Collection Story
Origin
Charles is a sofa system credited to Antonio Citterio; B&B Italia's page for the sofa gives 1997 as its year. B&B Italia calls it "an icon of contemporary design" and describes it as a long-standing best seller of the company.
The Name
The Concept text calls the name a tribute to the design of the 1950s and 60s and refers it to Charles Eames, the American designer, architect and film director, who held that "The details are not the details. They make the design". In Charles, it says, that conviction shows in the upside-down L foot and the slender raised base, which both give the sofa an image of lightness.
Design Language
The page describes a light image accentuated by die-cast aluminium feet shaped as an inverted "L". Together with the armrest, the single seat cushion and the loose back cushions, they are the distinctive element of the line. The airy shape and simple profile make it, almost by contrast, rich from a spatial standpoint: a system for ever new compositions, from an in-line two- or three-seater to a sofa with chaise longue or a corner sofa.
Key Pieces
- Charles sofa, Charles Carré, Charles Large and Charles Large Carré
- Charles Outdoor sofa and armchair
- Charles small table and console
- Charles bed