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I first met the French-American artist Joyce Billet through mutual friends over a long leisurely lunch. I was immediately intrigued by Joyce’s story of how she segued from being an architect to becoming an artist. Born and raised in Paris, she went to university in New York and graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor’s in Architecture, and in 2010 she received a Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. She then went on to work at prestigious firms such as Norman Foster in London and Studio Daniel Libeskind in New York. But it was when she started working as an in-house architectural designer at Chanel that she realized she wanted to find her own voice in the arts. In mid-February 2020, I visited her studio in Long Island City not knowing that would be my last exposure to art in person before the world went upside down. I fell in love with her work as I was immediately struck by her process. She hand-paints monochromatic brushstrokes on a canvas and then translates them into a computer-generated format so that they can be laser-cut and etched by a machine. The results are striking. The lines are blurred between painting and sculpture, analog and digital and between the artist’s hand and a computer-generated work of art. Using modern technology, her chisel is now a laser cutter.

In her series “Paper” and “Decay” one especially sees the effect of the gentle hand of the artist that is then burned with a laser-cut revealing the stress and destruction of the material. Throughout her work, she explores this tension and duality between the natural and the artificial, between the unique and mass produced, between tradition and progress. Her background in architecture has influenced her work as she plays with materials and scale to mix the sensations of painting and sculpture.

At the start of the pandemic, Joyce and her family moved from New York City to Miami where she spent her teenage years. During that first lunch together 1 ½ years ago, we immediately bonded as I, too, grew up in Florida. We both agreed that when we are in Florida we are taken by the vast open sky and spaces. Now that she is living there full time, this openness has inspired her to go back to her old work and make them on a bigger scale such as the series “Rising”.

Why did you transition from being an architect to becoming an artist?

Artists are architects and vice versa. They are connected, and I believe it is only a matter of approach. I felt that being a visual artist would allow me more freedom for creativity and having the time to explore my own interests at any scale possible. Architecture is present throughout my work and it has a strong influence on every piece. I do feel the concepts I develop in my practice will be able to live at a larger scale as furniture or public art pieces as well.

Is there a new project or series that you are currently working on?

There are always a few things I am currently working on. One of them being to explore some of my textural works for surface treatment, that could serve as a paneled textured art piece to be presented in larger areas.

During the pandemic I developed a series called “Fragmented Reality” which was shown in a group exhibition at the Missoni showroom during Miami Art Week last December. This series explores the surreal event of 2020 that has led us to live fragmented lives; in fragmented locations; and at fragmented times. We have only been offering a glimpse of ourselves to the outside world when we venture out, physically or virtually, with masks, fake or blurred backgrounds on Zoom. “Fragmented Reality” is a physical expression of this new normal, showing us our fragmented selves in reflection. Each of the 6 panels has a different pattern of abstract forms and work in pairs, one has the positive space as dimensional reflective surfaces and the other has the mirror image with the negative space as the reflective element. These effects capture frames that edit surroundings and self-reflections by superimposing abstract surfaces and creating a fragmented vision. As viewers engage directly with their surroundings and walk among the works, they are met with sculpted mirror elements in abstract forms that merge with the human figure. I am working on developing this series as a public art project that would be larger scale for the public to interact with.

At Par Excellence, craftsmanship is at the heart of our heritage. With your work, how important is the idea of craftsmanship?

Craftsmanship is a huge part of my work and I admire all the craftsmen that Par Excellence represents. The definition of craft needs to constantly evolve to integrate technology. The human mind can still think and produce the desired results but they can now be driven through new processes. I believe there is an opportunity now, as ever, for craft to continue to evolve by being pushed and tested with the ever-expanding toolkit available today. Many artists and craftsmen are already doing so in their practice and we must continue to explore it. Craftsmanship requires respect and mastery of the materials, and knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the instruments.

Did your time at Chanel hone your artistic skills?
Indirectly yes, it was a highly creative environment to work in. Most importantly, the talented people that I was working with are what made it so special. From working with Peter Marino’s team in New York to visiting artisans or creative teams in Paris and seeing Mr. Lagerfeld’s incredible show. I was constantly exposed to different creative sensibilities. It is also a house that is focused on every aspect of craft which is especially important to me in my work. Chanel supports learning and evolving creatively. While I was there, I took a digital fabrication class at The School of Visual Arts, attended talks and workshops in house and even visited Art Basel Miami.

Was there a key moment when you decided to follow your passion for the arts?
I have always been passionate about it but a turning point happened in May 2012 when I was at Frieze Art Fair in New York. I was staring at Rudoph Stingel’s paintings and his exploration of texture for his carpet painting,  the concept of duality he explored had a huge impact on me.

Where do you find inspiration now?
In nature, for the details, textures and natural beauty it provides.

What is something new you learned during the pandemic?
I took an online workshop with DigitalFutures focused on DeepDesign: Architecture & 3D Neural Net. I found out about it through the Columbia Architecture Alumni Association. While the workshop was very technical, as I was learning about a new AI platform, many of the concepts explored could be applied to any creative field as it poses questions around the rise of AI and the impact it can have on agency and authorship. I strongly recommend following the talks DigitalFutures offers as they are full of incredible speakers tackling great topics about the creative world today.
You can find the DigitalFutures talks here.

Who is your favorite artist/designer/architect?
Leonardo Drew, Studio Drift, Herzog & de Meuron.

What is one building that strikes you every time?
La Pedrera’s rooftop by Antoni Gaudi.

Which city awakens your creativity the most?
Tokyo.

What do you do when you are stuck on a project and need inspiration?
I go out to see art and design, go to a friend’s studio, to a gallery, a museum.

What advice would you have liked to receive at the beginning of your career?
Follow what you are passionate about.

What do you miss about NYC?
Walking, walking, walking! The energy in NYC is unique. I miss all of the opportunities to do incredible cultural things. You have access to whoever you want to meet if you just make the effort to find out where they will be giving their next talk or show. However, there is a different NYC right now that will pick up again soon.

