Mario Bellini "Forma" Cantilever Armchair for Vitra, Italy 1990s
Price range 250-500 EUR/USD
The now historic story goes:
“About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you’re our man. Oh, I thought, he knows more about me than I do about myself! Well, in any case that was the start of a development process lasting five years, which ultimately resulted in five office chairs that provided a more dynamic, less gravity-bound sitting experience. They became a great success, and of course that was good for our relationship. Though I should say, the good relationship was there from the very beginning – otherwise our collaboration would not have worked!”
Mario Bellini
This armchair is a visual reminder of Bellini’s ideas regarding the mantra of “form follows function” which he simply sees as premeditated nonsense. It also showcases the designer’s background as a trained architect, who has consistently taken an architectural approach to design, emphasising austerity and precision, yet nevertheless investing his objects with emotion. The main design element is of course the frame itself with an innovative cantilever structure that stands as a balancing act. The curved arms covered in plastic contrast with the square shape of the legs, pulling the design into balance. The seat and back are upholstered in a red fabric that stands out against the black frame and thus draws the eye. Every small detail reflects the design prowess of Bellini resulting in a piece that far surpasses the ideas of an ‘office chair’. This “Forma’ chair is both of its time and eternally contemporary, which is one if its main charms. It is sure to elevate any interior while also infusing it with design history.
Bellini was recently acclaimed by The New York Times as the ‘last great protagonist of Italian design’. Indeed, Mario Bellini is one of the predominant Italian designers of the past thirty years and has been the most frequent recipient of the Italian design prize Compasso d’Oro.
Dimensions:
34.25 in W x 24.01 in D x 24.01 in H; Seat height 18.89 in
61 cm W x 64 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 48 cm
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair can be reupholstered upon request by our in house atelier in any fabric of choice. Please get in touch with us for details.
Price range 250-500 EUR/USD
The now historic story goes:
“About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you’re our man. Oh, I thought, he knows more about me than I do about myself! Well, in any case that was the start of a development process lasting five years, which ultimately resulted in five office chairs that provided a more dynamic, less gravity-bound sitting experience. They became a great success, and of course that was good for our relationship. Though I should say, the good relationship was there from the very beginning – otherwise our collaboration would not have worked!”
Mario Bellini
This armchair is a visual reminder of Bellini’s ideas regarding the mantra of “form follows function” which he simply sees as premeditated nonsense. It also showcases the designer’s background as a trained architect, who has consistently taken an architectural approach to design, emphasising austerity and precision, yet nevertheless investing his objects with emotion. The main design element is of course the frame itself with an innovative cantilever structure that stands as a balancing act. The curved arms covered in plastic contrast with the square shape of the legs, pulling the design into balance. The seat and back are upholstered in a red fabric that stands out against the black frame and thus draws the eye. Every small detail reflects the design prowess of Bellini resulting in a piece that far surpasses the ideas of an ‘office chair’. This “Forma’ chair is both of its time and eternally contemporary, which is one if its main charms. It is sure to elevate any interior while also infusing it with design history.
Bellini was recently acclaimed by The New York Times as the ‘last great protagonist of Italian design’. Indeed, Mario Bellini is one of the predominant Italian designers of the past thirty years and has been the most frequent recipient of the Italian design prize Compasso d’Oro.
Dimensions:
34.25 in W x 24.01 in D x 24.01 in H; Seat height 18.89 in
61 cm W x 64 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 48 cm
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair can be reupholstered upon request by our in house atelier in any fabric of choice. Please get in touch with us for details.
Price range 250-500 EUR/USD
The now historic story goes:
“About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you’re our man. Oh, I thought, he knows more about me than I do about myself! Well, in any case that was the start of a development process lasting five years, which ultimately resulted in five office chairs that provided a more dynamic, less gravity-bound sitting experience. They became a great success, and of course that was good for our relationship. Though I should say, the good relationship was there from the very beginning – otherwise our collaboration would not have worked!”
Mario Bellini
This armchair is a visual reminder of Bellini’s ideas regarding the mantra of “form follows function” which he simply sees as premeditated nonsense. It also showcases the designer’s background as a trained architect, who has consistently taken an architectural approach to design, emphasising austerity and precision, yet nevertheless investing his objects with emotion. The main design element is of course the frame itself with an innovative cantilever structure that stands as a balancing act. The curved arms covered in plastic contrast with the square shape of the legs, pulling the design into balance. The seat and back are upholstered in a red fabric that stands out against the black frame and thus draws the eye. Every small detail reflects the design prowess of Bellini resulting in a piece that far surpasses the ideas of an ‘office chair’. This “Forma’ chair is both of its time and eternally contemporary, which is one if its main charms. It is sure to elevate any interior while also infusing it with design history.
Bellini was recently acclaimed by The New York Times as the ‘last great protagonist of Italian design’. Indeed, Mario Bellini is one of the predominant Italian designers of the past thirty years and has been the most frequent recipient of the Italian design prize Compasso d’Oro.
Dimensions:
34.25 in W x 24.01 in D x 24.01 in H; Seat height 18.89 in
61 cm W x 64 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 48 cm
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair can be reupholstered upon request by our in house atelier in any fabric of choice. Please get in touch with us for details.
