Cover The Mah Jong sofa alongside other Roche Bobois designs such as the Bubble sofa and the Cactus lamp at Paris Photo 2021, the first international fair dedicated to photography
The Mah Jong sofa alongside other Roche Bobois designs such as the Bubble sofa and the Cactus lamp at Paris Photo 2021, the first international fair dedicated to photography
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The iconic Mah Jong sofa from French design brand Roche Bobois celebrates its 50th anniversary this year—we explain its enduring appeal
When French furniture distributors Francois and Philippe Roche first met brothers Patrick and Jean-Claude Chouchan in 1960, the two families were looking to join forces to import Scandinavian furniture into Paris. A year later, the families launched an advertising campaign in Elle magazine with the brand name ‘Roche and Bobois’—‘Bobois’ references the Au Beau Bois store that the Chouchans used to sell furniture in, and this brand name was later shortened to ‘Roche Bobois’.
Now, centuries later, the French luxury furniture company has established itself as a stalwart of innovative and stylish designs. Roche Bobois celebrates French art de vivre—the art of living—with imagination and creativity, resulting in stunning designs that are distinctive and covetable.
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Above Dressed in exuberant fabrics, the Mah Jong sofa injects bold personality into any room
Dressed in exuberant fabrics, the Mah Jong sofa injects bold personality into any room
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With 255 showrooms located worldwide, Roche Bobois has established a global presence; this includes its flagship boutique in central Singapore. Expert craftsmanship, together with high-quality materials and customisation, are qualites that have always been ingrained as part of the company’s DNA. The brand’s frequent collaborations with renowned architects and designers, as well as leading international fashion houses, have also placed them at the forefront of the industry.
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Above The Mah Jong sofa can be positioned as a cosy armchair
Above Various modules allow for endless configurations
The Mah Jong sofa can be positioned as a cosy armchair
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Roche Bobois has a storied history of producing iconic pieces with a timeless appeal. Their Mah Jong sofa best exemplifies the brand’s equilibrium between design, innovation, and function. The popular sofa counts notable celebrities such as Gweyneth Paltrow and Gigi Hadid among its fans; the outdoor set of the Oscars 2021, designed by American architect David Rockwell, was furnished beautifully with a variety of colourful Mah Jong sofas.
The sofa was first created in 1971, after co-founder Philippe Roche met with Argentinian designer Hans Hopfer. To capture a sense of freedom and possibility, Hopfer envisioned the Mahjong sofa as a modular piece that is versatile and flexible.
The dynamic piece starts with three basic modular elements that can be combined or stacked together. With limitless options when it comes to the sofa’s composition, it’s easy to personalise the seating configurations and build your very own bespoke design.
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Above The Mah Jong sofa dressed in the colourful fabrics from Missoni Home
The Mah Jong sofa dressed in the colourful fabrics from Missoni Home
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Handmade by expert craftsmen in a dedicated workshop in Italy, each seam of the Mah Jong sofa is meticulously hand-stitched. Add a sense of dynanism into any space with the vibrant range of upholstery fabrics available. These exclusive fabrics with captivating prints are designed by fashion luminaries the likes of the late Japanese designer Kenzō Takada and French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as Missoni Home, the decor arm of the Italian fashion house.
Above Kenzō Takada added a fresh perspective to the Mah Jong sofa with dominant blue and green tones
Kenzō Takada added a fresh perspective to the Mah Jong sofa with dominant blue and green tones
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The Mah Jong sofa is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2021, and Roche Bobois is elevating the piece with cutting-edge improvements. For one, the Mah Jong sofa will have its height increased, with the addition of slightly recessed legs that create the illusion of it floating on the ground. The back of the sofa will now feature a structure inspired by aircraft wings to help provide structure and support.
The modular sofa is also now more functional than ever—table tops can be integrated into the modular piece to offer a surface for books, lamps, cups or decorative objects. These table tops are available in stylish finishes such as solid ash, veneer in warm or light tones, or glossy lacquer with deep reflection. Additionally, new upholstery from the fashion designers is now made from eco-friendly fabrics in line with the Roche-Bobois Eco 8 standard.
Above Jean Paul Gaultier adorns the Mah Jong sofa with an elegant fabric selection that brings sophistication to any room
Jean Paul Gaultier adorns the Mah Jong sofa with an elegant fabric selection that brings sophistication to any room
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Adding style and functionality to any space, the Mah Jong sofa from Roche Bobois is a must-have for the modern home. With the myriad of configurations and colourful selection of fabrics available, the sofa is an incredibly enduring piece that elevates any abode it can be found in.
Roche Bobois is part of the Best of Singapore 2022 guide.
Credits
Images: Roche Bobois