What surprises you about living in Miami?
How it has changed and evolved. There is so much culture around now that did not exist a few years ago. I was able to visit the Rubell Museum and see the impressive collection along with the Narcissus Garden by Yayoi Kusama and Teresita Fernandez’s exhibition at the Perez Museum. During Miami Art Week, there were several pop ups by NYC galleries such as Levy Gorvy x Salon 94 and Marianne Boesky. And there is still so much more to see.

Something cool you have discovered in Miami?
I recently attended a candlelight open air concert with local musicians playing Mozart and Bach that took place at Palapa located in Upper Buena Vista. I also love the Center for Subtropical Affairs which has Thursday night live music outside.

What is your favorite item at home?
Branche Table by Holly Hunt.

Favorite room in your house?
My balcony. I can breathe fresh air and meditate.

Favorite website?
www.art21.org

Any new discoveries?
Ingrid Donat – her bronze sculptural furniture.

If you had an unlimited budget, what artist would you collect and why?
Ursula von Rydingsvard. Her work is both monumental and detail oriented. She is one of the key women artists of her generation to follow.

What podcast are you listening to?
I recently listened to the new Chanel Connect podcast. There are 8 episodes and I am still in the process of getting to all of them. One is a conversation between Es Devlin and Pharrell. I am an admirer of both and hearing about the way Es Devlin analyzes the world especially now that we have been challenged to think differently because of the pandemic was extremely inspiring.

Favorite movie?
Inception.

Favorite book you read during the quarantine?
“Ninth Street Women – Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art”, by Mary Gabriel (2018).

Favorite Instagram accounts your follow?
@nowness, @designboom, @gerrybonetti, @minimalandcontemporary and @designapplause.

Your dream holiday / first place you want to travel to after the pandemic is over?
All over Japan.

Springtime in Paris or Autumn in NYC?
Springtime in Paris for all the spots outside with the beautiful views of the city but most importantly to sit for hours at the “terrasse” of Café Marly in the Louvre.

Joyce’s work is currently on view in Miami in the group show “And the Story continues” curated by Grela Orihuela at the Sagamore Hotel. This exhibition ends July 30, 2021.

Par Excellence is pleased to be exhibiting several pieces of Joyce’s art at our showroom at 344 Bowery in New York City. Please call or email us to arrange a visit.

Please follow Joyce at @billet.joyce and find out more about her art at www.joycebillet.com

Please follow @fountainhead_studios to find out about Open Studio Visits to see Joyce’s studio.

For many years, Miami was the destination for snowbirds and spring breakers, but during this unprecedented year it has become the “new” New York. When NYC went into lockdown last spring, a record number of New Yorkers flocked to the warm climate and open spaces of Florida (not to mention the low taxes and more relaxed COVID rules). Miami is having a renaissance as NYC restaurants, luxury hotels and art galleries followed this exodus from the North.

The move South started slowly pre-COVID, but sped up in 2020. There was always a southern migration, but it has now gone into overdrive. COVID pushed a lot of people over the edge and gave them a reason to finally make the move. In fact, NYC saw 300,000 households leave since the start of the pandemic compared to around 85,000 that left in 2019. Miami has always been appealing to New Yorkers as both cities are in the same time zone plus there are direct flights too. Now that we are finding out that remote working is not just possible, but can actually be more efficient while you are able to spend more time with your family, why not take that Zoom call overlooking the ocean or poolside? Initially thinking they would wait out the pandemic, Northerners are now realizing that this new way of life has something great to offer and are now setting up permanent homes and offices in the area.

There has been a seismic shift in real estate in Miami. I read somewhere recently that if you think of NYC as a ballet, right now the city is at intermission. During intermission, some people get restless and don’t come back for the next act. That is what is happening now, as real estate prices in Miami (and Palm Beach too) are on an unstoppable upward trajectory. Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen recently made news by dropping $17 million on a 2-acre lot on Billionaire’s Bunker on Indian Creek Island in Miami. They will tear down the existing home and will custom build a new one. They spent $20 million building a custom designed home years ago in LA, so one can only imagine what they will build here. In August 2020, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez bought a 10-bedroom mansion on the exclusive Star Island in Miami for $32.5 million. Around the same time, the hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin bought an empty lot also on Star Island for $37 million. He has been on a buying spree spending more than $350 million to buy land in Palm Beach and Miami. There is an interesting story behind Star Island as it was conceptualized not long after the 1918 pandemic by Miami developer Carl Fisher, who discovered that he could create his own island with lots of social distancing. It was completed in 1922.

Palm Beach luxury home sales were up 113% in the fourth quarter of 2020. An oceanfront property recently sold for $73 million to hedge-fund billionaire and Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, the founder of Appaloosa. These high prices are still continuing into 2021. In February, private-equity executive Scott Shleifer, a co-founder of Tiger Global Management, paid over $120 million for an oceanfront mansion setting a price record for the state and as one of the most expensive home sales in the U.S.

The area is also turning into a “Wall Street South”, as the hedge-fund Citadel is planning to open an office in Miami. Elliott Management (another hedge fund) recently moved its headquarters from NYC to West Palm Beach and Goldman Sachs Asset Management is rumored to be looking in the Palm Beach area for a large office as so many of their employees are now living in South Florida. Tech is not being left out, as Microsoft is in talks to lease office space in Miami.

With this influx of New Yorkers into the area, NYC based restaurants and art galleries followed their customers south. In Miami, such NYC favorites like Milos, Carbone, Sant Ambroeus, Red Rooster, Cote, Osteria Morini and Roberta’s opened up. Restaurateurs were feeling confident staying open in Florida if more lockdowns were to occur nationally as they will always have nice weather for outdoor dining. For most of the past year, Miami restaurants have been allowed to operate at 100% capacity, as long as social distancing is maintained. In the past two months 150 restaurant groups are rumored to be looking for spaces in South Florida including some who have abandoned their NYC projects. Business is apparently booming, as Carbone only opened in early 2021 and already has a 3 month wait list and SoHo House remains as crowded as ever and has hard to get reservations like in the old days in NYC. During Miami Art Week in December, several NYC galleries had pop-ups, including Galerie LeLong and Marianne Boesky with Goodman Gallery. The Rubell Museum and The Pérez Art Museum continue to exhibit contemporary must see shows that are adding to the cultural landscape. Design aficionados also flock to these two museums as The Rubell Museum was designed by Selldorf Architects and The Pérez Art Museum was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Hotels are also becoming cultural hubs, as places like the Sagamore Hotel are hosting exhibitions and artists’ talks.

