Vico Magistretti ‘Babe III’ console for De Padova, Italy, 1990s

Designed in 1988 during Vico Magistretti’s collaboration with De Padova, the ‘Babe’ is a convertible console-table that exemplifies clarity of concept and pragmatic elegance. Its name references baseball legend Babe Ruth, reflected in the bat-like turning of the legs—an iconic detail that combines wit with structural logic. A refined drop-leaf mechanism allows the top to shift from a slim console to a generous table: widths move from 44.5 cm to 111 cm to 177 cm in a single, fluid gesture. The top uses a honeycomb core painted with blue varnish, paired with solid cherry legs for stability and a warm, tactile presence. This 1990s example is discontinued and presents in fair vintage condition: visible wear, color fading and stains to the top, and one restored chip at a corner of the central part. The folding mechanics operate perfectly, ensuring reliable everyday use while preserving the piece’s original versatility.