Along with the austere architecture of John Pawson and the unadorned clothing of Mr. Klein and Helmut Lang, Mr. Liaigres works sculptural tables, seats and lamps constructed of bronze, stone and ebonized woods were touchstones for a generation that expressed its wealth in earth tones and a monkish lack of ornament. His father was a veterinarian, and his grandfather bred horses. News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Unfortunately, it will not be possible. To have people respond to your work like that? His furniture was so refined, so beautiful and so well made, Mr. Schrager said. There is only Christian and no one else., Remembering Christian Liaigre, Elle Decor ran an article with many close friends and interior design luminaries expressed their tribute to him. Christian Liaigre was born on Aug. 10, 1943, in La Rochelle, France. Christian was a dear friend and a lovely soul with incredible taste. By the turn of the next decade, a chunky, cracked wooden stool inspired by Brancusis sculpture Endless Column had become his calling card, its gutsy and elemental shape a corrective to the fussy opulence the swags of chintz and Louis chairs that had defined the excesses of the 80s. Some days ago, Christian Liaigre, a master of interior design who left an indelible mark on contemporary design, passed away. He was 77. His preference to work largely with private clients is clear because he had few public-facing projects. Cookie Notice The iconic French designer has died at age 77. They were extremely sexy, but they were not an intimate, personal style, David Netto, an American designer, said in a phone interview. Can you sue for mesothelioma Top Lawyer Advice? He had an incredible point of view that was distinctively his own. When studio Liaigre announced their founder's death over Instagram, tributes poured in from notable industry figures. His daughter, Virginie, died last year. His influence from the equestrian world could identify a few of the first creations that Liaigre made. Sold . May he rest in power and beauty. By browsing this site, you agree to the use of cookies to better take into account your interests. Christian Liaigre drew his inspiration from the tradition of French craftsmen, cabinetmakers and smiths of precious metals. Thank you, Christian. Wendi Murdoch, entrepreneur and client, Christian Liaigre marched to his own drum creating a seamlessly integrated environment that was both minimal and enriched at the same time. September 8, 2020. Everything about him exuded a beautiful restraint and elegance and he made it all look easy. We all still look up to him and thank him for his stewardship and understanding of whats importantand above all whats human. Lee F. Mindel, architect and interior designer, Liaigre is somewhere in the ether of our heroes at McMillenup there with Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand. To say that he was detail-oriented would be a gross understatement, Mr. Balazs of the Mercer wrote in an Instagram post. Hotelier Ian Schrager also commented, The world is less without him. Because the Hamptons are the Hamptons, New York is New York, Paris is Paris, and son on. After designing a collection of cabinets in 1981, he established his studio in 1985 and opened up his first store on Rue de Varenne in Paris. In the 1980s, his aesthetic was synonymous with easy, timeless style: architectural elegance, generous proportions, solid wood, bold designall swathed in sumptuous materials like marble and cashmere. He could take the most humble piece of furniture like a bench, stool or hook and elevate itnot by embellishing, but by whittling it down to its essence Rayman Boozer, interior designer, On a trip to Paris in 1992, I happened on the Hotel Montalembert and thought, who is this designer? Discrete, Christian Liaigre preferred let his designs speak for themselves: he created furniture and objects that reflected his dedication to beauty, a search for balance, an accuracy for proportions and perfection in the detail. When he retired in 2016, he handed the reins over to long-term . Christian Liaigre Dark Brown Christian Liaigre Pirogue Bench for Holly Hunt, Pair Available H 14 in W 70 in D 14 in $ 8,908 Access Trade Price. Our website, archdigest.com, offers constant original coverage of the interior design and architecture worlds, new shops and products, travel destinations, art and cultural events, celebrity style, and high-end real estate as well as access to print features and images from the AD archives. To me, Christian Liaigre, like Andre Putman, is a visionary of his time, a profound influence on his contemporaries as well as younger generations. The lobby of the Mercer in SoHo, which introduced Mr. Liaigre to the United States when it opened in 1997. introduced Mr. Liaigre to the United States. I was always inspired by his warm style and the way he could balance designs that were equally understated and impactful. I fell in love in his environments, I conceived a child in his environments, I wrote a book in his environments, and for good luck Im pretty sure Ive put at least one piece of his furniture or lighting in every one of my projects, in hopes that some of that Liaigre cool would rub off. Obsession would be far more apt., Christian Liaigre, Minimalist Interior Designer, Dies at 77, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/arts/design/christian-liaigre-dead.html. comments policy. