FIVE FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT ROCHE BOBOIS

1 Its Paris headquarters is in Faubourg St-antoine – historically, the heart of France’s furniture-making industry – and its largest showroom is in a former theatre once owned by Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers. 2 Hans Hopfer’s 1971 ‘Mah Jong’ sofa ( below) is – and always has been – its bestselling design. Missoni Home and Kenzo have created versions. 3 Hopfer’s 1974 ‘Dromedary’ also played with classic sofa design – its backrest is a series of sections in various heights, inspired by a camel’s humps. 4 The Hopfer legacy doesn’t end there: Jacqueline Hopfer, his architect daughter, now designs all of the Roche Bobois stores. To date, the company has 250 showrooms in 45 countries. 5 Nicolas Roche, grandson of founder Jacques, is creative director, and oversees all new designs. Young names he has nurtured include Cédric Ragot, Daniel Rode and René Bouchara.