The Togo, an iconic creation from the 1970s, designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, has reemerged as a design icon in recent years. Its timeless, retro appearance and modular design have captured the hearts of the younger generation, who are unwilling to compromise on interior design, even in the face of small city flats.
Togo: the success of Ligne Roset
The family enterprise was established in 1860, but it was in the booming years of the 1970s that it truly flourished. Jean Roset, the grandson of the founder who led the company during that era, was fuelled by a passion for contemporary design and decided to collaborate with various designers.
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In 1973, he enlisted the expertise of Michel Ducaroy, a renowned designer celebrated for his mastery of the emerging materials of the 1960s, including foam, wadding, and plastic. Drawing inspiration from the observation of a toothpaste tube (notably, the sofa's corners are pointed, resembling a plastic tube), Ducaroy presented Roset with an innovative sofa concept akin to a cushion.
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Togo stands out with its distinctive design, making it a truly unique decorative piece: the sofa sits directly on the floor, lacking armrests, and seamlessly merges the seat with the backrest. Michel Ducaroy conceived this furniture as a single-piece sculpture, meticulously crafted to contour the human body. With its form and the foam used, the Togo ranks among the most comfortable sofas on the market!
Togo didn't always enjoy the success it does today. When it was first unveiled at the Salon des arts ménagers in Paris in 1973, it garnered little interest, and even some skepticism. However, it swiftly transformed into a remarkable commercial triumph, embodying the daring and innovation synonymous with the Ligne Roset brand.
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Even with its undeniable success and revered status as a vintage icon, the design of the Togo sofa continues to evoke mixed reactions. While it captivates a generation drawn to the inspiration of the 1970s and retro aesthetics, some still view it as an unconventional, shapeless piece that stands out in the living room. However, the very essence of the Togo lies in its capacity to be personalised according to individual preferences, offering a plethora of shapes, materials, and colours. This versatility allows one to create unique living spaces that may just sway the remaining skeptics.
Togo and popular culture
Before becoming the darling of the 2020s social media scene, the Togo had already risen above mere furniture status to become an iconic symbol of popular culture since its inception. Its presence in a plethora of films and television shows attests to this fact. It graces productions like The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and Sex and the City (1998-2004), forging a tangible connection between fashion and design, thereby shaping a genuine lifestyle.
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In France, the Togo sofa served as inspiration for illustrator Claire Bretécher in her series Les Frustrés (1973-1981), where characters frequently lounge on a Togo, symbolising modernity at the time.
Its inclusion in various museum collections, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the permanent collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, serves as a testament to its significance in design history. The Togo has emerged as a globally recognised landmark, exemplifying the evolution of contemporary furniture.
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Given its rich history and cultural significance, it's no wonder that the Togo sofa holds immense appeal for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. It encapsulates an era, an aesthetic, and a way of life, transcending its status as mere furniture to become an object of desire for those who cherish the art and heritage of design.
Thanks to its popularity, the Togo sofa can indeed be viewed as an investment. It's not unusual to encounter these items on the auction market, often at competitive prices. With our database, you're sure to find the opportunity to purchase a complete sofa for a good price.
