When it comes to balancing form and function, the TOGO chair from French furniture company Ligne Roset is an atom of design excellence. As the chair celebrates its 50th anniversary, a new iteration called the Atom adds a patterned spin to its deep curves, tufted corners, and striking aesthetic appeal. This latest version pays homage to the original TOGO, which caused a furniture revolution when it was unveiled five decades ago. Let's dive into the captivating story of this iconic piece.
An Explosive Turning Point in Furniture History
In 1973, the TOGO chair made its debut and turned heads with its innovative and daring design. Created by Michel Ducaroy, the visionary head of Ligne Roset’s design department, the chair came to life during a transformative period for the furniture company. Under the leadership of Jean Roset, the brand had expanded its offerings, moving beyond walking sticks and parasol handles to include chairs and other furniture. Ducaroy joined the team in 1960 and secured lucrative contracts to create furniture for French public spaces.
The late 1960s marked a cultural crescendo, with Ducaroy at the forefront of the design world. New materials, such as high-quality foams and polyester quilting, were being developed, while the brand's customer base consisted of a progressive generation known for their playful taste and non-conformist attitudes. This, combined with Ligne Roset's growing reputation, provided Ducaroy with the freedom to experiment. And experiment he did.
At the 1973 Salon des arts ménagers in Paris, Ducaroy and Ligne Roset unveiled the TOGO chair, capturing the René-Gabriel Prize for its boundary-pushing design. The chair's influence quickly extended beyond the design realm, resonating with the emerging subculture of the hippie movement. Ducaroy's designs, including the all-foam Adria sofa, enchanted a younger audience with their innovative materials and use of modern technologies. His freeform seating concepts perfectly captured the spirit of a new generation.
Versatility and Whimsy
While the TOGO chair's distinctive design sparked a variety of descriptions, its most defining characteristic was its versatility. Like a tulip petal, the chair gently curved from top to bottom. Its ribbed fabric compressed to create a cozy seat that effortlessly blended into minimalist, mid-century settings, adding a touch of whimsy to any space.
The TOGO chair's iconic design in white.
The Atom Pattern: A Tribute to the Original
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the TOGO chair now dons the Atom pattern. Designed by Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons, this limited edition features a bouclé fabric with a visually textured surface that pays homage to the TOGO's experimental origins. Inspired by pointillist paintings and Impressionist artworks, the fabric showcases buzzing, staticky specks that add an energetic element to the chair's iconic design.
The Atom edition in red showcases the vibrant energy of the TOGO chair.
Available in three captivating colors (birch, labradorite, and confetti), the Atom edition is a fitting tribute to the TOGO's enduring legacy. With its blend of modern materials and coordinated chaos, it captures the explosive and disruptive essence that has made the TOGO chair an unparalleled icon in the world of furniture design.
So, whether you're a design enthusiast, a lover of artistic flair, or simply someone seeking a unique and versatile seating experience, the TOGO chair in its Atom edition is ready to make a bold statement in your space. Embrace the history, embrace the innovation, and let the TOGO chair invite you into its world of timeless style and comfort.
