Product Description

The Mario Bellini Cab Arm Chair for Cassina, offered as a replica by Vintara Design, is an iconic piece of 1970s Italian design, originally created by renowned architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1977. Known for its groundbreaking construction, this chair is celebrated as the world’s first free-standing saddle leather chair, inspired by the relationship between a skeleton and its skin:

• Design: The Cab Arm Chair features a minimalist yet elegant design where a tubular steel frame acts as the "skeleton," enveloped by a "skin" of premium saddle leather. The leather cover is composed of sixteen individually die-cut pieces, each undergoing fourteen hand-crafted procedures, then sewn together and secured with zippers along the legs and beneath the seat, resembling a bespoke tailored garment. This innovative approach ensures the leather remains taut while allowing it to adapt to the user’s body over time, enhancing comfort [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 2] [Web ID: 8].
• Materials:
  • Frame: Enamelled steel, providing a sturdy and durable structure [Web ID: 7].
  • Upholstery: Premium saddle leather, available in a variety of colors such as claret, khaki, or black, as noted in Vintara Design’s listings [Web ID: 11].
• Padding: The seat is padded with polyurethane foam, offering a balance of support and comfort without compromising the chair’s sleek profile [Web ID: 9].
• Customization: Vintara Design offers customization options, allowing you to select from various leather colors or potentially other materials to suit your preferences [Web ID: 11]. This chair is part of Cassina’s I Contemporanei collection and is housed in the permanent design collection at the MoMA in New York, underscoring its historical and artistic significance. It’s a versatile piece suitable for dining rooms, studies, or living areas, radiating both sophistication and functionality [Web ID: 2] [Web ID: 7].

Delivery Time

The Mario Bellini Cab Arm Chair for Cassina replica is made to order. The Vintara Design product page specifies a delivery lead time of 16 to 20 weeks from the date of order confirmation, reflecting the custom production and shipping process.

Product Care Instructions

The Vintara Design page does not provide specific care instructions for this replica, but based on the materials described (saddle leather, polyurethane foam, and enamelled steel frame) and standard care practices for similar high-end furniture, the following guidelines apply:

• Saddle Leather Upholstery:
  • Cleaning: Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For spills, blot immediately with a dry cloth, then clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Use a leather-specific cleaner for stains, following the product’s instructions.
  • Maintenance: Apply a leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent drying or cracking. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the leather’s natural texture and color, as prolonged exposure can cause fading or cracking. Test cleaners on a hidden area first, as saddle leather can be sensitive.
• Polyurethane Foam Padding:
  • Cleaning: Spot-clean spills immediately with a dry cloth to prevent absorption. Avoid soaking, as foam can retain moisture and degrade.
  • Maintenance: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mustiness. Fluff the padding occasionally to maintain shape.
• Enamelled Steel Frame:
  • Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent, then dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or corrosion. Use a metal polish or vinegar-water solution for smudges.
  • Maintenance: Check for scratches or chips in the enamel coating, which could expose the steel to rust. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent damage to the finish.
• General Tips:
  • Place the chair on a flat, stable surface to avoid structural stress.
  • Use a leather protector spray to enhance stain resistance, testing first on a hidden area.
  • Vacuum or dust regularly to prevent dirt accumulation.

Product Dimensions

The Vintara Design product page does not explicitly list dimensions for the Cab Arm Chair replica. However, based on the original Cassina Cab Arm Chair (model 413) specifications from related sources, the dimensions are:

• Width: 60 cm (23.75 inches)
• Depth: 52 cm (20.5 inches)
• Height: 83 cm (32.75 inches)
• Seat Height: 45 cm (17.75 inches)
• Arm Height: Approximately 65 cm (25.5 inches) These dimensions reflect a compact armchair with armrests, ideal for dining or as an accent chair in a living room or study, as noted for the Cab 413 model [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 1]. An XL model may also be available, which is 5 cm deeper and 4 cm wider, as mentioned in some sources [Web ID: 13]. Since Vintara Design offers customization, dimensions may vary slightly based on your specifications.