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Ho.Me Plus by Arbi Arredobagno: a new collection, Tessuto, the award-winning decorative radiator by Cordivari Design, Cersaie 2022 welcomes back international professionals, Casalgrande Padana presents The City Collection, Salone del Mobile.Milano has a new layout, Design and furniture trade shows: the new 2022 calendar (still being updated), La Biennale dello Stretto 2022: le tre linee dacqua, From Malaysia, emerging design in Kuala Lumpur in 2022, Renilde, a new transformable restaurant in Rotterdam, Marina di Scarlino, the exclusive sea of the Maremma, The transformation of Znins historic former sugar factory, Plants and sustainable coffee for the new Caff Triennale. That table has been by my side for over a decade now. But his love for horses took him to his grandfather to help him breed racehorses. On the contrary, his in-depth search on materials allowed him to create a different environment every time, in line with the different philosophy it had to reflect. In a time when chaos reigns, we crave interiors that make us feel calm and balanced. His work has always been an inspiration to me. More Buying Choices. Never distracted by pyrotechnics, he created spaces and the components of spaces that stand the test of time. He believes architecture is all-inclusive and personal. This was also the case for The Mercer Hotel in New York, the hotel that made Andr Balazs famous (who relaunched the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles and launched The Standard Hotel in several cities) and was a turning point for the hospitality sector worldwide. [11][12], cole nationale suprieure des Beaux-Arts, cole nationale suprieure des arts dcoratifs, "Christian Liaigre veut imposer son style au niveau international", "Legendary French Minimalist Designer Christian Liaigre Dies at 77", "A French Urban Planner's Furniture Collection for Holly Hunt", "Powerhouse Design Duo Pulls Off a Major Dallas Coup", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christian_Liaigre&oldid=1105004862, This page was last edited on 18 August 2022, at 01:05. Mr. Pawson remembered meeting Mr. Liaigre just once in a chance encounter at the Mercer. "When Christian Liaigre decided to step back in 2016, he left a strong heritage with a mythical aura," explains Meyer. Set up as a Parisian home with an exhibition space at the top, it breaks away from the belief that Liaigre is without dare or risk. My family is fortunate to live in a home he designed every day. I always thought of him as our generations Jean-Michel Frank and I have no doubt his legacy will live on for generations to come. Brad Ford, interior designer, Theres a stillness to his aesthetic thats welcoming and warm and his le de R residence captivates me most. Among them, a large apartment for Rupert Murdoch, who wanted an apartment like The Mercer Hotel (as Liaigre said). Christian Liaigre, who fashioned homes for the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein, has passed away at the age of 77. Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know. Christian Liaigre did just that. We had a nice chat over a very minimal white egg, tea and toast.. Still chic and sleek, but much more personal. [4][5][6], Liaigre was married to Deborah Comte,[7][8] with whom he had a son. Initially, the late designer only made furnishings but soon went on to develop entire interiors for residences, holiday homes, offices, as well as the cabins of jets and yachts. In 1981, he designed a collection of cabinets for Nobilis. A new book from Rizzoli offers a deep dive into five recent Liaigre projects, all of which were started by the founder but completed by creative director . After Christian Liaigre left the eponymous design house that he founded in the 1980s, the company forged ahead on its luxury path. You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox. Thank you, Christian." A $77-Million Les Lalanne Auction Breaks Records, AD PROs Essential Guide to Maison & Objet 2023, Off to Paris? He is survived by his wife, Deborah Comte-Liaigre; their son, Leonard; and a granddaughter. Both men were up early for breakfast. "The world is less without him. Browse the preview of the latest issues of our magazines! You walked in and saw the possibility of how to decorate that hadnt been around since the 1930s. He embodied timeless elegance. "His taste and style was unmatched and his refined simplicity and elegance stood above everybody else. His straightforward lines, and elegant proportions were a revelation! His powerful palette of neutrals set the tone for what consumers wanted for many years, and still looks fresh today. David Duncan, lighting designer, Many designers help move us along, only a few move us forward. The clients still cherish them to this day. Christian Liaigre: Remembering the Iconic Work of the French Creative The iconic interior designer of French descent has passed away last week at the age of 77 and leaves behind an unquestionable legacy of