Open any discerning design magazine and you’re almost guaranteed to see the coveted Togo settee gracing at least one of its glossy pages.
The portable and lightweight chair, complete with sumptuous folds of fabric, has caught the attention of many 20th century design devotees across the globe. In fact, more than 1.3 million Togo have been sold in 70 countries worldwide.
First imagined in 1973 by French designer Michel Ducaroy and hand made in France in furniture brand Ligne Roset’s own workshops, Togo has become somewhat of a phenomenon. And now, the hype has reached Kiwi shores with the opening of New Zealand's first exclusive Ligne Roset showroom in Grey Lynn last year.
France-based Ligne Roset Marketing Director and the founder’s great-great-grandson Antoine Roset credits the chair’s popularity and ability to withstand the ever-changing seasons of design to its unique structure and anti-conformist seating style.
“Lightness, durability and creativity are the key successes of Togo,” he says.
The legendary Ducaroy was born in 1925 and had an impeccable taste for materials and Togo is by far his most famous and iconic creation. In the designer’s own words, the cushioned seat was directly inspired by “a toothpaste tube folded over itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends”.
Ducaroy joined the Roset company, located in France’s Ain region, in 1954, where he served as one of three major in-house designers and managed the design department until his passing in 2009.
Ever since its creation, Ligne Roset has scrupulously respected the manufacturing stages and the six hours of work required to produce just one Togo settee, one stitch at a time.
The meticulous craft has resulted in lengthy wait times for Togo. But it’s an art form Ligne Roset is committed to respect and maintain, determined not to mass produce items offshore using automated machinery. In a bid to tackle the time frame, the company has established an apprenticeship to impart novice workers the skills and knowledge required to upholster the iconic settee by hand.
Togo was presented for the first time at the Salon des Arts ménagers at the Palais de la Défense in Paris and despite mixed reviews, it was awarded a prize for its undeniable innovation. Jean Roset, who headed the family business at the time, had to field initial doubts about the design but believed so strongly in Ducaroy’s vision that he agreed to put the model into production. The public quickly took a liking to its enveloping shape and unique comfort, and the rest is history.
Following its widespread success, there are now multiple variations of Togo available, including a single seat 'fireside chair', small settee 'loveseat', large three-seat settee, chaise lounge style full length daybed, sofa with arms, and a footstool. There is even a children’s version of the popular fireside chair: 'Les Minis'.
Upholstery options include leather and more than 1,000 different colourways. And as the 50th anniversary of Togo approaches next year, a much-anticipated limited edition fabric run is set to be released, meaning the curiosity around Togo isn't likely to dissipate anytime soon.
Ligne Roset Auckland has regular shipments of Togo available in selected colours. See their website www.ligne.nz/togo for more information, or pop into the Grey Lynn showroom at 299 Great North Road.
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