Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre has been busy. Several months ago I stopped by the stunning NYC showroom to see the new spring collection.

In keeping with Liaigre’s aesthetic of nature inspired luxe minimalism, the pieces are elegant, refined in their simplicity and executed with beautiful craftsmanship. Now designed in collaboration with his wife Déborah Comte-Liaigre, the collection’s interest often lies in the finishing and  juxtaposition of fine materials. The Consulat Arm Chair, for example, pairs a channeled fabric sling back and seat with leather arms anchored with tailored metal detailing and rich open grain Walnut frame. It’s just the right degree of handsome sturdiness tempered with a clean and modern casual chic.

Designed and manufactured in France, each piece combines the art of handcraftsmanship with cutting edge technology. True luxury is apparent when the hidden details are just as beautiful as what is seen. The underside of the Consulat is not only elegantly designed but provides comfortable support.

The Colonne Double Console, designed by Eric Schmitt exclusively for the line, is a gorgeous statement sculpted in bronze featuring legs accented with metallic finishes.

A classic in the collection, the Editeur Bookcase, is now even more glamorous in a mirror backed version.

The Shelter Arm Chair is an iconic expression of the Liaigre look. Exquisitely finished Larch wood is arched into a graceful shape elegant from all angles, contrasting with the perfectly proportioned geometry of the front of the chair. Slender polished copper legs and base are a luxurious companion to the subtlety stitched leather upholstery – a perfect example of what Comte-Liaigre describes as “both functional and an object of desire.”

Also exclusively from Eric Schmitt for the collection is the charming Fut Side Table. At home anywhere in the house, this playful piece is cast of bronze into an versatile organic shape, with a shelf in silver, gold, or bronze. Luxurious whimsy at its best.

Of course the accessories receive the same attention to detail as the furniture. This beautiful cigar box, with humidity gauge has a removable tray and customizable sections.

And four new fragrances are packaged with the candle collection’s signature black wax design in compact shape.

In addition to the new spring collection, Liaigre recently announced the opening of a new flagship store in London. In the heart of stylish Mayfair, the 3,200 square foot showroom will include a space reflective of both the Liaigre lifestyle and the local culture.

photos of London store by Paul Robida

And, like New York, the lower level will feature an area for the textiles collection (some of the luxurious CL leathers below) and for meetings with designers and interior projects customers.

Also on the horizon is the publication of his new book Liaigre: Twelve Projects.

Including a dozen of Liaigre’s most recent interiors across the globe, the volume is a visual ode to “Genius loci – the true spirit of place.” Throughout the book, the designer shows how “Our surroundings should function like a work of art, appealing to our emotions, swathing us in security as we cross the threshold.” From the designer’s own family beach home on St. Barth’s

photo: Jean-Philippe Piter

to a London townhouse, walking a careful balance between a heritage protected exterior, client’s spectacular 13th century and Renaissance art collection and a contemporary interior,

to the interiors for Tania and Ian Schrager’s John Pawson designed glass penthouse in NYC, Liaigre always remembers that “the decorator has a duty to study the local culture to steep him- or herself in the setting for each new project,

three photos above: Mark Seelen

to be attentive to the sensations evoked by a place in the minds and bodies of the people who live there, while never losing sight of his or her own identity.” In a Richard Meier designed Malibu beach house, the architect and designer collaborated to create open spaces awash in natural light. Filled with natural and sophisticated forms, the living room, below “is suspended between land and sea.”

photo: Jean-Philippe Piter

For a private golf clubhouse in Korea, Liaigre immersed himself in the culture and traditions of the country, combining ancient and modern for an exceptional design that encompasses the many needs of its large membership.

For a film producer on Nantucket, Liaigre began outside, collaborating on the garden with Piet Oudolf, the Dutch landscape designer responsible for New York’s High Line gardens.

Inside, a natural palette and materials echo the sand and sky of the surrounding environment.

And even Liaigre’s design for the famous luxury yacht, Vertigo, “acknowledges the marriage of technology and elegance – the key to a racing yacht of rare, understated quality.”

two photos above by Mark Seelen

This is just a peek at the twelve impressive projects in the book. From the Caribbean to St. Moritz to Athens, you’ll be taken on a journey of understated luxury, where no detail is overlooked and interiors are custom crafted to reflect the environment, client and materials.