Bizarre

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was one of the most influential, imaginative, and inspirational designers at the turn of the millennium. His fashions both challenged and expanded the conventional parameters of clothing beyond utility to a compelling expression of culture, politics, and identity.
Focusing on the most iconic and acclaimed designs of his prolific career, The Costume Institute organized this year's most-talked-about exhibition "Alexander McQueen: Savage beauty". It was held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 4–August 7, 2011. Exhibition included Costumes from Central Saint Martins Postgraduate collection of 1992 to his final runway presentation, which took place after his death in February 2010. It featured approximately hundred ensembles and seventy accessories from Mr. McQueen's prolific ninteen-year career.

The Romantic Mind

“You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.”
—Alexander McQueen

Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities

“People find my things sometimes aggressive. But I don’t see it as aggressive. I see it as romantic, dealing with a dark side of personality.”
—Alexander McQueen

Romantic Nationalism

“The reason I’m patriotic about Scotland is because I think it’s been dealt a really hard hand. It’s marketed the world over as . . . haggis . . . bagpipes. But no one ever puts anything back into it.”
—Alexander McQueen

Romantic Exoticism

“I want to be honest about the world that we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes. . . . That’s mundane and it’s old hat. Let’s break down some barriers.”
—Alexander McQueen

Romantic Primitivism

“I try to push the silhouette. To change the silhouette is to change the thinking of how we look. What I do is look at ancient African tribes, and the way they dress. The rituals of how they dress. . . . There’s a lot of tribalism in the collections.”
—Alexander McQueen

Romantic Naturalism

“I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.”
—Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Andrew Bolton (Author), Solve Sundsbo (Photographer), Tim Blanks (Contributor), Susannah Frankel (Contributor)

Roche Bobois is the story of the two families, the Roches and the Chouchans. In 1950, Jaques Roche purchased the old Alexandre Dumas theater on Rue De Lyon and built two stores. His sons, Philippe and Francois, joined the company and together established the development strategy. They began to distribute the very best contemporary furniture, which was heavily inspired by renowned designers such as Pierre Paulin and Marc Berthier. At this time, the Chouchans were selling furniture in Paris on Boulevard Sebastopol at "Au Beau Bois" which later became Bobois.
In 1960, Francois and Philippe Roche and Patrick and Jean-Claude Chouchan got acquainted at Copenhagen Salon. They met and together designed their first catalog which launched the National franchise. The adventure was just beginning. In 1961, they designed their first nationwide advertising campaign in Elle Magazine. Sales boomed, and through this success, the adds proved benefits of combining their resources and their names. From this point Roche Bobois gained its own identity and became a brand name.

1960 Minvielle

1962 Poul Cadovius

1964 Paulin bedroom

1966 Ball chair and Pastilli armchairs


1968 Sacco armchair

In the 1970, the power of television sparked a profound shift in the household and a sofa was "must-have". Sofas became the core of the "Les Contemporains" collection.

1971 Lounge sofa

1972 Player sofa

1972 Bambole sofa

1974 Paysage sofa

1976 Plateau sofa

1979 Divin Divan sofa

In the 1980s, Roche Bobois expanded its collection with the creation of "Les Provinciales", a collection that would rethink traditional French furniture.

1980 Diagonale wall unit

1983 Brooklyn sideboard


1984 Informel sofa

The 1990's were characterized by a trend to fuse ethnic influences. Roche Bobois responded to this trend with the creation of collection "Les Voyages".

1990 Fleu De fer

1991 Eureka composition

1995 Mah Jong sofa

The beginNing of the 21st century at Roche Bobois was marked by two significant events: A global expansion with more stores in an even growing number of prestigious cities of the world, from the former Lupari Palace of Bologna to the futuristic buildings of Montreal. The group is presented in 40 countries through a constant rising network of more than 240 stores. And the development of a richer partnership with designers and architects who conceive and create with Roche Bobois.

2000 Metropolis collection

2002 Ping pong collection


2003 Cometa sofa

The Roche Bobois group is considered today as the world leader of high end furniture design and distribution in addition to its elite positioning as a pioneer creator. Each model results from a close collaboration between Roche Bobois, the designers and manufacturers, a concept that characterizes the brand's strength and originality. As a true testimony to its dynamism, Roche Bobois launches every six months an exclusive new collection and proudly runs among the most talented furniture brands with an upscale international reputation.

A Roche Bobois furniture piece is above all furniture with a unique character, inspired by multiple personalities. Each furniture piece is exclusive and truly created for you.