CGD

Furniture production in Bystřice pod Hostýnem has evinced simplicity ever since Michael Thonet established the company. In fact he was convinced that nobody else was able to produce a chair that could be simpler than his. Even though renowned French designer Arik Levy, who started to collaborate with the TOΝ brand several years ago, would certainly agree, he has still succeeded in designing a distinctive structural and aesthetic innovation to the 150-year-old chair, updating Thonet's idea for the 21st century. Encompassing classic chairs, bar stools and upholstered armchairs, the extensive Split collection premiered at Salone del Mobile in Milan in the spring to great acclaim with respected Czech and foreign magazines and interior design commentators describing TON as a trend setter. The success of the collection is based on revolutionary, yet austere shapes and a range of colours that create a gradient effect, hand-applied to the seat and backrest. The backrest is elegantly inserted behind the seat and supported by bent split legs made from ash wood. An upholstered version is also available. This is the first time split wood has been used as a structural element and the result is a distinctive shape that offers comfort in a wide range of styles and finishes. Presented to the Czech public at Designblok this autumn, the TON chair won the Editors-in-Chief Award in the Best New Furniture category, with TON's Designblok installation also picking up an award. This collaboration between TON and Arik Levy showcases the fresh, modern and inspiring trend which the brand set out to establish several years ago.

David Kalista