Battle for the Bottom: TOTO, Kohler and the Luxury Toilet
Host:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
"Is the world ready for a toilet with its own foot warmer, heated seat, bidet washlet and built-in music system, all controlled by a touch-screen remote?" That's the question being asked by American company Kohler as it launches its Numi luxury toilet on a market dominated by Japan's TOTO. We talk about the PR blitz to woo affluent customers away from the analog loo, and hear how this fits into visions of the Future City at Little Tokyo Design Week.
Guest Interview
The Future City ()
The first-ever Little Tokyo Design Week, held last week, featured a "Pecha Kucha", or fast-paced presentation of ideas, for the "Future City." Greg Lynn, Bill Kleiman, Dana Cuff, Todd Gannon, Aaron Paley, and Rebecca Lowry were among the participants who presented their ideas for the future.Guest Interview
The Battle for the Affluent Bottom ()
The sponsor for the "Future City" Pecha Kucha was the Japanese bath manufacturer TOTO, who displayed its new Neorest 550, a high-tech luxury toilet which includes features like an automatic lid, remote control, duel flush, and bidet. Frances hears from TOTO's Allan Dallatore on the company's strategy, then visits with Little Tokyo Design Week co-creator Hitoshi Abe on why the fancy toilet is so prized in Japanese culture.
The Neorest 550 by TOTO with its nightlight to welcome evening visitors
The Neorest's sculptural profile
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin-based company Kohler has created its own luxury toilet, the NUMI, which debuted last month at a party in West Hollywood. Kohler product manager Michael Marbach and executive creative director Tristan Butterfield explain the NUMI's features, while Frances hears some first reactions from party guests Cameron Silver, the owner of the vintage shop Decades, and Frances's daughter, Summer.
The NUMI by Kohler features square, untoilet-like edges
Ads for the NUMI were photographed at the iconic Pierre Koenig-designed Stahl House
Guests:
- Allan Dallatorre: Senior Coordinator for TOTO
- Hitoshi Abe: Chair, School of Architecture and Urban Planning at UCLA
- Michael Marbach: Product Manager, Toilets and Bidets, Kohler
- Cameron Silver: Owner, Decades
- Tristan Butterfield: Executive Creative Director, Kohler
Guest Interview
A Few Summer Design Events ()
With Carmageddon behind us, and many people now on vacation, it's a great time to get out and explore the many design events happening across Los Angeles. Frances speaks to brand consultant Sean Yashar to find out his picks for what to see in L.A., from architect John Lautner's 100th birthday to an upcoming exhibition that reimagines Los Angeles without cars. View all Yashar's picks over at the DnA calendar.
Guests:
- Sean Yashar: Brand Consultant
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
