An armchair, a story: Togo, 1973
Between technical prowess or audacity of shapes and colours, L'Officiel looks back on the history and origins of a legendary armchair that we dream of seeing in our home.
At ground level, in foam, without an angle... When, in 1973, it arrived at the Paris Household Arts Show, the Togo surprised with its singularity and its incredible modernity. For the creation of this cushion seat, designer Michel Ducaroy opted for a voluminous work inspired by “a tube of toothpaste folded on itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends” . The low seat suggests a relaxed pose, its foam structure provides optimal comfort, its pleated covering gives it a “rumpled” appearance that is the antithesis of streamline glamorous pieces. Michel Ducaroy accepts this non-conformist choice: Togo is aimed at a young target, looking for more trendy Pop Art furniture. This piece of furniture, emblematic of the seventies and its desire to live unhindered, will cross the decades with an incredible ability to blend into any interior. Its multiple variations - more than 800 colours, leathers and fabrics, in corner sofa, lounge and armchair versions - have made it the iconic piece that we continue to snap up... both new and vintage.
