10 years

20 years

30 years

40 years

This year, Ligne Roset celebrates the 40th birthday of Togo.

happy birthday

togo!1973 – 2013

ALSO AVAILABLE IN A CHILDREN’S VERSION

CONSTRUCTED FROM 3 DIFFERENT DENSITIES OF FOAM

MADE FROM 8 DISTINCT CUT PIECES

6 HOUR PRODUCTION TIME FOR A LARGE SETTEE IN LEATHER

CHOICE OF 899 COLOURS OF FABRIC AND LEATHER

A BUTTONED SILHOUETTE

TIMELESS ALLURE

togo40 years

RENÉ - GABRIEL PRIZE, 1973

1 280 000 PIECES PRODUCED WORLDWIDE

SOLD IN 72 COUNTRIES

A SEVENTIES CULT PIECE

GRAND PRIX DE L’APPM, 2004

in 2013, Ligne roset celebrates the 40th birthday of togo. designed by Michel ducaroy in the same year as the launch of the Ligne roset brand, it has always been produced in the factories in briord, a small village in the bugey region which nestles in the foothills of the Jura mountains.

“a tUbe oF toothpaste FoLded

oVer oN itseLF LiKe a stoVepipe

aNd CLosed at both eNds.”

michel ducaroy DESIGNER OF TOGO

Born in Lyon on 4th November 1925, French designer Michel ducaroy was raised in a family of designers and makers of contemporary furniture who were commissioned by the Chaleyssin factory which most notably supplied furniture for the liner ss Normandie. Michel ducaroy cut his teeth in the family business before studying in the faculty of sculpture at the École supérieure Nationale des beaux arts de Lyon.

His 1960 meeting with Jean Roset (1920 – 1999) was to be pivotal. the latter had himself taken up the reins of another family business following the death of his father Émile roset in 1946. Founded by antoine roset in 1860 between Lyon and geneva for the purpose of manufacturing parasol handles and walking sticks

in turned beech, the roset company first diversified into making chairs, and then furniture. in the postwar years, Jean roset turned to the contract market, developing ranges of furniture for civil hospitals in Lyon, bedroom furniture for halls of residence and furniture for other civil buildings. it was at this time that Michel ducaroy designed a range of furniture for young people (chambre dN) along with numerous chairs, settees and pieces of furniture for public facilities (chauffeuse 459, etc). The years following 1968, coupled with the creative explosion of the 1970s, caused Jean Roset to refocus his company’s activities on the domestic market.

MiCheLdUCaroy, thedesigNer

As head of the Roset design department, Michel Ducaroy became the spearhead of this change. the quest for new seating concepts, encouraged by swift changes in social attitudes and the advent of new materials (foams, quilting, thermoformed plastics) drove Jean roset and Michel ducaroy to develop new production techniques in the years between 1960 and 1970.

after adria, the first all-foam range of modular seating with very low seats, came numerous other models : Koufra, Kali 1970 (which served as a model for Claire brétécher on which to vent her “ Frustres ” – frustrations), safi, Marsala 1971 (a large eiderdown cushion within a smoked altuglas® frame). All these bore witness to the spirit of intense innovation which was driving Michel Ducaroy at that time.

but it was the togo “seat-cushion”, presented at the salon des arts Ménagers in paris in 1973, which was to earn Michel ducaroy his celebrity. it also won him

1.

4.

7.

the rené - gabriel prize which had been awarded since 1950 in recognition of designers who had created “ innovative and democratic furniture ”, a prize which was to be awarded to pierre paulin two years later. the cult piece of the seventies and still enjoying undiminished success today, Togo ranks amongst the Ligne Roset brand’s best-sellers, having sold more than 1 280 000 pieces to date, in 72 countries.

