Kartell

Ero/S/ Swivel armchair plastic material black / Soft-touch finish

Ero|S| Soft Touch Armchair: Philippe Starck’s iconic design reimagined in a matte finish

Twenty-five years after its creation, the Ero|S| returns in a new interpretation that profoundly transforms the perception of its silhouette. Designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell in 2001, the armchair here abandons its iconic transparency in favor of an opaque Polycarbonate shell, finished with a Mat Soft Touch coating. The texture feels softer, the surface is more matte, and the curves gain depth. Available in White, Charcoal grey, Greige, and Burgundy, Ero|S| asserts a more sculptural presence while retaining its central swivel base and instantly recognizable enveloping shape.

A Kartell Icon Gets a New Material

Since its launch, Ero|S| has held a special place in the Kartell universe. Its shell, designed as a continuous volume, evokes a cut egg and unites the backrest and armrests in a single fluid gesture. The model reflects the research conducted by the brand and Philippe Starck on plastic, technology, and new ways of conceiving seating in the early 2000s.

For its 25th anniversary, Kartell has chosen to evolve this design language rather than simply reproduce the original model. The new collection, previewed at the Salone del Mobile, features opaque finishes and a soft-to-the-touch “Mat Soft Touch” surface. This change alters the way the Armchair is perceived. Transparency gives way to a denser material that further emphasizes the shell’s curvature and sculptural character.

Mat Soft Touch: A New Way to Experience Ero|S|

The matte finish gives the armchair a different presence than the transparent versions. Light no longer passes through the shell; instead, it glides over its surface, accentuating its volumes. The backrest, armrests, and seat thus appear to form a single fluid gesture.

The moulded aluminium legs, also finished in matte, extend this visual continuity. From the shell to the circular base, each version appears almost monochromatic. This finish reinforces the purity of the silhouette while giving the armchair a more contemporary and architectural look.

Where should you place the Ero|S| Soft Touch armchair?

The Ero|S| swivel armchair works particularly well as an accent chair in a living room, next to a sofa or around a coffee table. Its dimensions—W 62 x D 70 x H 79 cm—allow it to make a real statement without taking up as much space as a traditional lounge armchair. It can also find its place in a bedroom, near a Desk or a Dressing table. When placed around a dining table, it creates a more enveloping seating area, especially at the end of the table. Its expressive silhouette is also well-suited for professional settings such as a lobby, reception area, meeting room, or executive desk.

Is Ero|S| more of a chair or an armchair?

Ero|S| falls somewhere between a chair and a small armchair. Its seat height of 46 cm is similar to that of a chair, while its shell provides more support for the body thanks to its integrated armrests. This combination allows it to be used both around a table and as a standalone seat in a living room or reception area.

Which Ero|S| Soft Touch color should you choose?

Each of the four finishes gives the armchair a distinct character. Mat white highlights the purity of its lines.Matt charcoal grey accentuates its graphic character. Matte Greige offers a softer, more mineral-like tone that pairs easily with wood and natural materials. Finally, Matt burgundy highlights the model’s sculptural quality with a warmer, more expressive color.

Is the swivel seat useful for everyday use?

Yes. The central base allows the seat to swivel, making it easier to move around without having to shift the entire armchair. This feature is particularly useful around a table, in a conversation area, or in a professional setting where you want to be able to easily turn toward different people.

How does it differ from the Transparent Ero|S| 25th Anniversary Edition?

Both versions celebrate the same anniversary but offer two very different interpretations of the model. The special edition returns to the Ero|S|’s historic transparency with glossy Titanium legs. The Soft Touch version, on the other hand, features opaque, matte, and tactile surfaces in White, Charcoal grey, Greige, and Burgundy. One pays homage to the armchair’s original identity, while the other offers a more contemporary interpretation.

With its new Mat Soft Touch finish, Ero|S| demonstrates that an icon can evolve without losing its identity. More tactile, more graphic, and more assertive, this Philippe Starck armchair for Kartell becomes a statement piece capable of defining an interior through its silhouette alone.

In detail:

• Variation : Matt charcoal grey (Soft Touch)

• Brand : Kartell

• Designer : Philippe Starck

• Type : Swivel armchair

• Colour : Matt charcoal grey (Soft Touch finish)

• Material : Shell: polycarbonate, matte finish - Legs: moulded aluminium, matte finish

• Dimensions : L 62 x D 70 cm x H 79 cm - Base: Ø 46 cm - Seat height: 46 cm
• Weight : 16.83 lb
• Characteristics : Made in Italy - Project date: 2001 - Swivel seat - Soft-touch matte finish