From September 6th- 11th 2008, 22 French manufacturers of luxury home textiles, furniture, lighting and tabletop accessories gathered at the Château de la Bourdaisière in Montlouis, France to present their wares and unique savoir-faire to American professionals in interior design services.
Aside from private meetings and privileged exposure to France’s latest in luxury home décor, American participants benefitted from an all-expense paid stay in France (airfare transfers to/and from Paris, meals, transportation, hotels), courtesy of the French Government.
Located in France’s famed Loire Valley, the Château de la Bourdaisière is a staple of French patrimony, but it is perhaps best known to Americans as the setting of Fox television’s reality show, “Joe Millionaire.”
While we didn’t promise millions in prize money, we have ensured that meetings between our French manufacturers and American designers were more fruitful than the relationship between “Joe Millionaire” and his TV-induced sweetheart, Zora Andrich. (In case you hadn’t guessed, the pair split up shortly after splitting their $1 million check from Fox).
1. ATELIER D’OFFARD
Atelier d'Offard is a small company in Tours, France, specializing in traditional block-printed wallpaper. An ancient technique paired with new technologies allow the atelier to make exact reproductions of historical designs which are then used by private individuals, decorators, museums and public institutions to create or restore their decorative heritage.
2. CERAMIQUES FANY G
www.fanyg.com
Ceramiques Fany G perpetuates the tradition of pottery in this area of France famed for its rich history in ceramics. Using Gray and Raki Stoneware, Fany G creates a panoply of pieces, ranging from bowls and vases to colourful renditions of roosters.
3. DECORENKO
www.decorenko.com
Odile Jacenko Rigaudière, owner of Decorenko, combines the techniques of faux bois, faux marbres, and fausses matières to produce panoramic paintings and bewitching trompe l’oeil that include hand-painted wood furniture that appears upholstered.
4. LES EVOLUTIVES
www.sylvie-jegou.com
Sylvie Jegou is a designer of table linens, Les Evolutives. Her creations include tablecloths, tablemats, table runners, cushions and jewels, all manufactured by French high skilled craftsmen. She is especially attentive to the adjustability of objects, geometry and the development of uses.
5. ATELIER DU LISERON
www.liseron.com
www.pagesperso-orange.fr/genevieve.naudin/english/
Geneviève Naudin is an artist and decorator in Couture-sur-Loir, France. She specialises in hand-painted furniture, trompe l’oeil and murals in all styles that cater to her clients’ caprices without ignoring her own inspiration.
6. UN VENT DE TOUS LES DIABLES
www.annuaire-officiel-metiersdart.com/
A Graduate from the Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués in Paris, Catherine Nobili is a freelance designer of home textile collections. In 2001, she founded the ceramic decorating workshop, Un Vent de Tous les Diables. The company designs exclusive decorations on ceramics, using various traditional techniques such as Petit Feu. All work is entirely hand painted and can be tailored to suit the tastes of design professionals and private individuals.
7. ARTOO ATELIER
www.artoo-atelier.fr
“When Iron meets Crystal, Oriana Fierro is not far…”
Oriana Fierro is an artist specialising in sculpture, furniture, lamp-shades and decorative accessories. Created in her Touraine workshop, her pieces are otherworldly fusions of iron and crystal.
8. JEAN ROZE
“Jean Roze, the Silk of Touraine for Twelve Generations”
Currently under the management of Antoinette Roze, daughter of Jean Roze, the company continues to hone its specialisation in the weaving of silk upholstery fabrics. In 2000, they opened a dyeing workshop to more effectively develop new materials, designs, special fabrics and colours.
9. EMAUX ET MOTIFS
“Mosaic is the painting of eternity”.
Duplicating paintings or portraits, Nicole Dupeu uses cut mosaics and Briare’s enamels to create images of swimming pools, walls, grounds, and other sundry decorative elements.