Michel ducaroy went on to develop many more models for Ligne roset, such as Kashima (1976), dianthus (1978), armelle (1980), anaïs and brigantin (1981), Ketch (1982), Carole (1984), amadeus and yoko (1985). he retired in 1986 after a 26 - year collaboration with Ligne roset, during which time he made significant contributions in terms of the brand’s profile and its development on the international stage.

during his final years he invested all his passions into safeguarding the region’s rural built heritage. he died in Lyon on 30th July 2009, aged 83.

adria 1968 – kali 1970 – anaïs 1981 – marsala 1971 – carol 1984 – brigantin 1981 – yoko 1985 – ketch 1982 – kashima 1976.

2.

5.

8.

3.

6.

9.

aN iNteNsespirit oF iNNoVatioN

togo 1973First presented at the Salon des Arts ménagers at the Palais de la Défense, Paris in 1973 (28th February – 11th March), its crumpled, ‘newborn’ appearance and shar-pei wrinkles earned it more than a few doubtful looks from professionals and public alike.

the organizers of the fair, however, were sufficiently inspired to award Michel ducaroy the rené - gabriel prize (awarded two years later to pierre paulin), which recognized “ innovative and democratic furniture ”, that is, pieces which offered a good price - to - quality ratio.

salon des arts ménagers – PHOTOGRAPH © ROGER VIOLLET,

“ desigNed to oUtLast

FashioN.”

May 2012 15.54 briordSUBJECT : 3 - seat settee UPHOLSTERER : daniel berthaud

PHOTOGRAPH © Vincent leroux

classic – ethnic – minimalist – PoP – rock – seVenties – urban

40 yearsoF styLe

FashioN beheMoth

a symbol of the changing times post 1968 – “ trouver la plage sous les pavés ” (literally, “ finding the beach beneath the paving stones ” – a saying used to suggest that the possibilities are endless) – togo is also the fruit of Michel ducaroy’s reflections on the almost limitless formal possibilities offered by the new materials such as quality foams and polyester quilting. it is certain that his initial training at the beaux - arts de Lyon – department of sculpture, which would later be useful to him in his inventive modelling of togo’s unique form. this new freedom enabled him to translate his vision all the way from “ a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends,” as he often described it when questioned about the sources of his inspiration for togo.

the hippie generation quickly seized on it as a place to curl up and enjoy their new idleness and aspirations to being different. A bête de mode (“ fashion behe-moth ”) for 40 years, acquiring no wrinkles along the way other than those in its fabric or leather covering, it has turned up everywhere, from the lobby of the standard hotel in hollywood, Los angeles to the salon of patrick eudeline, via Lenny Kravitz’ paris mansion…

its characteristic soft and pleated silhouette, in which two generations have already snuggled, continues to beguile to this day.

PriVate mansion, Paris – KRAVITZ DESIGN INC.© V

INC

ENT

LER

OU

X, A

D F

RA

NC

E

togo hoLLywoodHALL OF THE standard hotel8 300 sunset bouleVard – hollywood – ca 90069INTERIOR ARCHITECT : shawn hausman design llc

Togo settee by Michel Ducaroy.

this is one oF the 1 253 832 togos sold all oVer the world.

rc

s bo

urg-

en-b

ress

e 54

5 92

0 07

6

40 yearsoF pUbLiCitywith its launch handled by the young Jacques séguéla, the inventor of a whole new promotional language for the brand, Togo went on to achieve sales of close on 1 280 000 pieces in 72 countries : the Ligne roset France facebook page even incorporates a special togo tab which links to a real-time counter displaying the number of togo pieces produced so far in its factories!

pierre berville from the agency Callegari berville grey also dreamt up a special advertisement for togo which was much acclaimed and won both Ligne roset and its agency the prestigious Grand Prix APPM 2004 (association pour la promotion de la presse Magazine). this prize recognized both Christian Kettiger’s beautiful photography and the distinct personality of the Ligne roset brand as developed by pierre berville, at once pertinent and impertinent : “ Créations pour l’esprit, les yeux, les fesses…” (“ Creations for mind, body and soul…”).

the cult piece of the seventies with its floor - level seat, emblematic of the revolutionary modernity as presented by Ligne roset, togo has become the brand’s star product and uncontested bestseller.

