Cover The Roche Bobois Bubble family in various colours that create a stylish tableau
The Roche Bobois Bubble family in various colours that create a stylish tableau
1 / 1
Tatler+
Roche Bobois’ Bubble sofa is a plush revolution in modern furniture design
In the ever-evolving world of furniture design, few pieces have captured the imagination quite like the Bubble sofa from Roche Bobois. Created by French designer Sacha Lakic, this avant-garde seating solution combines cutting-edge technology with artistic expression in a way that continues to intrigue and inspire decades after its inception.
Lakic, known for his passion for luxury cars and motorcycles, brought his expertise in dynamic forms to furniture design. The result is a piece that seems to defy gravity, its rounded shapes evoking images of soap bubbles or cumulus clouds. “The idea behind its playful shape was to bring poetry and sensitivity into the home in the way that art can,” Lakic once stated in an interview.
Read more: 8 dazzling celebrity-style homes in Los Angeles’ most coveted neighbourhoods
Above The soft organic form of the Bubble sofas is inviting
The soft organic form of the Bubble sofas is inviting
1 / 1
What sets the Bubble sofa apart is its unique construction. Entirely handmade by expert artisans, the sofa’s structure is crafted from solid fir wood, pine plywood, and engineered composite wood. But it’s the upholstery that truly pushes the boundaries of furniture design. Roche Bobois developed a proprietary stretch fabric, aptly named Techno fabric, specifically for the Bubble’s complex curves. This innovative textile, composed mainly of wool on a polyester base, is woven on a special loom to create a fine mesh design with a honeycomb structure.
The result is a fabric that not only conforms perfectly to the sofa’s rounded contours but also provides durability and resistance to deformation. This technical marvel is then paired with plush padding, creating a seating experience that is as comfortable as it is visually striking. As per most Roche Bobois designs, the Bubble sofa is available in an extensive range of colours and seat options.
See also: From mycelium floors to fruit peel lamps: The sustainable materials shaping eco-friendly design
Above A Bubble sofa in olive
A Bubble sofa in olive
1 / 1
Since its introduction, the Bubble sofa has found its way into a diverse array of settings, from high-end residential interiors to popular culture. It has graced the homes of celebrities like Robert Downey Jr, who chose a custom colourway for his Malibu residence, and K-pop star Jennie from Blackpink, who owns a powder blue version. A-listers such as Kate Moss, Hailey Bieber, and Charlotte Gainsbourg have all been photographed lounging on its cloudlike seat, further cementing its status as a design icon.
Recently, the Bubble sofa made headlines in an unexpected way, highlighting both its desirability and the unique “stooping” culture of New York City. A TikTok user, @Yafavv. Mandaa, discovered what appeared to be an authentic Roche Bobois Bubble sofa discarded on a New York City street. Her video documenting the find and subsequent restoration went viral, amassing over 8 million views and sparking a renewed interest in the iconic design.
Don’t miss: Street fashion heavyweight Nigo designs Not A Hotel’s first Tokyo property
Above All white Bubble sofas and armchair have a futuristic flavour
All white Bubble sofas and armchair have a futuristic flavour
1 / 1
The incident underscores the enduring appeal of the Bubble sofa, capable of causing a social media frenzy even decades after its initial release. It also sheds light on the fascinating world of urban furniture foraging, or “stooping,” a practice particularly prevalent in New York City.
Indeed, whether perched in a high-end showroom, a celebrity’s living room, or occasionally, on a New York City curb, Roche Bobois’ Bubble sofa remains a powerful symbol of the marriage between technology, craftsmanship, and artistic vision.
Roche Bobois is now exclusively available at Forest Furniture, 265 & 267, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur; tel: +60 17- 887 0783; forestfurniture.com.my
NOW READ
Top 5 luxury developments in Johor Bahru with record-breaking sales in 2023
10 beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants by acclaimed designers worldwide
Home Tour: An award-winning designer’s colonial-inspired Penang terrace house transformation
Credits
Images: Forest Furniture
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
