classic
for B&B Italia. Ten years since its debut and no less popular, the
Landscape offers a sensation of movement with its thin airy lines. With
options of a sled or rocking base everyone can find their position and comfort
with the optional three-dimensional seat pad.
Mart Lounge for B&B Italia: Antonio Citterio’s design for the Mart was born out of a
snow day with his children. While out playing in the deep snow, one of his
kids fell back and left an imprint in the snow that would later inspire the
shape of the chair. Often seen as a leather chair, the Mart offers the
same fluid line with a softer touch as shown in fabric.
The TABLE Table and Iuta Chair for B&B Italia: Considered by many architects to be the perfect table,
Monica Armani’s The TABLE is now available with marble top. Used in many
ways with a glass or wood top the marble now offers a solid richness in material
only achieved with stone. In the above photo the chairs paired with The
Table are Iuta by Antonio Citterio. Updating what Citterio has once said
as being one of his favorite designs, the swivel chair is now offered in a
bronzed nickel finish with a special new nano-ceramic glossy bronze base
developed for B&B Italia. A beautifully engineered chair design.
Grazie mille, Kevin!!
