Christian Liaigre launches flagship store in London’s Mayfair
The opening of Christian Liaigre’s new store in Mayfair, London, and accompanying capsule collection from the Liaigre studio, marks a new chapter for the respected French interior architect. Here, Wallpaper* looks back at Christian Liaigre’s three decades of design
Born on France’s Atlantic coast, Christian Liaigre grew up fascinated by the pieces of ocean-weathered, sandblasted wood he found washed up on his local beach. Watch our short film for more of the Christian Liaigre story
Born near the Atlantic Ocean in western France, Christian Liaigre grew up fascinated by the pieces of sea-weathered, sandblasted wood he found washed up on his local beach. Nurturing a love of natural materials and handcraft, Liaigre studied at the Paris Academy of Fine and Decorative Arts and taught drawing at the Academy Charpentier, before establishing his eponymously named label in 1987.
Almost 30 years later, Liaigre’s Paris studio now employs 25 interior designers and architects, with its founder committed to both interior architecture and the design of private residences, yachts and hotels, as well as the manufacture of handcrafted furniture. The atelier produces elegant, atmospheric environments intended for comfort and contemplation, with each design representing Liaigre’s textural, contemporary aesthetic. 'A joie de vivre that does not shout,’ as the designer refers to it in our short film.
With the galleries of Cork Street, the bespoke tailors of Savile Row and the fashion retailers of Bond Street as immediate neighbours, the new showroom at 52 Conduit Street, London W1, is Christian Liaigre’s second London space; the first is located on the Fulham Road in south-west London.
Occupying 3,200 square feet across two floors, the boutique showcases more than 80 carefully selected furniture designs and 30 lighting styles from Christian Liaigre’s classic collection. The brand’s signature designs sit alongside new standout pieces, and the balanced, minimal lines for which Liaigre is renowned, completes the aesthetic. Highlights include the semi-circular Boréal bench and Phocee gold-leafed side table, each uniquely designed and manufactured in France.
The Conduit Street property’s architecture and interior design reflects the fusion between Liaigre’s interiors projects and his bespoke furniture and lighting collections. The store will also feature a dedicated area on the lower-ground floor for the increasingly popular textiles line. 'It is my firm belief that the work of an interior decorator entails creating a reflection of the project’s environment and local culture,’ explains Liaigre. 'I am thrilled to have this opportunity to create a beautiful and harmonious space in one of London’s most prestigious areas, from which to continue working for my clients in the UK.’
INFORMATION
Photography: Paul Robida
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Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
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