Over the past twenty years, Ego Paris has quietly established itself in the outdoor market with its modular systems, which have become true best-sellers. If the design was first an internal affair, the French manufacturer has gradually called upon external designers, and developed in recent years a strong collaboration with the 5.5 for a clear repositioning of the brand.
Find the special outdoor feature in the new issue 215.
Founded in 2003, Ego Paris, a family company managed by two brothers, Nicolas and Yann Sommereux, has the ambition to manufacture everything in France, in the Beaujolais region and in the shortest possible time (3 weeks). Their aluminum casting shop produces the structures, the welding shop adjusts them, and their paint shop offers a choice of 40 colors. For international development, they have formed partnerships with major French brands such as Serge Ferrari Group for its stain-resistant Batyline fabric applied to the Helios parasol, the Spanish brand Docryl for its acrylic fabrics that resist all outdoor conditions, or fabrics from publishers specially designed for the outdoors such as Missoni or Rubelli. New this year: a collaboration with Lelièvre on an outdoor collection. Ego Paris realizes 60 to 70% of its turnover abroad, Benelux, Germany, United Arab Emirates…
Many collaborations
With the 5.5 Designers, they have been developing the Sutra line for the past 3 years, a lounge collection that has evolved into the dining room, a combination of aluminum and teak ideal for outdoor use. Inspired by the chestnut or acacia ganivelles of the Atlantic or Mediterranean beaches, it structures the space. With Fabrice Berrux, the eternal romantic, they have created a Forever Sunbathing Set in the shape of a heart, an iconic piece that will strike many.
Since 2008, the Kama collection by Benjamin Ferriol, ensures the role of ‘Togo’ of the brand: a three-seater sofa with modular cushions that can go from the two-seater to the meridian through the sunbathing. The Extrados table extends from 180 cm to 300 cm with a removable central table runner where you can slide herbs, napkin holders or knife blocks.
With 11 collections, 150 products – chairs, armchairs with cushions, wheels or crossbars (to avoid sinking into the grass) – can be delivered in less than 3 weeks thanks to the commitment of about 20 people. Easter is a crucial time for orders to come in. For large construction sites or architects’ hotels, it is 4000 to 5000 pieces per year.
Bénédicte Duhalde
