Cab Armchair

The Cab's defining characteristic is its leather shell, which is stitched and zipped directly over a tubular steel frame, concealing all hardware. The leather functions as both surface and structure, a technique Bellini drew from saddlery and tailoring traditions.

Yes. The Cab was designed with proportions that suit both dining and occasional seating, and it has been used in residential dining rooms, hospitality settings, and contract interiors for decades. Its upright posture and considered seat height make it genuinely versatile.

Saddle leather develops a patina over time, deepening in tone and acquiring character with use. This aging is considered an intended quality of the design rather than a flaw, and many owners regard a well-worn Cab as more beautiful than a new one.

Mario Bellini is one of the most decorated Italian designers of the twentieth century, recognized with eight Compasso d'Oro awards and a permanent collection presence at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work spans furniture, architecture, and industrial design, consistently exploring the relationship between form and material process.

Saddle leather responds well to conditioning with appropriate leather creams or balms. Cassina recommends periodic conditioning to preserve suppleness and slow surface drying. Because the shell zips off the frame, professional cleaning or reconditioning is more accessible than with traditionally upholstered pieces.