“Design must have character, otherwise it is flat and boring.”  Patrick Norguet

Ton is a name synonymous with craftsmanship and tradition. Based in Bystřice pod Hostýnem in the Czech Republic, it is home to the world’s longest-running bentwood furniture factory, producing continuously since 1861. With a commitment to quality, sustainability and timeless design, Ton fuses its heritage with the vision of leading international designers to create pieces that endure,  in both form and function.

One such designer is Patrick Norguet. A renowned figure in contemporary design, Norguet has collaborated with some of the world’s most respected brands, and his work has been showcased in museums and private collections alike. Known for his subtle yet purposeful approach, he brings a distinct sensibility to each project.

For Ton, Norguet has designed Cissy. A lounge chair that captures the essence of quiet luxury, drawing on the brand’s bentwood legacy while offering a soft, modern expression. In this interview, Patrick Norguet shares the inspiration, thinking and process behind Cissy, and what makes it a future classic. 

What drew you to Ton the most? 

Ton is a rare brand. It’s not just marketing fluff; it’s real manufacturing, tradition, people and history. The Czech Republic has a rich engineering heritage, so many car engineers come from here! And as a designer, I need that kind of background. I love working with history and creating something new from it. 

How did the idea for Cissy come about?

Cissy came out of a lot of discussions with Ton, especially with Milan. The brief was quite unique: to design a lounge chair that felt both "old school" and "fresh". We wanted something that respected Ton's history with bentwood but offered a new expression. It had to be comfortable, architectural and quietly charismatic. 

What were the main principles you worked with?

Balance - between heritage and the future, softness and structure. The bentwood technique is central to Ton's identity, so it made sense to use it as a base. From there I developed an architectural silhouette that gives the chair both elegance and strength. It's not about decoration - it's about form with meaning.

How did you approach comfort?

Comfort was essential. Not only physically, but also visually. When you see the chair, it should invite you to sit down. The seat is generously upholstered and the proportions are carefully balanced - not too wide, not too deep. You can rest, read, have a drink or wait for a taxi in a hotel lobby. It's versatile and relaxed, yet precise.

You have created both high-back and low-back versions. Why did you do that?

It's about creating an ecosystem. The high-back version gives a sense of privacy and softness - perfect for a lounge or a quiet corner. The low-back version feels more dynamic, more open. Together they can coexist in the same space, like a landscape of different moods. Same chassis, different attitude.

What role did materials and colours play in the final design?

A huge one. We chose a special fabric called Cleo, which has a beautiful structure and texture. For Cissy we introduced three new colours: peach, water and gold - fresh tones that still fit into Ton's visual world. The leather version uses Elmo Soft, which is naturally supple and develops subtle wrinkles. It brings a human softness - almost like skin. This slightly 'relaxed' tension is part of the comfort.

Why is the chair called Cissy?

The name is a reference to a sketch by Toulouse-Lautrec - Cissy Loftus. It's not a literal inspiration, but her posture, her presence, her understated elegance - that stuck with me. We wanted to give the chair that same kind of quiet confidence. It's theatrical in spirit, but quiet in form.

In the end, what do you want people to feel when they see or use Cissy?

Recognition. Not in the sense of trend, but familiarity - something they've seen before, but never quite like this. It's a new classic. And above all, I want them to feel it: I want to sit in it.

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Patrick Norguet’s thoughtful approach to form, materiality and atmosphere is evident in every curve of Cissy. Designed with versatility and quiet sophistication in mind, Cissy is more than a lounge chair; it's an invitation to pause, which offers a unique balance of architectural presence and tactile comfort.

At Innerspace, we’re proud to offer both the high-back and low-back versions of Cissy, available in a range of expressive fabrics and leathers curated for contemporary Australian interiors.

Discover Cissy and see how this modern classic can bring character, comfort and heritage to your next project.