Dezeen Magazine

Johannes Torpe designed the Heartbreaker chair for Moroso after going through a breakup

Johannes Torpe designs Heartbreaker sofa for Moroso after a breakup

Dezeen promotion: designer Johannes Torpe has created a series of whimsical furniture for Italian furniture brand Moroso, inspired by a relationship and its breakup.

Torpe references a past relationship in both the Heartbreaker sofa and the Precious chairs and stools.

The Precious seats were designed while Torpe was "in a moment of love and happiness" and planning to propose marriage. Both chairs and stools are wrapped by a thick metal band, like a wedding ring, that runs around the base of the seat cushion.

The Heartbreaker sofa was designed after the relationship fell apart, leaving Torpe heartbroken. Half-heart shapes form the end of each of the armrests on the modular sofa, making it appear broken until two ends are pushed together to form a whole.

Johannes Torpe designed the Heartbreaker chair for Moroso after going through a breakup
The Heartbreaker sofa was designed after a relationship fell apart

Speaking to Dezeen's assistant editor India Block at an event during Clerkenwell Design Week, Torpe said he spent sleepless nights channelling his emotions into the design for the Heartbreaker.

"If you know the story and you look at the sofa, it gives you an emotional connection to the product," Torpe explained.

"I think the world really does need authenticity, and storytelling that actually is true," he added. "It's not about marketing."

Johannes Torpe designed the Heartbreaker chair for Moroso after going through a breakup
The Precious seats were designed while Torpe was still in love

With its sculptural geometric form, the Heartbreaker is designed for the contract market as well as for the home. Its modular form makes it eminently versatile for use in hotels or offices.

It is available in a range of different colours and fabrics, including pale blue and pink shades that typically denote male and female. The Precious stools and chairs also come in a variety of textiles, as well as options for legs to come in chrome or painted steel finishes.

Johannes Torpe designed the Heartbreaker chair for Moroso after going through a breakup
Both are available in a range of different colours and fabrics

Torpe, who is also a musician, hopes the products will encourage more furniture designers to explore the emotional as well as the practical in their products.

"If a songwriter can put his or her heart on a silver plate and serve it to people, why shouldn't a designer be able to do the same?" he asked.

Raised in a hippie commune in Denmark, Torpe believes his childhood left him consistently in touch with his playful side. He hopes this approach offers a more immersive and engaging experience for the users of his interior designs and products.

"I hope that it can inspire more people to do the same, because it will be more fun," he said.

Heartbreaker and Precious are currently on display at the Moroso Showroom, 7-15 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4SP.

For more information, visit the Moroso website.