In Palm Beach, which was always a bit more reliant on the older crowd, a younger generation is now making its mark. Aerin Lauder recently designed a charming villa at the Colony Hotel. New York’s old stalwart Upper East Side eateries La Goulue opened in Palm Beach in 2020, and Swifty’s is doing a pop up at The Colony Hotel, while Le Bilboquet will open soon. On the art front, Pace and Acquavella have opened art galleries in the area. It seems that for New Yorkers settling into this sunnier location, the “new” normal has been reestablishing old routines in a new location.

The hotel landscape is changing too, as four luxury hotel brands are building new properties in the area. The planned Aman-branded luxury hotel and condo will be part of the redevelopment of the Faena District site in Miami with an opening slated for 2023. This new 2-building development will have a 56-room hotel and 23 luxury condos. The hotel will be in the historic Versailles Hotel (built in 1941) that will be renovated by the Miami based developer OKO Group. Another building nearby will be comprised of 23 Aman boutique residences. This building will be designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. This project will mark the first Aman-branded development in Florida and one of only four in the U.S. The Related Group is partnering with Baccarat for a Baccarat-branded 3-tower development in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami. This multi-tower project, The Baccarat Hotel & Residences, will have up to 1,400 residential units plus 249 hotel rooms with additional office and retail spaces. Arquitectonica is the architect for the Baccarat Residences and the interior design will be by Meyer Davis. Sales have recently launched for the 100-story Waldorf Astoria Residences in Downtown Miami, which will be home to 205 hotel rooms and 360 luxury residences. It will be designed by architect Carlos Ott and will be the tallest building in Florida. The design will be striking as it will resemble a pile of unevenly stacked glass cubes.

Finally, E11even Partners are working with Deepak Chopra on E11even Hotel & Residences, a planned 65-story, 400-unit tower northwest of Downtown Miami. The architects are Sieger Suarez Architects, and the residential interiors are by the design firm AvroKO Hospitality Group.

Starchitects are making their mark on the city too. Jean Nouvel’s first project in Miami, the Monad Terrace, will be a 59-unit luxury condominium. With the buildings lush climbing gardens and signature lagoon, this will surely be a site to visit. Along with the top architects mentioned so far, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Richard Meier, Piero Lissoni and Renzo Piano all have recently designed buildings in Miami. Will Miami become THE new global destination for architecture/design lovers? With so many exciting new projects in the works and the influx of this new money and all the new properties being built, it will be thrilling to see how the design landscape in Miami and its surroundings will unfold in the next few years.

Born through the fusion of two iconic and charismatic personalities: Laurène and Romain, StudioParisien was built over time since the two met 15 years ago. Laurene, an interior designer from Penninghen Art School and Romain a scenographer and designer met while working on their first project for a French Luxury House, “We met through a mutual friend who introduced us because I was looking for skills like Laurene has and we hit it off right away” says Romain. “It was immediately fusional in terms of creativity” he adds. Their collaboration is fluid and their artistic symbiosis is striking. Early on they were told that they had a common signature, a coherence that made their projects stand out. In 2013, they decided to associate their two identities and expertise, and created StudioParisien.

StudioParisien binds two different but complementary visions: the interior architect and the scenographer. Their projects are internationally acclaimed and made all the headlines these past years. Par Excellence had the chance to meet this fantastic duo!

>> Discover the website

We meet Laurene and Romain in their studio at the heart of Paris on a very snowy day. StudioParisien is located in the district of Le Marais, rue de Sévigné. Le Marais is a small village full of energy and creativity. Historically there are many craftsmen, architects, contemporary artists and galleries. “There is a story around every corner” and it feeds the duo’s creativity on a daily basis. They chose to have a studio that looks like a flat, a cozy and warm place in which they like to work with the rest of their team. Just like their interior projects, their studio is rather minimalistic, soft and very comforting. It conveys the agency’s environment, identity and inspirations.

Laurène and Romain were brought up in Paris, a city that inspires them a lot. The French style and this new generation of French interior architects such as Joseph Dirand and Pierre Yovanovitch to cite a few, drives the two designers. “We were really carried away by this style”. Another great source of inspiration is craftsmanship and French know-how. StudioParisien are in a constant dialogue with the highly skilled craftsmen they work with.

From the beginning of StudioParisien, Ateliers Jouffre has been a regular resource to create innovative furniture. “Ateliers Jouffre were immediately eager to collaborate with us, so we worked together on our first collection with the Panther sofa, inspired by the Cartier’s Panther”.

Strong supporter of arts and crafts, StudioParisien has at heart the protection of craftsmanship. “The general public is discovering and acknowledging all these techniques. It’s part of a heritage that have to be preserved and developed. It should not be lost. Young people are more and more excited to begin a career in a workshop, which is great!”. From their collaboration with the Manufacture de Tapis de Bourgogne for a recent residential project in Paris, StudioParisien remembers the Manufacture’s openness to creation, the great research work, the richness of volumes and colors. For Laurene and Romain, carpets and rugs are a real mean of expression that should be treated as a work of art that is put on the floor. “Carpets bring a real identity to a space, a real depth”.

StudioParisien cumulates a number of exceptional projects without being locked into a single visual signature. From Bhogossian, to Cartier and Christofle, the two designers are called upon for their creativity, their know-how and their craftsmanship. “It’s the drawing, the research, the understanding of a brand and the clients, the desire that we have around the theme. We approach things with poetry and clarity. We try to be as elegant as possible, as gentle, as companionable as possible” explains Laurène. It is also a lot of instinct adds Romain. Like many creative people, they have a vision. Images, forms, materials come to them quickly. Whether it is a form, a material, an atmosphere, a DNA, they are both very sensitive to the brand’s identity. “Laurène and I immediately have ideas and desires on our side, instinctively”.

