Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of post-war design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic luxury of outdoor life on the French Riviera in the mid-20th century. More than five decades after its creation and 20 years after the death of its creator, GUBI is proud to pay tribute to Mathieu Matégot by re-launching one of his most popular collections.
Out of production for decades, the Tropique collection has been relaunched by GUBI for the 21st century, giving a new generation a chance to experience "la dolce vita" as Mathieu Matégot imagined it. Combining simple materials with a decadent aesthetic, Tropique consists of two chairs and a dining table. The frame of each piece is made of stainless steel rods, incorporating a distinctive curve to the legs - a signature of Matégot's style and a feature that unites the collection in a clear and coherent whole.Â
Developed shortly after Matégot returned from World War II and set up his furniture workshop in Paris, Tropique is one of the four key collections that established his reputation as a designer. The curvilinear forms attracted the attention of some of the most prestigious design publications of the time and led to his participation in some of the most important events and exhibitions of his time. One such exhibition, Art & Decoration's "The Flower in the House" in 1950, featured the Tropique collection immersed in tropical flora, brilliantly demonstrating design's affinity with the natural world and the al fresco lifestyle.
Tropique won the Monocle Design Awards. The Monocle Design Awards honour the world's most exciting designers alongside the best new projects and products bringing our homes and cities to life. For the second edition, featured in the May 2022 issue of the magazine, Monocle editors and correspondents selected GUBI's Tropique collection by Mathieu Matégot as the winner in the "Best Patio Pick" category.
Without fringes – Leslie Stripe 20 / Black
With fringes – Leslie Stripe 20 / Black
Without fringes – Leslie Stripe 20 / White
With fringes – Leslie Stripe 20 / White
Without fringes – Leslie Stripe 40 / Black
With fringes – Leslie Stripe 40 / Black
Without fringes – Leslie Stripe 40 / White
With fringes – Leslie Stripe 40 / White
Without fringes – Leslie 06 / Black
With fringes – Leslie 06 / Black
Without fringes – Leslie 06 / White
With fringes – Leslie 06 / White
Without fringes – Leslie 12 / Black
With fringes – Leslie 12 / Black
Without fringes – Leslie 12 / White
With fringes – Leslie 12 / White
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Mathieu Matégot
Mathieu Matégot (1910 - 2001) was one of the most renowned French designers of the 1950s.
He studied at the Budapest School of Fine Arts. He then visited Italy and the United States and decided to settle in France. He began his career as a window dresser at Galeries Lafayette.
In 1933, he began designing furniture, notably using rattan and metal. However, in the context of the war, he decided to enlist but was taken prisoner. After the Liberation, he devoted himself to the creation of transparent metal objects and opened his own workshop in Paris and then in Casablanca.
He exhibited his work in 1952 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs et d'Automne. He quickly became a worldwide success. He particularly influenced the world of design with his avant-garde approach to shapes and materials.
