Brand & Designer

GUBI
Lampada Portatile Bagdad

GUBI

Founded in 1967 in Copenhagen, Denmark, GUBI specializes in furniture, lighting, and interior objects that unite timeless icons, contemporary design, and refined Scandinavian elegance.
Mathieu Matégot
Obello Lampada Portatile

Mathieu Matégot

A Hungarian-born French designer known for sculptural modernism, perforated metalwork, and a poetic balance of lightness, structure, and invention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the GUBI Tropique collection?

The Tropique collection was designed by Mathieu Matégot, a Hungarian-French designer celebrated for his innovative use of perforated metal and steel rod construction in mid-century furniture. GUBI revived the collection from his original drawings, preserving the integrity of his design intent.

Is the Tropique Dining Armchair suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. The stainless steel frame and weather-resistant finish options make the Tropique Dining Armchair appropriate for covered outdoor settings such as terraces and loggias. Upholstery selection should be guided by the level of exposure to elements.

What is the difference between the fringe and no-fringe versions?

The fringe trim adds a layer of decorative detail along the seat and back upholstery, referencing the glamorous outdoor furniture traditions of mid-century Mediterranean design. The no-fringe version offers a cleaner, more graphic silhouette while retaining the same structural form.

What materials are used in the Tropique Dining Armchair frame?

The frame is constructed from stainless steel rods, a material Matégot worked with extensively throughout his career for its combination of structural strength and visual delicacy. The rod-based construction gives the chair its characteristic open, almost drawn-in-space quality.

How does the Tropique chair relate to Matégot's broader design practice?

Matégot was known for treating industrial materials with a sculptor's sensibility, producing furniture that felt both functional and formally resolved. The Tropique series exemplifies his approach: a minimal material palette used to achieve a form that reads as both rigorous and warm.