Roche Bobois launches French/American-designed Traveler Collection

Roche Bobois, the renowned European designers of luxury furniture and accessories for the home, have recently announced the launch of their Traveler Collection. The Traveler Collection is a collaboration between Nicolas Roche, French architect and eco-conscious creative director of the project, and American designer Stephen Burks, known worldwide for his hands-on approach and combination of artisanal techniques with industrial processes.

In honor of Roche Bobois' 40th anniversary within the U.S., Roche and Burks wanted to create a design that would encapsulate aspects of both of their respective cultures -- the refined elegance of the French and the modern, more laidback style of the Americans. 

What they came up with were two distinct designs for similar armchairs -- a European version and an American version. Roche and Burks wanted the armchairs to illustrate the differences between the two cultures, with respect to the materials used, the functions, the ergonomics, and the symbolism of the chairs. Burks sees the armchair as "an object in which to travel," and wants the two chairs to offer a "traveler's perspective" on European and American cultures.

The chairs are similar in style and frame, but different in material, color, and overall aesthetic.The American chair was made using ash wood and leather straps covered in large, plush cushions. 

The European version was made using leather cords woven over a metal frame with slightly smaller, more reserved leather cushions.

The result is a project that demonstrates both unity and discord -- in the designs of both chairs, the cushions sit atop a reclining frame and are spacious and roomy enough for two. The European and American versions of the chair could be used to furnish the same room without it looking overly mismatched. However, while the European chair, with it's smaller cushion and more subdued color scheme, evokes old-world European grace, the American chair, with it's lush green pillows, evokes a more playful, modern, and less serious style.

Learn more about Roche Bobois here.