Each project is the result of a rich and sensitive dialogue between the brand and the Studio, “It is about listening and stylizing their identity. There is a lot of curiosity and listening involved at this stage of the process and this is the phase I prefer” says Laurène. The end goal is to create a nice mix between the quality of the space, the light, the circulation and keep a global consistency while offering a beautiful interior.

While the interview goes on, we can’t help to notice the incredibly strong bond between Romain and Laurène. So, we ask: “How does this creative fusion translate on a daily basis?”

“Ah well, it’s intense!” says Laurène.

“We argue a lot!” adds Romain.

They are the opposite on the way they approach things and infuse each project with their extraordinary complementarity. “In fact, we function exactly like a couple in life, except that we are not a couple in life. We are a creative couple. It’s quite lively!”. However, they know that they are on the right path when they both agree on something. Overall, they have the same eye and vision.

The duo demonstrates a creative flexibility, skillfully playing between French craftsmanship and a desire for minimalist lines inspired by their French contemporaries. StudioParisien effortlessly transitions from residential to retail projects. The two designers also created a line of furniture and is constantly looking for new materials, crafts and techniques to create innovative pieces. Their curiosity and desire to explore is tangible and they have a lot of incredible projects ahead!

Victoria Wilmotte exposes the different facets of her talent in the Silvera space in Saint-Germain. The opportunity to (re) discover her creative universe as well as her ingenious and singular furniture. Signatures Singulières Magazine went to her exhibition that honors the work and the French know-how of the famous designer.

Above: Victoria Wilmotte. On the right: “Zigzag” armchair upholstered with a purple velvet by Pierre Frey. ©Yannick Labrousse.

Victoria Wilmotte, the art of precision

Former student of the Camondo School in Paris, then of the Royal College of Art in London, Victoria Wilmotte specialized in product design under the direction of Ron Arad. Over the years, she has established herself on the design scene by collaborating with renowned brands such as Poliform, Legrand, ClassiCon or Land Rover. In 2009, the designer created her own studio before opening her workshop a few years later to design bespoke pieces or prototypes for industrial production. This workshop became a real laboratory of ideas. She explored with metallic and mineral materials, She cut and hollowed their surfaces playing with the textures. A creative process that is close to a sculptor’s work, coupled with an engineer’s precision… Today, Victoria Wilmotte develops her creative universe by self-publishing unique pieces in her own workshop, VW Factory, that she presents at Silvera.

Iconic collections and brand-new pieces by Victoria Wilmotte at Silvera

Victoria Wilmotte offers a sneak peak at her collections and exhibits the latest VW Factory products at the Silvera showroom in Saint-Germain. There you can discover an astonishing chandelier in folded sheet metal, a playful console and backlit marble lamps… But also, an armchair and a sofa all in velvet, quite innovative! This was the first time that the designer worked with fabric. And the result is astonishing. This exhibition is the occasion to discover the Ginza lamp post for Man Of Parts and its furniture edited by the brand Classicon, such as the Piega mirrors or the Pli tables, gloriously staged by the designer. “A project initiated as part of the Designers Days at Silvera Poliform – she (Victoria Wilmotte) once again surprises with her ingenuity, her taste for volumes and surface treatments” says Brigitte Silvera.

10 years of creations in a limited edition book

To accompany this exhibition which highlights the graphic, rigorous and majestic universe of the designer, an anniversary publication celebrating the 10 years of Victoria Wilmotte’s creations is available. A book signed and edited in only 100 copies that lists all of the designer’s objects and installations. A beautiful book that reveals her creative line and inspirations, from volume, symmetrical compositions and contrasted design. A collector’s book not to be missed.

For all information, please contact the Silvera showroom located at 43, rue du Bac – 75007 Paris.

Victoriawilmotte.com

While the current health crisis still prevents us from traveling, we offer you on a virtual visit of the Jean Royère exhibition at Galerie Jacques Lacoste, Paris.

Jean Royère [1902-1981]

Initiator of a unique, elegant and unconventional style, Jean Royère established himself as one of the greatest decorators of the 20th century with iconic creations. 

At the age of 30, Jean Royère turned away from a career in the import-export trade to dedicate himself to his true vocation: interior design. He started in a furniture factory in order to learn the job and train. His first ever design was a set of slimline furniture for his uncle, Jacques Raverat. 

The renovation of the Hotel Carlton’s brasserie on the Champs Elysée brought Royère into the spotlight and helped establish him as an emerging figure. In 1934, Pierre Gouffé, a noted Faubourg Saint Antoine furniture manufacturer, noticed Jean Royère and put him in charge of his firm’s contemporary furniture section. 

At the 1937 Exposition Universelle, Royère was recognised as one of the most important decorators of his time. Royère developed a new repertoire inspired by animals and vegatals. The Elephanteau armchair, the Trefle chair, the Champignon lamp and the Bouquet sconce are emblematic of this period. 

In 1949, Jean Royère opened his own gallery in Paris, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. Throughout his life, he traveled extensively and opened galleries in Cairo (1946), Beirut (1947), Lima (1955), São Paulo (1959). He was very popular in the Middle East and carried out many prestigious orders for King Farouk of Egypt, the Prince of Arabia, King Hussein of Jordan, and many other.

What defines its work is his boldness, his curiosity and constant innovation. Royère innovated by proposing a luxurious creations without ostentation. He was always playing with proportions and bringing bright colors in his interiors. His most memorable work was often considered whimsical or eccentric, featuring unusual elements such as furry armchairs and curly table legs. 

Jean Royère died in 1981 in New York City one year after moving there. The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris held a museum to show his work in 1999, and a posthumous retrospective took place in New York City in 2008. 

Jean Royère exhibition – Galerie Jacques Lacoste, Paris

From 20 November 2020 to 30 January 2021

Ever since its opening in 1986, Galerie Jacques Lacoste has been dedicated to the reappraisal and promotion of 20th-century decorative arts, promoting French designs from the 1930s up until the 1950s. 

