Bonjour, les amis! It’s been a few months since our last journal and we are delighted to be checking in. Has the start of your 2023 been as brilliantly busy as our own?
Our year is off to a running start and we can’t wait to share it all with you, beginning with today’s update which offers an insider’s look at our inspirational visit to Paris Déco Off and Maison & Objet!
We enjoyed so many magnificent experiences that included everything from a private tour of Centre Pompidou and attending the American Party in Paris to an exclusive guided tour of the Marche Aux Puces flea market. Keep scrolling for those highlights and so many others!
PARIS DECO OFF
Our team checked into Hotel Lutetia, an iconic landmark hotel in Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and prepared for the inspiring adventures ahead.
Our first stop was Centre Pompidou for a private tour of their spring exhibitions followed by a welcome dinner at Le Georges, Centre Pompidou’s rooftop restaurant, all hosted by our friends at Kravet.
The next day, we made our way to Deco Off where over 120 brands highlight their latest debuts of fabric, wallcoverings, wallpapers, and trimmings!
The streets were lined in the most adorable fabric shades!
Loro Piana (above) was a most magical stop and de Gournay (below) truly never disappoints!
de Gournay masters the fine art of detail and demonstrated their commitment to couture craftsmanship with the unveiling of two new hand embroidered wallcovering designs that captivated us all.
Patrick Frey of Pierre Frey debuted their house’s 2023 collections in style at the Automobile Club de France (below) followed by the most exquisite showcase of their Braquenie Collection Anniversaire (1823 – 2023) which was presented at Chateau de Louye, a castle just outside of Paris. Scroll on for your very own look at the breathtaking installation!
We loved visiting Fabricut’s popup showroom where we got a sneak peek of our Houston friend Benjamin Johnston‘s debut collection for S. Harris (below). We can’t wait to see more!
How magical is the Oz Garden at Flamant? It’s the ideal spot to visit between appointments when you’re looking for a haven in the middle of the bustling city.
AN EVENING WITH GP & J BAKER
On our second evening, we visited the GP & J Baker showroom where we were invited to attend a private presentation by Scott Kravet and Corey Damon Jenkins before being escorted to Brasserie Vaudeville where we enjoyed catching up with friends and colleagues over traditional French cuisine!
MAISON&OJBET
Maison&Objet is held twice per year and the January exhibit is timed to perfectly coincide with Deco Off. Our group arrived on Friday morning ready to make the most of our day exploring nearly 2,000 visiting home and lifestyle brands. There is always so much to take in so we’re only sharing a few of the things that caught our eye!
CHATEAU DE LOUYE x PIERRE FREY
Pierre Frey’s Braquenié Collection is celebrating its 200-year anniversary and the fabric house seized the opportunity to resurface 18th-century printed, woven, and embroidered pieces from their archives. Several of the original Maison Braquenié patterns were maintained exactly while others were reimagined in scale, pattern, color, texture, or application, and they wanted the perfect place to showcase this epic debut…enter Chateau de Louye!
AN EVENING WITH CHRISTOPHER FARR
The Christopher Farr team invited us to celebrate the launch of their new Anni Albers collection (inspired by the iconic work of influential textile artist Anni Albers) at Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris followed by a beautiful dinner at FOREST, the Musée d’Art Moderne restaurant.
AMERICAN PARTY IN PARIS
The American Party in Paris is not-to-be-missed! It is an annual gathering hosted by some of our favorite showrooms across the country including our friends at Culp Associates, and this year’s event was a real treat. Held at the historic Hotel de Ville, it’s a night to remember full of festive fun!
Enjoying a laugh with Tim Johnson of Jim Thompson Fabrics.
MARCHE AUX PUCES
Exploring the Marche Aux Puces Saint-Ouen flea market is one of our very favorite pastimes! Marche Aux Puces is the largest antiques market in the world and special treasures are spread out as far as the eye can see. It’s so expansive that you can return again and again and never feel as though you’ve captured it all.
It’s exciting to see the midcentury modern pieces that have started to pop up throughout the market. The atmosphere and unique mix of antiques and collectibles at Marche Aux Puces makes the experience a collector’s dream!
We rounded out our day with a fabulous dinner hosted by Cary Kravet at Maceo Restaurant Depot de Vins (below)!
POSTCARDS FROM PARIS
Between showroom appointments, sourcing for clients, and events, we carved out some time to explore the city. With art, antiques, and architectural marvels around every corner, inspiration truly abounds in the City of Lights!
La Samaritaine (above) is looking lovelier than ever after its recent renovation!
The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral continues (above).
Paris is pure magic and we’re already dreaming about our next visit! Have you been or are you planning to go? Leave a comment with your favorite destinations so we can add them to our itinerary for next time!
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.”
– Thomas Jefferson