restrained aesthetics that will be long remembered. He is a master in creating elegance and comfort with impeccable style. Wendi Murdoch, entrepreneur and client, Christian Liaigre marched to his own drum creating a seamlessly integrated environment that was both minimal and enriched at the same time. Privacy Policy. Although public spaces were not the most important part of his work (or perhaps because of that), Liaigre left an important mark on hotels. In Liagres projects, simplicity and essentiality do not mean minimalism. Plus occasional updates on Dezeens services and breaking news. With 28 showrooms in the world today and a wealth of projectsfrom luxury homes and yacht design to exciting new hotel and restaurant openingsunder the 35-year Liaigre belt, there was no shortage of pressure for the label to continue its legacy following the departure of its visionary founder in 2017. Beyond the architecture and interiors, there's a vast repertoire of furniture that includes iconic pieces like the ever-popular Nagato stool. Sahil Tanveer is an architect and thinker, who runs a cosmopolitan Architecture studio with work across the country. If so, I surely never saw it. More recently, Liaigre decorated other hotels in New York: the Edition Hotel and the Public Hotel, owned by Ian Schrager (also owner of Royalton, Paramount, Gramercy Park). The Hotel Montalembert was like a revelation. Christian Liaigre is something of a legend in the world of French design. I took the first check I received from my first design job and bought a tiny bronze Liaigre drinks table. Ernest de la Torre, interior designer, Just like when you see a Rolls Royce drive down the street, you could look at his work and immediately identify it as Liaigre. In-stock we have 1 vintage editions of these items, while there is also 0 modern edition to . "Christian Liaigre preferred to let his designs speak for themselves," said Liaigre's studio in a statement. Employing clean lines and natural materials throughout each of his projects, Liaigre's style was seen as particularly unusual when he emerged in the 1980s. He understood the dignity of the design process and the responsibility of designers, architects, and craftspeople to keep evolving. Jeffrey Bilhuber, interior designer, Christian was a dear friend and a lovely soul with incredible taste. Over the last thirty years Christian Liaigre has made himself known by his refined, high quality work. A key feature in the Madison Avenue store is the Design Servicea bespoke decoration service that provides tailored solutions for complete interiors or specific areas like dressing rooms, libraries, studies, and so on. Discover the Public Hotel and other hotels in New York here. Many compared him to Jean-Michel Frank, the early French minimalist, but with less ennui, as Mitchell Owens, the decorative arts editor at Architectural Digest, said in an interview. An error occurred. There was no one like him; he was a pioneer with his elegant, refined all encompassing style. Mark Cunningham, interior designer, I remember the first time I saw his Chantecaille floor lamp and was caught off guard by its beauty. Christian Liaigre wants to have it both ways. His artistic background is evident in the power of his designs, finding its way into the color, shape and texture of everything from cushions to chaise longues. Christian Liaigre, who fashioned homes for the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein, has passed away at the age of 77. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. Plus occasional updates on Dezeens services and breaking news. (By the late 1990s, wenge wood, his signature material, had been knocked off so often that it became a design-world punch line.). [10], The American designer Holly Hunt first introduced Liaigre's work to the US, and he designed the Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Collection from 1994-2011. News of the death of French interior architect and designer Christian Liaigre, aged 77, sent me back in time, some 20 years, maybe more. As a designer I have always been inspired by his work and loved incorporating his thoughtfully modern and timeless designs into many of the residential spaces I have designed. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It also favored the emergence of talents and the recognition of the team's works.". 2022 Rethinking The Future All registered. French interior designer Christian Liaigre dies aged 77, announced their founder's death over Instagram, luxury homes in countries around the world. Born into a family from Vende, Liaigre entered the cole nationale suprieure des Beaux-Arts and the cole nationale suprieure des arts dcoratifs before meeting Alberto Giacometti. It could not be taught. News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Christian Liaigre was truly one of the greatest. He is continually in search of the unknown, while observing psychology, philosophy, and the influence of culture and society on architecture and design. And there was not this expensive and exclusive model of hotel with small rooms in a cast-iron building in SoHo. Give us a few seconds and try loading this page again. The living room features chairs, stools, lamps and tables by furniture designer Christian Liaigre is photographed for Los Angeles Times on January. What a gem he was. Chanae Richards, interior designer, Although widely known for his hospitality design, Christian Liaigre was among the most influential and widely copied designers of furniture and residential interiors of the 20th century. