RABELO SOFA
Christophe de Sousa, 2020

Rabelo is a remarkably soft and comfortable sofa that is an epitome of relaxation and emotion. It can fit any open-plan, hospitality setting or high-end public area.

RRP PRICES EX. VAT FROM: 5320€

Rabelo is a sofa that seamlessly blends storytelling, heritage, and modern design into a singular sculptural form. Its name and shape pay homage to the traditional Rabelo boats of Porto, graceful yet robust vessels that once navigated the Douro River with barrels of port wine, and that today continue to charm visitors as floating symbols of Portuguese culture.

The sofa’s silhouette mirrors the sleek, elongated outline of these boats, while the vertical bands and precise parallel stitching echo the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, evoking a deep connection to the region’s landscape and history. Available in two or three-seater versions, Rabelo’s generous proportions are inviting yet refined, offering both comfort and a visual lightness.

The carefully engineered solid wood legs, positioned from back to front, lend the piece a sense of floating suspension, just like the boats it references, adding an airy, architectural quality that enhances its presence in any room. Despite its substantial form, the sofa never feels heavy or imposing.

Inside, a solid wood frame paired with elastic webbing and high-resilience foam ensures lasting structural integrity and supreme comfort. The layered foam cushioning adapts to the body, encouraging relaxed, natural seating across a range of postures, whether lounging, conversing, or simply unwinding.

Upholstered in premium fabrics or leather, Rabelo offers both tactile richness and visual elegance, making it ideal for high-end residential interiors, boutique hotels, or sophisticated commercial lounges.

Rabelo is a tribute to movement, tradition, and the enduring elegance of craftsmanship.

DESIGNER : CHRISTOPHE DE SOUSA

Franco-Portuguese Designer, Christophe de Sousa was born in France in 1979.

While still very young, he came to live in Portugal, the country of the origin of his parents.

This mixture of experiences allowed him a broad overview and understanding of the different cultures. Travelling, as well as living with people of different backgrounds, served as a foundation for his inspiration.

He showed a passion and a skill for drawing from an early age.

The degree in Industrial Design at the Lusíada University of Porto became the formal basis of his creative adventure.

The collaboration with several companies from a variety of sectors and the international awards with which his work was distinguished gave support to his “know how” to grow and develop, reflecting the evolution of his unique "trait".

Passionate by the process of creation and production while obstinate by the form versus the function, he is a natural observer finding in details the greatest allies in the pursuit of perfection!

WWW.CHRISTOPHEDESOUSA.COM