Pair of vintage model 685 sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1980s

Mario Bellini designed in the 1970s an armchair (685), dining chair (684) and a sofa, of a simple style, familiar and authentic, created thanks to the extraordinary crafts skills proprietary to Cassina. The initial design, Le Tentazioni, dates from 1973, the objective being to find an alternative to traditional armchairs with their rigid seats and vertical lines. In the original design, the upholstery not only serves as a cover for the frame within, but also an expression of the inter-dependent relationship between it and the frame. This dictates the way the leather falls, and how the leather will cover it. In the intervening years, the constant evolution of constructional techniques has enabled Cassina to upgrade the design, the latest iterations being the 684 and 685, which are more comfortable than ever, while remaining just as visually impactful design-wise.