With an extensive archive comprising over 10,000 documents, Galerie Jacques Lacoste continuously pursues its research on Jean Royere’s work, for which the gallery is the ultimate reference. The gallery has contributed to revealing Jean Royère’s innovative spirit and decorative fantasy through constant research all around the world. The Galerie unveiled on several occasions incredible exhibitions and publications. 

In 1999 the gallery dedicated its first exhibition to Jean Royère, and in 2008, Jacques Lacoste was invited by the Sonnabend Gallery in New York to present a selection of 80 exceptional pieces by the decorator alongside Galerie Patrick Seguin. Then, in 2012, Jacques Lacoste published a two-volume-set book on Jean Royère in collaboration with Patrick Seguin. A few years later, Galerie Jacques Lacoste hosts once again an impressive exhibition highlighting Jean Royere’s most prestigious creations: the Polar Bear armchair and the Creeper sconces, a straw marquetry Puddle coffee table, a Persian floor lamp, a Herringbone set (sofa and chairs) and Swallow sconces. With more than 60 pieces on display at the Galerie Jacques Lacoste, this exhibition is an opportunity to discover or re-discover the formidable creative fibre of this design icon. 

For Jean Royere’s admirers who can’t make it to the exhibition, we invite you to discover the video of the exhibition online : Jacques Lacoste

Galerie Jacques Lacoste

From 20 November 2020 to 30 January 2021

19, avenue Matignon Paris 8

+33 (0)1 42 89 11 11

Véronique de Soultrait makes up a new know-how: the molding of the rope to create unique wall decorations. Absolute masterpieces for interior decoration, it is with admiration that Signatures Singulières Magazine makes you discover this goldsmith work.

Above: Véronique de Soultrait in her workshop – ©Pierre Salagnac – “Fleur” mirror made of rope marquetry.

Eternal creative, Véronique de Soultrait knew since she was young that she wanted to work with her hands. In the eighties, she convinced her parents to let her join the Beaux-Arts in Lyon and she studied courses in painting and textile drawing. Quickly, she nourished a deep admiration for the work of the hand and claimed a certain loyalty to ancestral know-how in general. At the time, she conceives beauty and expresses herself as a decorative painter with her hands, however the task is arduous. She stops and goes towards a less physical creative activity, the macramé. One thing leading to another, Véronique de Soultrait starts to work on ropes. She launches a collection of cushions based on a macramé technique that she presents at the Maison & Objet fair. It was not a great success, but it did not discourage her from pursuing her passion.

Wall decorations

Véronique de Soultrait then decides to use this technique, which allies thread and rope, but this time on a wall support. Not only is she getting closer to her first love, but she is also inventing a new creative technique: creating wall decorations with ropes. Passionate about braiding techniques, she creates unique pieces for high decoration in her workshop in Lyon, such as wall panels, door covering, headboards, screens, mirrors, bedside tables or lamp bases, drawers, door handles etc. The applications are numerous. Véronique de Soultrait rolls, winds, stretches, dyes and waxes the rope to create unique decorations on a wooden support. She plays with materials and textures. The ropes and colors roll up and intertwine meticulously – like marquetry – under her fairy fingers. Each creation is customized to fit every project.

A taste for unique decoration

Passionate about her craft, Véronique de Soultrait gets into this new profession by following her instinct. As a new “cordelier”/ rope worker, she applies ancestral know-how to design and interior decoration and perseveres to make people discover her trade. She contacts great decorators such as Jacques Garcia or the Cabinet Alberto Pinto who fell in love with her work at first sight. The feedback is encouraging and Véronique continues to work her technique until she gets her first order.

At the beginning, she only creates black decors. She goes to the essentials of graphic design. Her work is very rigorous and demanding. The purity is paramount. What she does not want at all is to fall in an ostentatious luxury. To do so, Véronique is inspired by ethnic motifs or the thirties, she stylizes and magnifies them. Then, as creations go by, the color integrates very gently. Véronique de Soultrait dyes her ropes in her workshop to create personal and unique shades that are very subtle.

The art of taming the material

As a very meticulous craftsman, Véronique de Soultrait takes care of every detail, from the design to the choice of materials. The range of worked ropes is very wide, from the most untreated to the most precious like gold threads. For each realization, the most appropriate ropes are selected. As for the patterns, they are designed with more or less dense braids and can integrate fabrics for backgrounds. Each realization is made by instinct.

The dialogue with material

Véronique maintains a deep connection with the rope, a material that she considers both “sensual, soft, spiky, mat and shiny” and “that bends to your desires”. Within the limit of the material, she creates raw, natural and sophisticated decorations. More than a paradox, it is a richness, that also characterizes her personality, a creative instinctive who shapes for hours barefoot in her workshop. Solitary and yet so spontaneous, so radiant. Natural and simple, yet creating works for such a luxurious clientele. A truth, a know-how that goes beyond appearances. And this is surely what makes the beauty of these works.

Véronique de Soultrait
162, rue Vendôme
69003 Lyon
Tél. : +33 (0)6 75 70 18 35
www.veronique-de-soultrait.com

Featured image: 432 Park Avenue, NYC. Design by William McIntosh Design. 

William McIntosh established his namesake firm in 1990. With a team of dedicated professionals including Architects, Designers, Artists, and Craftsmen, McIntosh and Raffone have completed elegant and luxurious interiors all over the world.

Individually and as a team, McIntosh and Raffone have been featured in many world-renowned publications including Architectural Digest, Departures Magazine, Elle Décor, Palm Beach Cottages and Gardens, Traditional Home and numerous others.

>> Discover the website

Born upstate New York, William McIntosh was quickly spotted by his High School Art teacher, who saw great potential in him. “I was always an aspirational kid. I loved going to the “fancy “neighborhoods and looking at the houses. When new houses were being constructed in our neighborhood, I would wander through the skeletal 2×4 framing and imagine what the rooms would look like when complete. I liked everything about construction and the transformation that would take place, from a hole in the ground to a finished house.”

