Jean Marc Fray, French Antiques & Decorative Arts
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News, views, reflections and musings about French Antiques, Art, Architecture, Culture, France, Italy, Austin (Texas) and a passion for good living.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Design by Fashion: A Look Into France's Fashion Houses


Almost no one is a stranger to the names that invoke French fashion design. Chanel, Dior, among others have become iconic in the world of luxury, but that high class elegance does not stop with their clothes.  A look into the headquarters and studios of some of the most famous French fashion houses shows just how interior-design savvy these brands really are.


Photographed above is a custom rug at the Chanel HQ in Paris. The interlocked double C's of the brand are unmistakable in this image. Having peeked into the studios of showrooms of some of France's finest producers of beautiful clothing, we couldn't help but share some images of their decor that reminded us of our own pieces we have in our gallery.



Jewelry designer Delfina Delletrez's home studio is stylishly decorated.  Using a pair of smaller pieces breaks the common practice of using a single, larger piece as a wall decor, such as a painting or mirror. It provides more decorating options, and gives the room a more formal look when done right.

Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces from Italy


 

 

This fabulous pair of Italian sconces are perfect for getting that formal, but airy look. The hand-blown glass and brass details  give them an effortless elegance. They'll provide some ambient lightning at night, and simply look great during the day.

 

Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Toso and Barovier


 

Consider this pair for a similar look. Three hand-blown glass leaves mounted on a brass base give these pieces a structured, yet ornate look.

 


Jazz up corners with a pop of color like this bright yellow chair in Isabel Marant's showroom. A well placed contemporary piece is a simple way to fill up space and brighten up a room.

Vintage Wassily Chairs in Leather & Chrome


 

Contemporary meets vintage in this pair of Wassily chairs. They feature chrome steel tubes frames, thick high quality leather and stitching. 

 

Vintage Modernist Armchairs

 

 

For a bold burst of color, check out this pair of vintage Italian armchairs. The red and black vinyl reflect a soft sheen that definitely catch the eye. 

 

 

Dior has always been the epitome of simple elegance. In their headquarters in Paris, it seems as though the same philosophy applies to their interior design. Dior HQ looks clean and sophisticated in gray and white combo, and the Louis XVI style chair in the photograph looks familiar.  

 

Louis XVI Style Pair of Hand Painted Side Chairs


 

Voila! Stately and subtle, this pair looks strikingly similar to the chair in Dior's hallway.  Reupholstered in a gray velvet blend, this antique pair of Louis XVI side chairs are both comfortable and stylish.  

 

 

More often than not, lighting sets the mood in a room. Back at Delfina Delettrez, this beauty hangs to be looked at and lusted over. A very appropriate fixture for one of France's best jewelers.


Italian Murano Glass and Chrome Chandelier


 

 

Back in Austin, our gallery has a chandelier very similar to the one in Delettrez's studio. Beautiful and unique, this Sputnik chandelier looks like a star might have fallen out of the sky. The gorgeous branches extending from a chrome structure for a stunning silhouette as light comes through the dazzling glass. 

 

Italian Murano "Avventurina" Glass Sputnik Chandelier


 

For a slightly different feel, our "Avventurina" Sputnik chandelier is a stunning gold color - reflecting the gold leaf flecks blown into the glass. This marvelous hue makes for a warmer, softer feel, while the striking shape of the chandelier maintains a modern, contemporary look.

 

 For more design inspirations and ideas, watch the video below of a tour of Coco Chanels' legendary Rue Cambon apartment. To transform your home, visit http://www.jeanmarcfray.com/ 

 

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