2012 – LEG AGENCy – PHOTOGRAPH © JEAN-PIERRE LEMOINE

1974 angeretti

1974 roux-séguéla 1975

angeretti

1987 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR François bénard PHOTOGRAPH © alain doViFat

2004 h2e PHOTOGRAPH © chris craymer

2004 grand Prix aPPm

callegari berVille grey PHOTOGRAPH © christian kettiger

2011 – JUNG VON MATT – PHOTOGRAPH © LIZ VON HOENE

2005 Finalist award winner international adVertising awards 2006, NEW yORK FESTIVALS

bbdo germany PHOTOGRAPH © chris craymer

2006 bbdo PHOTOGRAPH © Julia Fullertton-batten

2007 callegari berVille grey PHOTOGRAPH © christian kettiger

“ CreatioNs For MiNd, body

& soUL…”Pierre berVille CO-FOUNDER OF CALLEGARI BERVILLE GREy

“ siNCe 1973, togo has aLready worKed its MagiC

oN two geNeratioNs : the third doesN’t

haVe to wait either ! ”

togo JUNiorthe immense public affection for togo, coupled with its characteristics in terms of shape, comfort and safety (an all - foam model with no hard spots) prompted Ligne Roset to want to make it accessible to the younger generation.

Since 2007, then, Ligne Roset has also offered Mini-Togo, a reduced - size version of the original fireside chair for the 4 – 12 age group. its comfortable looks make it just as attractive to children as it is to their parents.

mini-togo Fireside chair H 46 W 61 D 68 – SEAT 24

HAND CRAFTED

ALL FOAM

CHAMELEON

its upholstery demands a unique traditional skill for which the human hand remains irreplaceable, executing the precise movements which produce the famous folds which give each piece of togo its character and personality. the elasticity of the foams is regulated by the threads which anchor the padded buttons, which are covered in the same fabric or leather as the main seat. For a large settee, the upholstery process takes 4 hours for fabric covers, and almost 6 for leather.

the exclusive use of foam for its structure makes it a unique, supple, welcoming seat, with neither sharp corners nor hard spots, presenting no dangers to young children. today, the latest technological developments in terms of polyether and polyurethane foams reaffirm the longevity of its exceptional comfort.*

its structure is entirely composed of foam in 3 differing densities: polyether foam 21 kg/m3 – 3.2 kpa, polyether foam 28 kg/m³ – 4.8 kpa and high resilience polyurethane foam 26 kg/m³ – 1.4 kpa. its cover is generously padded with polyester quilting.

togo may be dressed in fabrics, microfibres or leather, either plain or patterned.

LIGHT TIMELESS

UNIVERSAL

so light, the two togo settees, settee with arms, fireside chair, corner seat and footstool can be easily moved around your living space, arranged and rearranged with very little effort.

the purity of togo’s lines, its all- enveloping architec-tured form, its organic curves all contribute towards its timeless yet always current allure.

Never out of fashion, its characteristic style enables it to integrate into all interiors. togo will be just at home in front of the fireplace of a country house as it will in a mountain chalet, a haussmannian- style building or an architect- designed villa.

corner seat H 70 W 102 D 102 – SEAT 38

Fireside chair H 70 W 87 D 102 – SEAT 38

mini-togo Fireside chair H 46 W 61 D 68 – SEAT 24

small settee H 70 W 131 D 102 – SEAT 38

settee with arms H 70 W 198 D 102 – SEAT 38

large settee H 70 W 174 D 102 – SEAT 38

Footstool H 34 W 87 D 80

whether treated as independent seating, used in combination to create corner compositions or arranged in a U- shape, togo lends itself to any and all layouts. its compact dimensions and ultra- low, buttoned silhouette offer a convivial solution for both small and large spaces.

MODULAR

togo sUMMarised

*

LigNe roset CeLebratesa CULt seat !