William graduated from Pratt Institute in New York where he got an excellent design education. “It was a very intellectual approach to design and the interiors program was based in architectural theory. While there I became exposed to the work of the brilliant New York designers of the day, Ward Bennett, Joe D’Urso, Bray Schaible, Mel Dwork among others, who were on the cutting edge of what was becoming the new minimalism and the High-Tech movement.”

After his graduation, William worked for the noted Interior Design firms of Timothy MacDonald Incorporated and Bray-Schaible Design. He spent two years in the office of Bob Bray and Michael Schaible and was able to observe close up their design thought process – which seemed so effortless. However, at that time, he was itching to open his own office. The opportunity then presented itself in 1990 when he got a commission for a beach house in the Hamptons. “A neighbor of my clients saw the house and that led to a city apartment. After that the ball just started rolling and, knock wood, has been rolling for thirty years now.”

Stylistically, his years with Tim MacDonald and Bray – Schaible were foundation building years. “Both offices work, although stylistically different, was based on integrity and intelligence. I have always worked to maintain those goals in our work. Stylistically, since then I have developed my own voice and have followed my interests in interpreting a broad range of styles.”

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of William McIntosh Design. Looking back, William’s greatest accomplishment is his team. He has indeed consistently had decent, talented and committed individuals work for him. This includes his collaboration with Martin Raffone, William McIntosh Design’s Creative Director and William’s husband. They recently decided to make their collaboration official after they realized that collaborating together was surprisingly easy and the resulting designs were beyond what either of them had ever created individually. “We realized that creatively we were taking the work to a higher level, and that’s what it’s all about.”

30 years later, William is still passionate, inspired and his talent transcends his projects. His favorite part of the job is the first time sitting with the floor plan of a new project, where it all begins and you get a grasp of all the possibilities.

Par Excellence is a collective of renowned craftsmen and we always ask designers how they feel about craftsmanship as they rely a lot on them for their projects. For William, being meticulous is key. “Our work is known to be largely bespoke. We are creating one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture for every project as well as one of a kind architectural detail. The execution of these elements has to be meticulous. The piece is a failure if it’s not meticulous.”

Linked to many of Manhattan’s most amazing buildings, including 432 Park, the Plaza, the Puck Building, and Herzog & de Meuron’s 160 Leroy Street, William McIntosh is deeply connected to NYC, a city that he considers to be the center of the world. Found of travels and greatly interested in the influences coming in from around the world, William is constantly travelling (when the world is not hit hard by a pandemic!).

What is next for this amazing duo and their worldwide design company?

“More and more, we are being asked to design the total architectural scope for our clients’ projects. We are seeing that as the biggest and most exciting development coming up in the years ahead.”

Embracing classicism and minimalism, William McIntosh Design’s work is both extremely elegant and yet very familiar and livable. Praised by the press and the industry, we wish them at least 30 more exciting and prosperous years ahead!

To start the year and turn the page on 2020, here is our selection of worldwide art and design events you do not want to miss in 2021! 

AD Matières d’art helps you discover talented artists and craftsmen through the presentation of their material: wood, glass, straw marquetry, bespoke wallpaper, mosaic. Those artists always go out of their comfort zone to bring modernity to traditional techniques and showcase innovative aesthetics.

Date: March 26th to April 4th, 2021

Place: Palais d’Iéna, Paris, France

The European Fine Art Fair is going to host its fourth edition in Spring 2021, with a focus on Modern and Contemporary Art & Design. Founded by art dealers in Maastricht in 1988, the fair has grown to be one of the most awaited art exhibitions. 

The historic Park Avenue Armory provides the prime Manhattan location and setting for the world’s leading art dealers to exhibit their pieces. Collectors and visitors can admire and purchase a wide range of paintings to antiques and ancient furniture and more. 

While TEFAF NY fall edition 2020 was cancelled and transformed into an online initiative, the spring edition is set for May 7-10, 2021.

Date: May 7-10, 2021

Place: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York, USA

In 2021, NYCxDESIGN will present its Design Days from May the 13th to the 18th, showcasing NYC’s talented design community. The program will feature primarily virtual events, in addition to outdoor experiences, select tours, and other small gatherings, The annual NYCxDESIGN Awards program, hosted by Interior Design and sponsored by ICFF, will take place virtually to celebrate and recognize exceptional design in NYC. These Design Days also include the Design Pavilion’s Open to the Sky, a unique city-wide installation in all five boroughs of NYC.

Date: May 13-18, 2021 

Place: New York City, USA

Révélations is the unmissable event of art crafts and international contemporary creation. The fair values craftsmanship and traditional know-how from around the world. The 5th edition celebrates the African continent. It will take place in Grand Palais Éphémère at the foot of the Eiffel Tour. 

Date: June 10-13, 2021

Place: Grand Palais Ephémère, Paris, France

After being postponed several times since its initial schedule in April 2020, the Salone Internationale del Mobile di Milano will take place in Fall of 2021, September 5-10. For its 60th anniversary, this edition promises to be exceptional. The Salone is split into three categories; Classic, Design and xLux. A great place to find inspiration from the thousands of products exposed!

Date: September 5-10, 2021

Place: Milano, Italy

The twenty-year Architectural Digest Design Show has been reimagined by TheMART as the NY Luxury Design Fair. By providing access to the best in home design, it is for sure the place to go for the latest trends in luxury design. Both emerging and established talents are showcased to offer the world’s best design with a broad range of styles. An innovative and immersive design experience for designers, architects and consumers!

Date: September 9-12, 2021

Place: Javits Center, New York, USA

The 2021 Homo Faber edition welcomes Japan’s finest artisans and designs to Venice to celebrate, showcase and preserve excellence in craftsmanship. The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship organizes an extraordinary journey across the creative landscape of Europe and Japan. The Foundation fosters exchange and collaboration between the finest artisans and sponsors of bespoke creation.  

