Way back when in the wonderful eighties, my father had a brief flirtation with what I'd characterize now as "mid-range designer chic." The piece in question was a cushy, comfy modular affair-basically big blocks of fabric-enshrined cushion that one could easily arrange into chairs, divans, over-sized sofas, etc… All it took was a mere glance at the label for the name "Roche Bobois" to lodge in my consciousness, but it wasn't until 20 years later that the name "Hans Hopfer" took up similar residency. Turns out the sofa was one of the most famed creations of the German designer. This particular incarnation was comfy to be sure, but the decorative aspects were modest to say the least-simple cream fabric with piping in eighties pastels. The recent re-visioning by fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier retains Hopfer's design, while dressing things up in a most dramatic way.

Mah Jong Sailor modular sofa. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

The Avant Garde Sofa by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois

Roche Bobois characterizes this auspicious collaboration as "an ultra glamorous collection celebrating the love story between fashion and interior design… a poetic and sophisticated collection… a bouquet of sensual materials, subtle colors, and iconic pieces and patterns." Gaultier's take on Hopfer leaves intact the very same rectangular seat/floor pieces and cushy, curved backs familiar to me from my youth, but does them up haute couture. Patterns include a nautical theme in striped canvas that recalls the iconic sailor suit; a classical floral motif whose hints of pale pink draw out Gaultier's line of silk bedding; calligraphic script against deep primary colors like navy and red; tattoo patterns that resemble the intricacies of MÄori designs; and bold prints featuring classic kissing scenes.

Mah Jong Sailor modular sofa. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

Wardrobe. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

Mah Jong Couture modular sofa. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

The collection also includes accessories and compatible products like storage units, screens, beds and bedding, floor mats, and-as you can see from the photos of a jubilant Gaultier surrounded by his own air-borne designs-more cushions than a Sultan's boudoir.