Let’s say it: B&B Italia is always a sure thing. In the Sixties and Seventies, they launched some products which went on to become indisputable icons and before the end of the century they had already won a series of Compasso D’Oro. The projects made by the company soon became models and inspirations on the international design scene—a trend that has continued until today.
Even in 2022, B&B Italia’s new releases have captivated design fans and newcomers. In fact, their showroom in via Durini in Milan and stand at the Salone del Mobile in June were visited and photographed by thousands of people. Among their highlights of the year, it would be impossible to not mention two exceptional special editions which we have already written about over the past few months: the Tobi-Ishi table, which was design 10 years ago by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby and reissued in the new two-tone version with white Carrara and green Alpi striped marble, and the legendary Le Bambole armchairs by Mario Bellini, which were made over for their 50th birthday.
Three new armchairs from B&B Italia
Staying with B&B Italia’s new releases, we have decided to take a look up close at three armchairs introduced in 2022: Cordoba, Pochette, and Pablo Outdoor. What do they have in common? To tell the truth, they have different styles and uses, but all three interpret a visible structure in their own way, with rigid architecture contrasted with comfortable and soft seating.
They have different styles and different designers, all of whom have included refined details in each of these three armchairs. Cordoba, despite its name, has a Nordic and rigorous look; Pochette is as chic and graceful as the small purse from which it takes its name; Pablo Outdoor is the outdoor version of a series from three years ago and is an extremely comfortable teak armchair. These three sculptural pieces can become the highlights of a room or terrace. Let’s check them out together!
Cordoba from B&B Italia
Cordoba is a project from Foster+Partners, the international studio which finds itself somewhere between architecture and industrial design. The Cordoba armchair is made in oak or ash with a backrest and seat in either embossed or smooth leather. The essence of this chair can definitely be found in its structure which has been assembled with balance and unusual joints and made with the rigor of Nordic products and the smoothness of the best Japanese tradition. It is a perfect Japandi piece which is without a doubt one of the most fascinating styles for the contemporary home.
Cordoba is available in black or light oak, seaweed green stained ash, or cranberry red stained ash; various colors are available for the leather. And last but not least, the armchair can be easily disassembled to be recycled, which is perfectly in line with B&B Italia’s and Foster+Partners’ environmental mission.
Pochette from B&B Italia
Piero Lissoni has designed this armchair with a wide seat and imposing structure. Pochette is made with a painted steel tub which is left visible in the rear; this element creates the armchair’s form and acts as a solid support. The leather upholstery on the front part of the structure, which perfectly adheres to the tube and armrest curve, is inspired by the technique used to upholster the steering wheels of luxury cars. The backrest is made up of two simple, yet extremely comfortable throw pillows which can be placed on the steel tub in one’s desired position (a delightful, casual-chic detail). The structure is upholstered in leather, while the seat cushions and backrest are available in leather or fabric.
Pablo Outdoor from B&B Italia
The Pablo designed by Vincent Van Duysen and released in 2019 had a captivating leather seat hung from the structure like a flying carpet. In Pablo Outdoor, the solid structure remains. However, in this version it is made from solid teak; meanwhile, the chair has become an ample cushion placed on polypropylene and fiberglass slats. Moreover, to reinforce the structure and add a stylish detail, the backrest is made up of steel tubes covered in fabric: a special touch of design with various materials combined to create the most in solidity and comfort.
The Pablo Outdoor armchair is available in two depths and can be paired with other elements from the family. We were especially struck by the extra-deep version, which is somewhere between an armchair and a chaise longue, complete with a footrest. How can one resist the appeal of such elegant comfort?
