If we talk about iconic furniture, there is one that since the seventies has remained a statement of style and comfort: the Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy. Its unmistakable shape, made of folds and soft lines, is immediately recognizable and, in its own way, somewhat revolutionary. Beyond being just a seat, the Togo has come to represent the relaxed sophistication and bold design of an era.
Who is Michel Ducaroy?
Michel Ducaroy, a French designer born in 1925, was always ahead of his time. He came from a family of cabinetmakers and sculptors, which explains his fascination with both form and functionality. He studied at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, but it was his work at Ligne Roset, one of France’s leading furniture brands, that gave him the freedom to explore experimental materials and techniques.
The birth of a design revolution
The Togo Sofa was introduced in 1973, at the height of the counterculture and experimentation in design. Ducaroy sought to create a piece of furniture that would break with traditional concepts of rigid structure, something that would invite you to really relax. His inspiration came from a rather peculiar experience: a tube of toothpaste! Watching it squish and squirm, Ducaroy came up with the idea of making a sofa that lacked internal structure, but offered a total comfort experience.
This unique design was a true revolution for the time. Instead of sofas with wooden or metal frames, the Togo is completely autonomous, made of foam of various densities that gives it support without the need for anything else. This makes it a lightweight, easy-to-move and extremely comfortable sofa. As Ducaroy once said: “The Togo is not a sofa, it’s a place where you can lose yourself and feel completely yourself”.
Why is togo so popular?
The design of the Togo is so unique that it has remained in production since its inception. Its popularity lies in the fact that it is, in essence, a sofa that adapts to the shape of the body of whoever sits on it. You can lie, slide or even curl up in its foam folds. Moreover, the Togo comes in different sizes and shapes: sofa, armchair, chaise longue and even a mini version for the little ones.
On the other hand, the Togo is also a versatile piece that fits in all kinds of environments, from an industrial loft to a bohemian or minimalist living room. It is available in a wide variety of colors and textures, from luxury fabrics to
A curious anecdote about Ducaroy
It is said that Michel Ducaroy was not someone who liked neither accolades nor fame; in fact, he was quite modest. Once, in an interview, he was asked what the secret was to making such a revolutionary sofa and, without thinking too much about it, he replied, “I just wanted something I could lie on after a long day, something that would give me a hug.” This simplicity in his ideas and his focus on comfort explains why the Togo is still so beloved decades later.
Another amusing anecdote is that during the presentation of the Togo, many attendees did not quite know how to sit on it. They were used to conventional sofas, with armrests and firm backs, and didn’t understand that they could literally *sink* into the Togo. Ducaroy watched from afar and, with laughter, encouraged the more skeptical ones to try it out. It was only when they saw others lying down without formalities that the attendees loosened up and began to enjoy it. For him, that was the ultimate test: if he could get people to relax, his mission was accomplished.
Legacy and current popularity
Today, the Togo Sofa is a collector’s item, present in homes around the world and in magazine decorations, television series, movies and even in design museums. Its price may be high, but that hasn’t stopped people of different generations from continuing to consider it an investment.
Ducaroy’s genius was to understand that design should not only be aesthetic, but also emotional. The Togo is not just a sofa; it is an invitation to relax and live the home in a different way, free of restrictions and with a touch of daring. In a world where functionality and style often clash, the Togo reminds us that sometimes the best thing a piece of furniture can do is allow us to be ourselves.
