Mario Bellini between the legs of his Cab 412 for Cassina
Mario Bellini, born in Milan in 1935, is one of the most influential designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. After studying architecture at the Politecnico di Milano he began working early on in both product and furniture design; from 1963 onward, he designed his own pieces, which made him internationally renowned – including the iconic leather chair Cab 413 for Cassina from 1977/79, which is still considered a design classic today.
Parallel to his own work Bellini worked as a design consultant for Olivetti from 1963 to 1991 and for Renault from 1978 to 1982. In 1973 he founded his own architecture and design firm, "Studio Bellini," in Milan. In the 1980s his focus increasingly shifted to architecture, with projects on several continents - including the Portello exhibition centre in Milan, the Tokyo Design Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Deutsche Bank headquarters in Frankfurt.
Bellini was also a dedicated teacher: he taught in Venice, Vienna, at the Domus Academy and in 1995, as a professor of architecture at the University of Genoa. As editor-in-chief of the magazine Domus (1986–1991), he played a key role in shaping international design and architecture discourse.
Bellini received numerous awards for his work—including the Compasso d'Oro, which he received eight times, as well as the Italian President's Gold Medal and the Ambrogino d'Oro from the city of Milan. In 1987, the Museum of Modern Art in New York held a major retrospective exhibition on him—25 of his works are part of the MoMA's permanent collection.
Mario Bellini represents a design philosophy that combines form, function and cultural depth—be it in architecture, technology, or furniture. His works are exhibited worldwide and are as groundbreaking as ever.
Amanta is one of the designer's most famous designs and impressively encapsulates his philosophy of timeless elegance, high functionality,and thoughtful detailing. In this HAY reissue, the sofa's classic shape is retained, while modern materials such as 99% recycled ABS plastic for the shell and 94% bio-balanced foam for the cushions increase sustainability. The detachable construction facilitates care and maintenance and extends its lifespan – a clear commitment to Bellini's commitment to long-lasting, intelligent design.
Amanta is available as a single module or as a 2-, 3-, or 4-seater, in new shell colours and with a wide selection of fabric and leather upholstery options for individual design options.
Amantha 2-seater by Mario Bellini
Hay Amantha 1-seater
...In the 19070s, and with the security achieve dthrough the CASSINA I MAESTRI range, Cassina did the "Italian thing" of embracing new materials and new technologies and via the works of designers such as Mario Bellini or Vico Magistretti established themselves as an important and truly forward-thinking player in the international designer furniture scene...
