The former enfant terrible of the French fashion scene, Jean Paul Gaultier, appears to have gone all mainstream these days as illustrated by the launch of his first independent range of interior design, fabrics and accessories. As ever, he certainly has a way with words, summing up the difference between designing clothes for a woman and designing furniture and home accessories thus: “a sofa can’t complain”.
Strictly speaking this is not Gaultier’s first attempt at designing a collection of furniture – he previously created a small, well-received collection exclusively for the French interior design firm Roche Bobois. It was during this process that Gaultier met up with the textile specialists Lelievre, the company which already played a part in the creation of successful home furnishing collections for fellow designers Sonia Rykiel and Kenzo. Working together, they have produced a distinctive, lively collection, many items of which hint at ideas and images the desinger has used in his clothing lines over the years. So, expect to see images of Gaultier’s favourite sailors among the collection as well as hints of tartan and plaid reminscent of the designer’s penchant for wearing the kilt.
However, it would be a mistake to think of the new collection as gaudy or lacking in sophistication. The accessories such as cushions come with all the attention to detail in their creation you would expect of haute couture. The collection contains accessories which are much more distinctive and covetable than the usual, somewhat predictable items you have become accustomed to seeing whenever a fashion designer decides to dip his or her toe into the world of interior design.
The collection is available from the end of October. Your local interior design specialist ought to be able to help, but if not, Lelievere have a fantastic website and an online shop at lelievre.eu. No prices are available as yet but expect them to be commensurate with the Sonia Rykiel collection, which means you could pay up to 100 euros for a cushion and much more for a luxurious woolen throw.
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