Date: September 9-26, 2021

Place: Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, Italy

The Salon Art + Design celebrates in 2021 its 10th year anniversary. More than ever, this event will bring together the finest galleries from around the world who showcase top design art from the 19th to contemporary times. Furniture, lighting, mirror, textiles and decorative pieces of the highest standards!

Date: September 11-15, 2021

Place: Park Avenue Armory, New York, USA

Key event for international design and art collectors, PAD LONDON presents 20th-century design, art, photography, collectible jewellery and decorative works. International galleries from Europe, North America and Asia come together to showcase the most exclusive pieces on the market today. Unique in its kind, the fair is enjoyed by a broad audience of passionates and experts. The fair also takes place in Paris in April 2021. 

Date: October 4-10, 2021

Place: Berkeley Square W1, London, UK

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair has been recognized as North America’s leading platform for global design. Each year, the ICFF welcomes international exhibitors, established brands and emerging designers, retailers, developers and architects, showcasing the next trends for contemporary residential and commercial interiors.

In 2021, ICFF and Wanted Design Manhattan will co-locate with Boutique Design New York and The Hotel Experience at the Javits Center in November 2021.

Date: November 14-15, 2021 

Place: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 429 11th Avenue, New York, USA

Born in Turkey, educated in the US, living in the UK, and working on projects all around the world, Nebihe is truly a multi-cultural designer. After graduating from the prestigious Parsons the New school of Design, she focused on high-end retail, working for Michael Kors for many years. In 2016, Nebihe decided to found the eponymous design studio in London, Nebihe Cihan Studio. She designs refined and sophisticated interiors for clients around the world, and infuses her projects with this multiculturality she benefited from her extensive travel, making them particularly interesting and atypical. Art lover, Nebihe always tries to include some art pieces in her projects. She is constantly looking forward to discovering new artworks  or vintage furniture during her many travels in Europe or in the United States

As a French collective promoting cultural synergies in the world of design, Par Excellence jumped on the occasion to discover this rich and talented personality.  

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Nebihe, I understand that you come from Turkey and used to live in NYC, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your career path?

I was born in Turkey. I moved to the US at a young age to go to boarding school. Initially, I went to university for Economics and Finance in Boston. After graduating from university, I decided to change my career path as I realized I had other passions. I moved to NYC and went to graduate school to study Interior Design at Parsons the New School for Design. When I was studying at Parsons, I did various internships, last one being for the French designer Catherine Malandrino who I ended up working for two years after my graduation. In 2011, Michael Kors had a huge expansion plan to open retail stores and wholesale shops around the world and they were recruiting for architects and interior designers to expand their in-house Store Design team. I then joined the Michael Kors Store Design team where I worked for five years designing stores around the world. I had the opportunity to work with some of the most successful people in the fashion industry. I learnt so much at Michael Kors, it was the best school I have ever attended. Although I loved NYC and my job, my dream was always to have my own design firm one day and move back to Europe. I moved to London in August 2016 and started my interior design studio. I now split my time between the UK and US due to my projects. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of what I do is collaborating with my clients, working with amazing designers and artists. The client’s brief is always on the top of my list. I spend a lot of time with my clients to understand their lifestyle and how they live in order to deliver them a successful project that they are happy with. I love visiting antique stores, flea markets, and galleries. I am always hunting for new things even when I am not hunting.

How would you define your style prior to the creation of your own company vs. now that you’ve created your own design company? 

I think my style is constantly evolving. At the core of my aesthetic, were always clean lines, attention to detail and rich and sophisticated finishes. I have always been drawn to timeless design. Prior to creating my own company, I was not brave to experiment with vivid colors, I tend to stick to neutral palettes and preferred more a contemporary approach to things. As I take on different projects, I tailor and adapt my style to client’s needs. I am experimenting more with colors, forms and materiality. I collect a lot of vintage furniture and I work to incorporate these pieces into my projects and mix them with the contemporary. 

The entry of a London pied-à-terre designed by Nebihe Cihan Studio. The Paonazzo marble console and armchair were both designed by Nebihe Cihan Studio. ©Stephane Julliard

How important is craftsmanship to you and how do you integrate it into your creative process? 

Craftsmanship is everything to me. If your design is poorly executed and lacks quality, no matter how well it is designed, the project can be a failure. In my opinion a good design should last, therefore I do not like to sacrifice from quality in my designs. Having built stores globally for Michael Kors, I worked with millworkers from all around the world; USA, China, Singapore, Poland, Turkey, Italy, France and Spain. My eye is trained to pick up details and I am also very knowledgeable about costs. If we are developing a new millwork or upholstery detail, I make sure to request prototypes always. I don’t work with factories if they don’t provide us with shop drawings for example. Before shipping to site, I always visit the factories and do a final quality check. With production, I don’t like taking risks therefore I only work with craftsmen I trust. I have very close relationships with the factories we work with. 

How is working for high-end retail different from working on residential projects?

Designing homes is a lot personal and intimate. You forge a bond with your client, based on trust, they trust in your talent to bring their vision to fruition. There are more emotions involved with residential projects so you have to be careful with managing the client’s expectations. Budget is usually flexible and bigger per square foot. There is more room for creativity compared to designing a retail store. On the other hand, designing a retail store is niche and a strategy. You have to design an experience for the customer to enjoy but also stay true to the brand’s identity. There is always a strict budget and a hard opening date. Designing a beautiful interior is important but you have to make sure that your design houses the required display capacity on the shop floor and in the back stock for the brand to reach their sales volume. The lifecycle of designing a retail store is shorter than a residential project. Therefore, you need to be prepared to work under pressure. Majority of my projects at the moment are residential projects, however I still take on retail projects as it is my strength. 

Bel Air Residence designed by Nebihe Cihan Studio. Nebihe chose natural materials and colors to fit with the surroundings and create a continuity with the outside. In the living room, you can spot the surrealistic black marble ‘Ocean Memories’ bench by Mathieu Lehanneur. Around the house, Nebihe included a selection of art pieces such as the Annie Morris Strack 8 sculpture. ©Matt Harrington

I read that the architecture of a building is a major source of inspiration for your project, where else do you get your inspiration from? 

