philippe starck designs giant backrests for B&B outdoor furniture collection

french designer philippe starck has created an outdoor furniture collection for B&B italia characterised by large canvas-style backrests that can be completely personalised. called ‘oh, it rains!’, includes a sofa and an armchair that combine timeless elegance, maximum comfort and innovative design.

images courtesy of B&B italia

designed to suit any public or private environment, the B&B italia research and development centre and philippe starck have developed an original mechanical joint which allows the backrest to be reclined. the aluminium mechanism is visible as an evocative element of interaction between form and function, which gives the sofa and armchair the necessary support and stability on any ground or weather condition.

‘oh, it rains! is an innovation. it is not about style, not about trend. it is only about the rain. it is high technology with high quality, high intelligence and comfort. it is very b&b,’ says philippe starck.

the materials used are available in a palette of warm and natural tones ranging from beige to brown, while the raffia-inspired fabrics are water-repellent, making the furniture completely waterproof. all elements, including the backrest, the ‘oh, it rains!’ collection can be completely disassembled and the different materials of each element separated. this is so at the end of its life cycle, the different pieces that make up the furniture can be disposed of in the most appropriate way according to their type.

project info

company: B&B italia
designer: philippe starck
name: oh, it rains!