TOGO IS BEING TALKED ABOUT ON Facebook usa WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LIGNEROSET

11/09/2012 – 10/10/2012 01/01/2013

TOGO IS DISPLAyED AT THE hÔtel de Ville de Paris

TOGO crosses the centuriesTOGO IS COVERED IN giant houndstooth Fabric

EXCEPTIONAL DISCOUNT

02/04/2013 – 30/06/201314/01/2013

THE FAMILy GROWS

%

The festivities commenced with the exhibition, “ Le dessein du geste ”, which runs from 11th september – 10th october 2012 at the hôtel de Ville de paris. this exhibition presents the creations of renowned designers working with major French brands such as hermès, baccarat and Ligne roset. alongside the pieces on show, photographer sophie Zenon presents photographs taken in the factories and workshops of these great houses. her images evoke the beauty of movement, the mastery of tradition and the transmission of skills and expertise. For Ligne roset, it is togo which is both on display and magnificently photographed. of all the 26 big names taking part in the exhibition, it was the photograph of Ligne roset’s togo which was selected for use on both the poster and the cover of the exhibition booklet.

togoiN paris

tuesday 11th sePtember – wednesday 10th october 2012

The festivities continue on the Ligne Roset USA Facebook page, where the special togo tab will invite all those who live with or have experience of togo to post their own photos and tell their stories. a timeline will be compiled.

Between Tuesday 2nd April and Sunday 30th June 2013, all orders for Togo in any covering material will benefit from a special discount of 20 %. this campaign is a joint venture between

a long-standing partner of Ligne roset in terms of its

high-quality foams, and , whose soft, sensuous,

breathable and washable fabrics have provided marvellous clothing – in 74 colours - for togo for nearly 30 years. Children are not forgotten, with Mini-togo also included; and older or long- standing togo owners can also benefit from the same discount on the recovery or replacement of their togo.

togo- 20%

that’s My

togotuesday 1st January 2013

tuesday 2nd aPril – sunday 30th June 2013

To celebrate Togo’s fortieth anniversary Ligne Roset are offering a 20% discount from 2nd April to 30th June, 2013 on all Togo orders and re-coverings.

100% oF togo For 20% less.

rc

s bo

urg-

en-b

ress

e 54

5 92

0 07

6

speCiaL editioNs

TOGO, CLAD IN ITS VERy BEST FINERy : two original Fabrics.

Velvet jacquard fabric with floral motif.alcantara with printed houndstooth motif.

a seat dreamt up especially for afternoon siestas or lazy evenings spent in the greatest of comfort.

the FaMiLy is growiNg !

2-seat lounge settee H 70 W 131 D 162 – SEAT 38

LyoNese VeLVetthe latest textile trends in both fashion and furnishing give great emphasis to patterned fabrics.

the roset company, having been based near Lyon since 1860, was inspired to draw on the rich history of that city’s textile industry, which has been a driving force of its technical and commercial life since 1536, when François 1st granted Lyon the monopoly on manufacturing and trading in silk.

The manufacturers of Lyon created rich silks and velvets, the construction and delicate ornamentation of which rendered them impossible to produce on anything other than manual looms.

today, a number of manufacturers are managing to reproduce these historic textiles on ancient mechanical looms which are very inefficient in terms of production levels and which limit the fabric width to just 65 cm. these manufacturers work almost exclusively in the fields of conservation and the restoration of antique pieces of furniture and tapestries in stately homes or museums.

these ancient textiles, despite their highly attractive appearance, were often fragile and not particularly durable.

to celebrate the 40th birthday of its model togo, Ligne roset is offering a special edition in “ Lyonese velvet ” fabric. this is made by the manufacturer rohleder, which has succeeded in reproducing a velvet jacquard fabric with floral motif on modern looms, which is capable of withstanding daily use as understood today and, therefore, of taking its place in a contemporary interior. this magnificent fabric offers excellent resistance to both abrasion and light thanks to its very dense weave of polyester (for strength) and viscose (for touch and shine) threads: one metre of fabric contains 40 million intersections of warp and weft !

A rich and entirely worthy birthday outfit for Togo.

oVer to yoU : write the story

oF yoUr owN togo…