I am truly inspired by my extensive travel, my love of art and a keen interest in history but I must say travel is really the biggest. Sometimes when I am stuck on a project and need inspiration, I jump onto the first Eurostar train in the morning and go to Paris or Brussels to visit antique stores, furniture galleries and come back to London the same evening. 

You seem to be very sensitive to fine art, how do you manage to always perfectly integrate artwork in your design?

Art has always been a passion for me. I try to attend all the important art fairs around the world, whether I am shopping for a project or not, I like to train my eye. Having worked for clients who are art collectors taught me a lot. One client asked me to help them curate their art collection from scratch for a project. They gave me a list of artists that they like and asked me to present them with a selection of works for the project. Selecting the pieces was the fun part as I knew their taste but placing the artwork around the house was more challenging than I thought. I integrate artwork in all of my projects now, I think you get better as you do it. It is all about practice and training your eye. 

As a NYC-based agency, we are in awe with your project in Park Avenue, NYC. Could you please tell us a bit more about this project?  

Rising at an impressive 1,396 feet, the architect, Rafael Vinoly, set the scene with 12’6’’ high ceilings and vast, 10 ft by 10 ft windows featuring unparalleled views of New York City and Central Park. The high ceilings and vast layout lent itself to showcasing an extensive art collection. It was imperative to the client, that there was a symbiosis between the artwork and the interiors. As a result, the art really set the tone for the interiors and added character, with vivid touches of colour. I was careful to choose furnishing that complemented the artwork with neutral tones and rich finishings, as not to detract from the art or spectacular views. My client is a modern art collector and has a large collection of works. However, for this project he wanted to curate it with me from scratch, we did not select works from his existing collection. Instead, I sourced all artwork from Lisson Gallery, Sean Kelly Gallery, Tina Kim Gallery, White Cube Gallery and Galerie Perrotin. The greatest challenge was to marry the artwork with the furnishings. I actually worked with my client to curate all the artwork for this project first, before sourcing the furniture. I usually integrate the artwork at the end of a project, therefore this was different in terms of what I had done in the past, however I really enjoyed the challenge.

Park Avenue residence designed by Nebihe Cihan. Sculptures, paintings and other pieces of art are perfectly integrated throughout the home with elegance and minimalism. ©Matt Harrington

You have lived in so many cities with very different vibes. Which one awakens your creativity the most?

It is hard to pick one as I am truly inspired by so many cities but I can say that Europe and NYC excite me the most. I never lived in Paris but I spend a lot of time there for work. I lived in Florence for a short period of time when I studied Art History and I visit Milan often for work. I am constantly high on inspiration when I am in Paris and in Italy, these are the most inspirational places in the world for me. On the other hand, NYC has such an energy and vibe as a city. I feel like a different person when I am in NYC, the most motivated version of myself. Having lived in three continents, I can say that there is really no place like New York!

Your career path is impressive! What is next for you now? Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with us? 

Thank you! I am currently designing a retail store in Miami at Bal Harbour Shops for a Parisian jewelry brand. It will be the brand’s first retail location in the US and it happens to be at my favorite mall. Next big project I have, to begin as of early 2021, is a private villa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will be my studio’s first venture in Saudi Arabia, where I have good clients and many friends from. I am always excited to start a project in a new territory.  

While the current health crisis still prevents us from traveling, we want to bring you on a virtual escape to the best online exhibitions worldwide!

David Hockney’s Sweet Normandy

Through this virtual exhibition, the famous British painter presents a joyful and colorful look at Normandy, a region in France that he loves so much. 

Since October 15th, Galerie Lelong & Co. has devoted a new exhibition to David Hockney, “Ma Normandie”, in which he tells the story of springs spent in Calvados through his paintings. Initially scheduled until December 23rd, the gallery extends the exhibition until February 27th and also offers to discover it in virtual version while waiting for its reopening. 

David Hockney : Ma Normandie – Nouvelles Peintures

Galerie Lelong & Co

The virtual tour of the exhibition can be found on the gallery’s website.

Joan Miró at the Centre Pompidou in Paris

The Parisian museum Centre Pompidou is hosting a virtual exhibition dedicated to Joan Miró on its online platform. A dive into the dreamlike world of the Catalan painter around his triptych “Blue I, Blue II, Blue III” painted in 1961.

All three paintings have been preserved by the Centre Pompidou since 1993 and were restored in 2016 before being hung for the first time in its galleries. Conceived in collaboration with WAOLab, an agency specialized in 3D digitization of works, objects and space, this entirely virtual exhibition allows a better understanding of the origin and artistic importance of these three paintings.

Joan Miró

Centre Pompidou

The Miró virtual tour proposed by the Centre Pompidou.

Frida Kahlo: Photographic Portraits by Bernard Silberstein

This collaboration between the Cincinnati Art Museum and the University of Cincinnati centers on Bernard Silberstein’s portraits of celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Bernard Silberstein photographed Frida Kahlo on a few occasions in the early 1940s, often depicting her in the rooms of Casa Azul, her home in Coyoacán, Mexico. Discover this series of pictures following Frida Kahlo’s life. 

Frida Kahlo

Cincinnati Art Museum 

The online exhibition can be found here.

Let’s Get Lost, Jim McHugh

Renowned for his artist portraits of Ed Ruscha, John Baldessari and David Hockney, Jim McHugh is also known for his Polaroid series “Let’s Get Lost”, revealing a nocturnal Los Angeles filled with old buildings of forgotten beauty. The online art platform 28 Vignon Street is devoting a virtual exhibition to Jim McHugh. Let’s Get Lost is a traveling photographic exhibit of beautiful photographic prints that evoke the 1930s and 1940s. 

Jim McHugh

28 Vignon Street

Jim McHugh’s online exhibition.

The Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum

Recently launched, the Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum is a very unique experience. Despite its digital format, the online museum offers an imaginary museum floor plan through which visitors can wander. They have access to separate virtual galleries, that are organized by disciplines and themes or by chronology. There are sections devoted to architecture, fine arts, landscape design, interior design, and more. 

The Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum

Discover the online museum here.