Trone: Revolutionizing the Aesthetics of Bathroom Fixtures with Sculptural Designs
Redefining Restroom Aesthetics: Where Function Meets Artistry
The Undiscovered Potential of Bathroom Design
Historically, the toilet has been relegated to a utilitarian role within interior design, often considered an afterthought rather than a focal point. While advanced smart toilets from Japan have introduced a certain level of sophistication, they primarily prioritize technology over aesthetic form. This left a significant void for those seeking sculptural and visually compelling bathroom fixtures.
Trone's Genesis: A Vision Ignited by Unexpected Inspiration
The concept for Trone emerged from Hugo Volpei's observation of the renowned egg-shaped pods at London's Sketch restaurant. Despite their iconic exterior, the toilets inside were mundane and conventional. This sparked Volpei's inquiry: what if the fixture itself could become the star, an object of desire and artistic expression?
From Academic Project to Industry Disruptor
A distinguished alumnus of France's HEC business school, Volpei possessed an innate design sensibility. Trone began as an extension of his final academic project, launched with sheer determination and a resourceful approach, including an initial Google search for 'toilet manufacturing process.' The brand's early momentum was solidified by a pivotal contract with Big Mamma, a prominent European hospitality group, compelling Volpei to rapidly transform his artistic sketches into tangible products with the aid of an engineer. Since then, Trone's portfolio of clients has expanded to include prestigious names like LVMH, Marriott International, and The Berkeley.
A Collection of Artful Bathroom Essentials
Trone's extensive product line now encompasses a diverse array of toilets, basins, flush plates, taps, and complementary accessories. Their designs seamlessly blend sleek minimalism with playful elements, featuring vibrant color palettes and soft, muted tones. These pieces often demand a second glance to fully appreciate their innovative forms, such as tiered bowls, asymmetrical lids, and transparent cisterns. The flagship toilet designs—'Callipyge,' 'Icone,' and the recently introduced 'Altesse'—exemplify this fusion of amorphous curves, vividly glazed ceramic, and elegant terrazzo finishes.
Introducing 'Altesse': A Smart Toilet Reinvented with Sculptural Grace
Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2026, the 'Altesse' toilet represents Trone's sophisticated response to the smart toilet market. With its lid closed, it seamlessly integrates into the bathroom environment, resembling a smooth, wall-mounted pod rather than a traditional toilet. This design gracefully eliminates the complexities often associated with smart toilets, offering a discreet remote control concealed behind a ceramic panel for intuitive use. Trone's basins are equally artistic, featuring designs like the circular 'Orbe' and the 'Ritual,' where water gracefully disappears into a funnel-shaped vortex, evoking a sense of captivating mystery.
Challenging Perceptions: Making the Undesirable, Desirable
Volpei acknowledges the prevailing societal reluctance to openly discuss toilets in France and Europe, often met with humor. His ambitious goal is to transform this perception, making the bathroom experience "cool" and desirable. He sees the challenge of generating appeal for an object traditionally devoid of glamour as a significant endeavor. Trone's brand identity is imbued with a playful irreverence, reflected in its name—'Trone' meaning 'throne'—and its product names, such as 'Altesse' (highness) and 'Callipyge,' an adjective referring to beautifully formed buttocks. This witty approach demonstrates Trone's embrace of toilet humor as a fundamental aspect of its innovative bathroom bran