In its new version, Camaleonda preserves the elements that have made it an iconic piece of furniture. Certain elements remain faithful to the original project, such as the 90x90 cm seat module, the backrest and armrest, and the characteristic capitonné design, still manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines its characteristic look and modularity. Internally, instead, it has been completely redesigned to make Camaleonda even more comfortable than the original, as well as sustainable. The internal structure is now built like a sandwich, with easily disassembled layers of recycled or recyclable materials. The core of the seats, backs and armrests is made up of wooden panels; the padding is made of polyurethane in various levels of density and firmness, with different shaped layers interacting to create a comfortable spring-like effect. This engineering feature makes Camaleonda extraordinarily comfortable and allows the interior of the sofa to be disassembled, making it easy to recycle. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric nature that allows each element to become a sort of enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. Thanks to the tie-rods and rings, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and to the dynamic needs of those using it, while always maintaining its unique identity. Camaleonda can be upholstered with the entire textile and leather range of B&B Italia, allowing for another variable in the multitude of possible combinations.
Italian architect and industrial designer (b. 1935, Milan). Graduate of Politecnico di Milano (1959). Eight-time recipient of the Compasso d'Oro, with twenty-five works in MoMA's permanent collection.
“Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite number of possible configurations.”
The structural core is built from MDF NAF wood-fibre panels — a no-added-formaldehyde board — assembled into a sandwich of disassemblable layers.
The cushions use polyurethane foam in varied densities, producing the cascading, springy seat that defines the piece. The back and armrests pair shaped polyurethane with foam for a denser support.
A removable cover woven from 100% recycled polyester fibre — a Dacron made entirely from recycled PET, the material of plastic water bottles.
Spherical feet turned from FSC-certified beech (natural beech finish, code 0441F) with plastic ferrules. Foot height is offered in 5 cm or 8 cm.
Modules connect through Bellini's original 1970 system: brass rings, stainless-steel carabiners and polypropylene cord. No tools needed to reconfigure.
Fabric or leather covers are entirely removable — pieces can be re-upholstered without altering the underlying frame. B&B Italia warrants the piece for 26 months from the date of manufacture.
Launched at Art Basel Miami Beach on 6 December 2023. Three colourways: Magnolia Ecru, Antique Pink, Magnolia Pearl Grey. The S-Wave fabric is woven from OceanSafe naNea yarn — biodegradable, Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold, free of harmful substances. "I have loved Mario Bellini's designs for years, and I cannot put into words how thrilled I am to see my prints on his pieces once again. The S-Wave is a symbol of our Stella commitments to circularity and conscious luxury." — Stella McCartney, December 2023.
A B&B Italia velvet collection available on Camaleonda in Natural, Lichen and Sand colourways. The same family as on the brand's archive Camaleonda lifestyle imagery.
A chenille collection offered on Camaleonda in Ivory White, Olive Green and Light Grey — a nod to the textures of the original 1970 textile palette.
The atomic 90 × 90 cm seat module — preserved unchanged from the 1970 design — that lets every composition snap together. Available individually so the buyer can assemble custom shapes.
The classic three-module straight composition — three seats in a line, with backrest and armrests.
A deeper L-shaped composition based on three seats and an integrated chaise — Bellini's 1970 cable-hook-ring system lets the same modules reconfigure into the straight version and back at any time.
B&B Italia's wood components are sourced through the FSC® Chain-of-Custody licence FSC-C142045 — a chain that documents wood from sustainably managed forests through to the finished piece.
B&B Italia's manufacturing operations are covered by an ISO 9001 quality-management certification — the international standard for documented quality management systems.
Artist Shantell Martin painted live on a white Camaleonda at B&B Italia's Miami Design District flagship (1 December 2021 – 3 January 2022) during Miami Art Basel.
Unveiling of the S-Wave fabric capsule at the grand opening of B&B Italia's Design Studio Miami, 6 December 2023.
Camaleonda was designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970. The 2020 reissue was developed in collaboration between Bellini and B&B Italia's R&D centre.
Yes. Every module connects to its neighbours through Bellini's original ring-and-hook system, allowing modules to be assembled, separated and reconfigured without tools.
Yes. The fabric or leather cover is fully removable — pieces can be re-upholstered without altering the underlying frame.
An FSC®-certified wood core (licence FSC C142045), polyurethane foam in varied densities, a Dacron lining made from 100% recycled PET, and FSC®-certified beech feet.
Camaleonda is produced at B&B Italia's headquarters in Novedrate (Como), Italy — a site whose original buildings were designed in 1972 by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano.
