Roche Bobois Debuts First Malaysian Showroom in Kuala Lumpur

Roche Bobois, the renowned French luxury furniture brand, has opened its first showroom in Malaysia in the upscale Bukit Bandaraya neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur. The showroom, located at Jalan Maarof, features large windows, wooden claustras, and vegetal walls, providing an exclusive setting for the brand’s innovative furniture pieces.

The showroom houses a wide selection of Roche Bobois’ iconic pieces, such as the Mah Jong and Bubble sofas, as well as newer collections like the Bombom collection by Joana Vasconcelos. This opening marks an exciting milestone for the brand, reinforcing its presence in the Asian market, which is the fastest-growing market for Roche Bobois.

Roche Bobois is committed to offering customers a personalized approach to creation and design, evident in their wide range of customizable options for shapes, colors, materials, and finishes. The brand collaborates with renowned artists and designers, such as Marcel Wanders, Kenzo Takada, Ora Ito, and Jiang Qiong Er, as well as leading couture houses like Jean Paul Gaultier and Missoni Home.

Roche Bobois also prioritizes environmental responsibility and has been dedicated to improving its environmental performance since 2005. The brand uses an evaluation tool to quantify the environmental impact of its products and is committed to eco-design throughout its entire value chain.

Atap.co had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Barre, Roche Bobois’ International Franchise Director, during the showroom launch. Here’s what she had to say:

Q. What inspired Roche Bobois to open its first showroom in Malaysia?

A. About 20 years ago, the brand started to develop more in Asia, beginning with our first store in China. Over the past five years, our presence has grown significantly in several other Asian markets.

We recognized that Malaysia had a wonderful community of design aficionados and potential clients. It was just a matter of finding the right partner. When we met Mr. Lim two years ago, I was impressed by his understanding of international luxury design and his deep knowledge of our brand. He had been observing Roche Bobois for some time and had a clear grasp of our values and vision. This connection made it clear that we could move forward confidently with him.

Q. So I understand that Roche Bobois works with a lot of designers, but I’d like to know what is Roche Bobois’ design philosophy when looking for a designer, what does the brand look for?

A. The key to Roche Bobois lies in our foundational values, which highlight European craftsmanship. We rely on the know-how and expertise we have in France, Italy, and Portugal, showcasing this savoir-faire in pieces meant for everyday living. We call it French “art de vivre,” emphasizing comfort, design, modularity, and playfulness, allowing customers to customize and make pieces truly their own.

When seeking a designer, we look for those who share similar values of quality, creativity, and innovation. We’ve always pushed the boundaries, starting from the 1970s when we were at the forefront of design, changing how people lived. We seek designers who share this mindset and bring their unique touch, fostering mutual inspiration.

Q. What are some of the signature pieces or collections that define the brand’s aesthetic? 

A. The Mah Jong is truly key and has become an iconic piece for the brand. It was avant-garde when it first came out and has remained timeless, continuously reinvented through collaborations with various fashion designers. It embodies the core values of Roche Bobois: avant-garde design, flexibility, playfulness, modularity, and customization. It’s quintessentially Roche Bobois.

The Bubble sofa represents a new generation for Roche Bobois, showcasing our creativity and innovation. Developing a specific fabric to hug the curves of the design was a significant challenge. Today, with more fabric options available, the Bubble can be customized in many shapes and sizes, including a mini version for smaller spaces. It’s a very cute and versatile piece!

Q: What can customers expect when they visit this new Roche Bobois store in Malaysia?

A: Customers can expect the true Roche Bobois experience. Mr. Lim has invested in transforming the store into an authentic Roche Bobois showroom. The interior design teams from our headquarters have worked on the space so that a client walking in here will feel the same ambiance as our stores in Milan or New York.

The materials, color schemes, and overall design are consistent with our stores worldwide, though we adapt to the architecture of each space. For instance, this showroom has wonderful double-height ceilings, and the fireplace design was created specifically for this store to partition the space without obstructing the view.

Every store is unique but will feel familiar to those who know our brand. You will find all the most iconic designs here, offering the best of Roche Bobois.

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The opening of Roche Bobois’ first showroom in Malaysia signifies a new chapter in the brand’s story, bringing its unique blend of French elegance, innovative design, and sustainable practices to a new audience.

_{Visit the new showroom in Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur, to discover the brand’s exquisite collection and experience their commitment to design, craftsmanship, and sustainability firsthand.}