In 1966, Piero Ambrogio Busnelli cofounded C&B Italia, a modern Italian furniture manufacturer, with Cesare Cassina in northern Milan. The Camaleonda sofa — a darling of the design world — is an iconic C&B piece created in 1970 by Milanese architect and designer Mario Bellini, which became a hit after its star turn in the 1972 exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Soon afterward, however, the company split, with Cassina founding his own eponymous firm and Busnelli taking leadership of what became B&B Italia.
From the outset at C&B, Busnelli and Cassina set about recruiting the most talented modernists in Italy to conceive of creative furnishings manufactured in modern ways. As B&B, for decades, Busnelli cultivated relationships with the world’s best design talent, resulting in furniture pieces that remain legendary today — be they Gaetano Pesce’s outwardly curvaceous Up seating (made for C&B, reintroduced by B&B) or tables from industrial designer Paolo Piva, each more sophisticated than the next in their geometrically complex steel-tube bases. B&B Italia earned four prestigious Compasso d’Oro design awards: in 1979 for Bellini’s Le Bambole, in 1984 for the Sisamo wardrobe system by Studio Kairos, in 1987 for Antonio Citterio’s modular Sity sofa and, in 1989, the first award given to a manufacturing company itself.
Other notable names who designed for B&B Italia over the course of its 54-year history include Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa, Zaha Hadid, Ettore Sottsass and Vincent Van Duysen, to name a very few. And while these names bring star power to the B&B brand, in many cases, it was B&B Italia who helped usher in their celebrity, fostering a wave of design talent on the world stage. Now, B&B Italia manages a contract division and outdoor section as well as its residential arm, and it also controls production for Maxalto, a brand spun out with furniture designs by Antonio Citterio.
At 1stDibs, find vintage C&B Italia furniture including sofas, armchairs, tables and more.
1970s 'Camaleonda' C&B Italia Seven Piece Beige Velvet Sofa Set by Mario Bellini
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1970-1972 production 7 Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (which become B&B Italia in 1973) in beige velvet. Comes with three black step side table pieces....
Velvet
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. C&B,...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia), comprising of three first-edition Camaleonda modules and three ‘Gli Scacchi’ side tabl...
Metal
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Amanta 24" Leather Modular Sofa for C&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing the Mario Bellini "Amanta 24" leather modular sofa, a timeless piece designed for C&B Italia in the early 1970s. This distinctive modular sofa is a rare find, as it was p...
Leather, Fiberglass
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Leather Coronado Living Room Set for C&B Italia, 1969
By C&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Brown leather “Coronado” living room set composed of two armchairs and one three-seat sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966 and produced by the Italian manufacturer C&B Ita...
Foam, Leather
$15,214 / set
H 26.4 in W 36.2 in D 36.2 in
Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfort...
Velvet, Foam, Chenille
$24,343Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
''Le Bambole'' sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B/B&B Italia, 1970s, set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Modular sofa model ''Le Bambole'' by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, B&B Italia, 1970s. Composed of 5 elements of which two corner elements can form different compositions.
Leather, Rubber
$19,500 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs,...
Bouclé, Plastic
$10,800 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
$4,681
H 29.53 in W 82.68 in D 33.86 in
Leather 3-seater sofa Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Italy ca. 1960
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 1960 / 3-seater sofa / Coronado / Tobia Scarpa / B&B Italia / leather / mid-century / vintage / Italian design This extremely comfortable Coronado three-seater sofa was des...
Leather
$10,800 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa de...
Bouclé, Plastic
$35,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Plastic, Velvet
$38,400 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Velvet, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Plastic, Velvet
$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
$14,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
$14,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
$14,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Sold
H 27.17 in W 31.11 in D 30.71 in
Set of 2 C&B Italia Amanta lounge modular chairs by Mario Bellini, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of 2 Amanta modular armchairs comes in a fantastic heavy cobalt blue/white boucle fabric and light fiberglass shells. The armchairs have been newly upholstered and covered a...
Fabric
Sold
H 27 in W 30.5 in D 32 in
'Amanta' Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1966 Signed
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of 'Amanta' lounge chairs (or settee if placed and connected together) by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia is special and unique because it is from the original years of produc...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Sold
H 24.41 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Camaleonda sofa in brown corduroy by Mario bellini for C&B Italia 1969
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Stunning Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini in the original brown corduroy upholstery by C&B Italia, Italy, 1969. This beautiful set consists of four large elements, of which two with...
Metal
Sold
H 26.38 in W 122.05 in D 35.83 in
Mario Bellini Camaleonda modular sofa and footstool for C&B Italia - Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Success came swiftly for Mario Bellini’s voluptuous modular sofa. Designed in 1971, it was featured in a prescient exhibition titled ‘Italy and The New Domestic Landscape’ at the MoM...
Fabric, Velvet
Newly Upholstered C&B 1st Edition Camaleonda Sofa, Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Hellouw, NL
Introducing an exquisite piece of design history: the Camaleonda sofa by the renowned Mario Bellini. This element, part of the first edition C&B collection (before the company became...
Fabric
Sold
H 25.99 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Set of Two Newly Upholstered C&B 1st Edition Camaleonda Sofa's, Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Hellouw, NL
Introducing an exquisite piece of design history: the Camaleonda sofa set by the renowned Mario Bellini. These two elements, part of the first edition C&B collection (before the comp...
Fabric
Set of 4 C&B Italia Amanta lounge chairs by Mario Bellini
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The set of 4 Amanta modular armchairs comes in a fantastic, heavy, cobalt blue/white boucle fabric and light fiberglass shells. The armchairs have been newly upholstered and covered ...
Fabric
Sold
H 26.38 in W 36.23 in D 36.23 in
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini Original for C & B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By C&B Italia, B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milan, IT
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, circa 1970s. This iconic sofa features four seat elements with four back-rests. The Camaleonda became instantly famous when introduc...
Suede, Fabric
Sold
H 26.38 in W 122.05 in D 35.83 in
Mario Bellini four seater Camaleonda sofa C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
This modular sofa was designed by Mario Bellini in 1971 and was manufactured by B&B Italia. The backs and armrests are provided with rings and carabineers, which allows the user to c...
Fabric, Velvet
Sold
H 25.6 in W 137.8 in D 157.49 in
Camaleonda Sofa in Green Velvet by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1972
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Mario Bellini, ‘Camaleonda’ sofa, in original green velvet upholstery by C&B Italia, Italy, 1972. This incredible early set consists of: 4 large elements, of which one corner and o...
Velvet
Sold
H 27.17 in W 137.01 in D 74.81 in
Camaleonda sofa in original brown corduroy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Mario Bellini, ‘Camaleonda’ sofa, in original brown corduroy upholstery by C&B Italia, Italy, 1972. The sofa is has outstanding comfort and the fact this wonderful piece is modular, ...
Upholstery
Modular Camaleonda Element Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Aachen, NW
Impressive purple Camaleonda modular element sofa including 2 elements and armrests. Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B / B&B Italia, 1970s. Amazing p...
Velvet, Wood