Provencal Chic Hits the Runway

While temperatures drop, fashion takes a leap forward as designers flock to London to show their Spring/Summer 2013 collection. This year, designer John Rocha chose to use one of our favorite places to inspire his collection. Paired with his signature voluminous style, Rocha drew inspiration for the bold hues of Provence.

Located on the South Eastern region of France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy, Provence is know for its great climate, rich culture, and its colorful history.

John Rocha's creations loudly display spicy reds, faded leaf yellows and dry clay tones combined with wonderful punky shapes and styling tailored to more feminine sensibilities. Dress after dress, Rocha's clothes wowed audiences with their brazen display of Provencal colors.  After admiring Rocha's beautiful dresses, we thought we'd share some of our antiques from this romantic region as well as other pieces drenched in the bright colors of Provence.

Pair of Solid Cherrywood Farm Chairs From Provence

REF XX164

19th Century Single Solid Walnut Bar Chair

REF XX165

Terracotta Pot From Provence, France

REF JJ175

Superb 19th Century Solid Walnut Bench 

REF SS104

These lovely pieces from the region of Provence are perfect examples of what we call "Country French". The noble woods, the rush seats and simple styling are a reminder of the laid back, easy way of life one finds in Provence.  The ocher coloration of the pot comes from natural pigments found in the area and is reminiscent of many familiar scenes we have admired in 19th century Impressionist paintings.

The gorgeous red of this dress reminds us of a set of chairs we have available. The set of 6  French Art Deco dining chairs has ebonized legs, with a gorgeous macassar French polished back. The seats  are covered in their original 1940s red leather.

Set of Six Art Deco Macassar Dining Chairs

This photograph of two Rocha originals side by side brings to mind an architecturally striking fixture we have in our gallery. The chandelier features dangling glass pieces alternating in yellow and clear glass, strategically placed to created a cascading look of glass over glass.

 

Amber & Crystal Murano Glass Chandelier by Venini

 

Biennale des Antiquaires 2012 at the Grand Palais, Paris

The Biennale des Antiquaires returns to the Grand Palais in Paris this year with fashion designer turned scenographer, Karl Lagerfeld at the helm. The Biennale is France's oldest art fair and boasts wares from the world's most luxurious and prestigious dealers and dealers of French decorative arts and high profile jewelers including Cartier, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels and Dior. The big event's organizers are hoping Lagerfeld's vision will further transform an already glamorous event. 

Chanel display at the 2010 Biennale des Antiquaries

Much anticipation has been built behind this year's Biennale as Karl Lagerfeld's involvement has and will surely generate a massive media presence. Press for the Biennale has been abuzz since the fashion icon got on board as the event's staging visionary.

Le Grand Palais, site of the Biennale des Antiquaires

The Biennale is exactly where you want to be if you're in the market for the best of the best aniques, jewelry and decorative arts. The 2012 show will host nearly 150 exhibitors, much more than the 86 in attendance at the previous Biennale.  The Grand Palais' Le Saln d'Honneur will serve as the central hub for the horde of beautiful things to be brought in for the event.

For those of you lucky enough to be in Paris, we envy the chance you have to attend this great occasion. And for the rest of us stuck state-side or elsewhere, a look back at past Biennale exhibits might be as close as we can get. But for those looking to take a piece of antique luxury home, a cruise though our inventory at jeanmarcfray.com should be just the ticket!

Biennale des Antiquitaires, 2006

 

This showroom from the 26th Biennale des Antiquaires is very classically decorated with furniture from and in the style of the Louis XVI period.  

 

Pair of Louis XVI Gold Leafed Armchairs

 

 

An elegant pair of 23 carat gold-leafed armchairs, with hand carved fluting and acanthus leaf details can be a great way to add that classic style to a room. 

 

Vintage Maria-Theresa Venetian Crystal Chandelier

 

 

 

A richly decorated room would not feel as luxurious without the presence of a grand chandelier. This vintage piece, dripping with beautifully cut crystals will give your space just the right amount of classic elegance. 

A Neo-Classical salon re-created at the Grand Palais

Crystal and Bronze Directoire Style Chandelier from France

 

Very much like the chandelier hanging above the re-created salon at the Grand Palais, this piece from France is stunning in detail, and a true masterpiece of the Directoire style. An antique from around 1875, this bronze and crystal chandelier is timeless and breathtaking.

XXVI Biennale des Antiquaires
September 14-23, 2012
Grand Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
Paris, France


*Expanding into new markets, the fair is debuting in New York at the Park Avenue Armory in November.

Rare French Antique Printer's Cabinet

Rare French Antique Printer's Cabinet

 

 

Get yourself organized in style! Hand painted and still outfitted with the original hardware, This exquisite French antique is an extremely versatile storage piece with 99 cubbies fitted above 9 drawers - a stand alone beauty to imbue any room with some classic old world charm. A truly remarkable piece from the 1900's, this cabinet is a rare find. 

Ref QQ102