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. Therefore, I decided to give an overview of his projects, without claiming to have fully treated the topic, just a point of view on the work of one of the most interesting interior architects of the last 30 years. Legendary French interior designer Christian Liaigre, known as the "great minimalist", has passed away at 77. We will miss him and his genius but his work will endure far beyond his lifetime. Christian Liaigre is a French interior designer and decorator. I had gone to Paris to write a profile of him for Departures and ended up spending a rich and rewarding two days in his company. Liaigre added to this picture sober furniture and finishes in natural colors and materials, neutral plasters, and woods of different colors depending on the space. Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Ernest de la Torre, interior designer, Just like when you see a Rolls Royce drive down the street, you could look at his work and immediately identify it as Liaigre. A guru in modern minimalism, Liaigres perfectly proportioned designs led to the likes of Larry Gagosian, Bryan Adams, and Karl Lagerfeld seeking him out while on the quest for original, high-quality, French craft furniture. That table has been by my side for over a decade now. As an interior designer, he was revered for his restrained aesthetic approach. Christian Liaigre preferred to let his designs speak for themselves, said Liaigres studio on their Instagram post, adding, He created furniture and objects that reflected his dedication to beauty, a search for balance, and accuracy for proportions and perfection in detail., His origins, his background, and his passion for riding horses and the equestrian world were shown through a simple and fluidic design style enhanced by the high quality of his favorite materials: wood, leather, and bronze.. Thats why his interiors are always different, depending on the clients personality and the location. Sent on the last Friday of every month, Dezeen in Depth features original feature articles, interviews and opinion pieces that delve deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. An essentiality built on the French tradition of interior decoration, reinterpreted with contemporary elements, influenced by Japanese precision and the light of the tropics. Former employees described Mr. Liaigre as a quiet, meticulous teacher whose drawings were always perfectly to scale. Liaigre eventually stepped down from his studio in 2016, handing over the position of creative director to long-term collaborator Frauke Meyer. He was such a visionary. French interior design legend and entrepreneur Christian Liaigre, known for his romantic minimalist aesthetic and whose clients included Larry Gagosian, Calvin Klein, and Karl Lagerfeld, has died at age 77. In my first commission, I remember being excited to use a few of his meticulously crafted, stylish pieces. "He was such a visionary. Legendary French interior designer Christian Liaigre, known as the great minimalist, has passed away at 77. The showroom opens in June 2018 and will present classic pieces of furniture alongside new designs shown in the US for the first time. 4, 2020. It could not be taught. Christian Liaigre led his interior design studio for 35 years, creating homes for the likes of Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld. For more information, please see our If so, I surely never saw it. $53.46 (11 used & new offers) French interior design legend and entrepreneur .css-mnv24j{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(55, 119, 188, 0.2), rgba(55, 119, 188, 0.2) );-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-mnv24j:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}Christian Liaigre, known for his romantic minimalist aesthetic and whose clients included Larry Gagosian, Calvin Klein, and Karl Lagerfeld, has died at age 77. Christian Liaigre, who fashioned homes for the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein, has passed away at the age of 77. OGS Capital Reviews On Aspects To Consider While Starting A New Business: Check Out These Excellent U.S. Art Galleries, Art Director: Juan Jos Seplveda Ramrez. Liaigre, a French interior and furniture designer whose muscular and elegant objects in wood, bronze and leather were emblematic of 1990s minimalism, and whose influential clients included Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Gagosian and the Mercer hotel in SoHo, died on Sept. 2, 2020, in Paris. We know your time is valuable. Designer Ronan Bouroullec commented, He was so gentle, so simple and nice with me. He cared so about the details, high quality materials, and craftsmanship. "This high demand is something we will keep, whilst introducing a freshness and freedom that has a more relaxed approach. All rights reserved. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter. I did not know him personally, though I pay tribute to the great artist he was. Pierre Yovanovitch, interior designer, Theres a stillness to his aesthetic thats welcoming and warm and his le de R residence captivates me most. With a palpable increased vigor under the creative direction of Christian's longtime protge, Frauke Meyer (Christians wife, Dborah Comte-Liaigre, remains as artistic director of the company's interior design service), the brand's ethos remains unchanged, though infused with new energy. (Today Hotel Montalembert is no longer as it was in the 1990 project, as it has already undergone other interventions and some by Liaigre himself). Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. He was such a visionary. As a designer I have always been inspired by his work and loved incorporating his thoughtfully modern and timeless designs into many of the residential spaces I have designed. Ad Choices, How Legendary French Brand Christian Liaigre Is Keeping Things Fresh, With all eyes on the new Madison Avenue showroom, due to open this summer, its exciting times ahead for the French interiors brand, Jeremiah Brent Makes Hospitality Debut, Coil + Drift Moves Upstate, and More News. Fred Conrad/The New York Times. Already in the project for Hotel Montalembert he showed his ability to combine different sources of inspiration and transform them into an immediately recognizable style. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [emailprotected]. For the superyacht industry, Liaigre was behind the designs for yachts such as the 33-metre La Fenice in 1962, the Perini Navi sailing yacht Roseheartyand the award-winning 67.2-metreVertigo.The French design studio is keeping the consistently bespoke Liaigre style alive, as seen onboard more recent yachts such as the 58-metre Feadship yacht Najiba and the in-build Royal Huisman project 404. Tim Veresnovsky, interior designer, He came into my life after seeing his work in the pages of Elle Decor in the late 90s. In our collection of Christian Liaigre benches, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Through precise use of space and light, basing his design on local cultures and traditions, choice of materials and a special love of art and crafts, Christian Liaigre has managed to combine certain modesty with great elegance. Thank you for influencing so many Christian, you will be sorely missed Alyssa Kapito, interior designer, You cannot overstate the impact Christian Liaigres Montalembert hotel in Paris had on design in the early 90s. [1][2] In 1985, he opened his first store, and he designed the Htel Montalembert in 1990. 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Mr. Liaigre sold his company to a group of investors in 2016. From the creation of his first furniture pieces, he quickly moved onto interior design, reconnecting with the French . His luxurious, stark designs attracted a large international audience and were seen for their originality when he came up in the 1980s. His keen sense of light and its influence on space, inspiration from local cultures and traditions, his meticulous research of the perfect materials for his furniture, coupled with his affinity towards artisanal work, Liaigre combined the art of subtle expression with great elegance. He died on Wednesday 2 September and Liaigres studio took to Instagram to announce the passing. This designer of some of the world's most beautiful rooms in penthouses, villas and, increasingly, mansion-sized yachts has developed a visual vocabulary, mostly expressed in his own furniture and fixtures, that makes every one of his interiors immediately identifiable as a Liaigre.And yet, he asserts that each is rooted in its particular . The passing of the iconic French interior designer Christian Liaigre was sadly announced earlier this week. Architectural Photography Competition 2020 Results, Architectural Photography Competition 2019 Finalists, Perfect Guide to Architecting Your Career. "He created furniture and objects that reflected his dedication to beauty, a search for balance, an accuracy for proportions and perfection in the detail," added the studio. The living room of Rupert Murdochs New York City loft designed by Christian Liaigre. The first boutique hotel on the Rive Gauche, Paris, Hotel Montalembert represents an important chapter in the history of interior architecture between 1980 and 1990. African sculptures next to Louis XV furniture, the neutrality of the architecture., He added, People were beguiled by that hotel.. Great attention to details was placed in all of his designs. Juan Montoya, interior designer, I will never forget, in the early 90s, going into Christian Liagres shop in Paris and visiting the Hotel Montalembert. What was so special about the interiors of Hotel Montalembert, then? Before working on the Mercer, Mr. Liaigre had designed the interiors of the Hotel Montalembert in Paris, a boutique hotel built in the 1920s and redone in 1990. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Christian Liaigre, born in 1943 in La Rochelle, a seaport city in southwestern France, studied at the. However, if we take a step back and go back to 1990, everything becomes clearer.