The Totoro Collection

A charming furniture collection inspired by a beloved Japanese animation film.

In the age of pandemic restrictions and full lockdowns, creating a cozy home environment has never been more important. Ukrainian designer Kateryna Sokolova created an entire furniture collection that aims to bring both warmth and playfulness into living spaces. Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved “My Neighbor Totoro” animation film, the range features charming silhouettes and designs that are full of character. Designed for Italian brand Driade, the line is modern and fun at the same time.

“When I was creating the Totoro collection, I aimed to design objects that resemble imaginary friends some children have. They are friendly creatures that envelope you with warmth and care. Although we grow up, sometimes we need them back,” says Kateryna Sokolova. The collection also references a shift that has started to appear during the first lockdowns of 2020. “Our attitude to home coziness had changed after the lockdown we had due to the COVID pandemic. Rounded furniture shapes and touchable textures became more valuable than ever before,” adds the designer.

The collection comprises chairs, armchairs, a sofa, and tables. All of them boast large rounded legs and soft curves. Putting the focus on comfort, the sofa, chairs and armchairs feature plush, rounded seats and backrests as well as fixed upholstery in fabric of leather. Coffee tables designed with distinctive three-legged bases complement the seating. Like the sofa and chairs, the tables feature soft rounded forms, Made with solid wood legs, they also boast MDF tops and come in three pastel colors. Driade presented the Totoro Collection at its flagship store during Milan Design Week 2021. Other new Driade designs included products and objects created by designers Elena Salmistraro and Fabio Novembre. Photography© Driade.