How did the collaboration unfold?
Dario, Noah's co-founder, initially approached us with several ideas for a potential collaboration. The conversation quickly took shape when he asked us to define the color palette for a woven textile specially developed for the new sofa, Torio. Interestingly, just months before, we had been searching for a new sofa ourselves and had taken notice of Noah’s original design.
How was the process of the colours you ended up with?
The fact that the textiles were woven white and dyed afterward, triggered our imagination. We delved into the essential technique of textile dyeing, transforming our studio into a hands-on dye lab. The Noah team sent us the first batch of woven samples, which we cut into small-scale dyeing canvases.The process was labor-intensive, spanning weeks and months to get a better understanding of how to blend the basic dyes. We experimented, refined, and documented every step—much like mixing paint. Each recipe has been noted down meticulously, such as "one spoon of black, four of yellow, eight of red." Through this method, we created over 200 samples, gradually gaining a deeper understanding of blending dyes to achieve the perfect balance.It was very rewarding to see the samples come out from the dye bath, drying in our colour lab. This hands-on approach allowed us to develop a palette that is nuanced and it created space for discovery. This was far more engaging than simply selecting swatches from a colour deck. We immersed ourselves in the process, and that made all the difference.
“We were drawn to its lightness and, of course, the opportunity to experiment with different colour combinations across the seating elements. That shared appreciation naturally led to the beginning of our partnership.”
What do you find most interesting about Torio?
The post-weaving dyeing process gave Noah the flexibility to introduce a rich and diverse palette, resulting in 24 beautifully nuanced colours. Torio’s design is particularly intriguing, its voluminous, rounded surfaces create a soft, inviting feel, while the slim, tightly upholstered backboard adds a striking contrast. This balance between comfort and structure makes for a cozy yet refined piece, offering ample surface area to showcase both the textile’s texture and the depth of its colors.
How do you think Torio stands out in terms of colour and textile design?
Torio blends a minimalist design language with the inviting softness of its pillows. The woven fabric's lively texture harmonizes with a subtle and soft colour palette. Through the direct dyeing on textile process, a colour palette evolved that complement the canvas of the textile, creating a seamless integration. All shades have a certain connectedness by their muted nature that makes them easy to combine with the modularity of Torio.
