Colours of the French Revolution!

Colour Special

By Udita Chaturvedi

Photography: Courtesy www.christianlacroix.com

Read Time: 3 mins

 

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Imagination and realization of varied and unique designs paired with the dynamism and love for colour reflects the Christian Lacroix style of home furnishings…

Now led by the brand’s creative director, Sacha Walckhoff, the style exudes exuberance and baroqueness. Every piece of furnishing from cushions to wall papers feature clean lines and pleasant nature that are mixed with the elegant and sophisticated savoir-faire of both, the European style and Christian Lacroix.

 

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In their latest Art de Vivre 2016 collection, Maison Christian Lacroix has embarked on a journey to the sources of French style. With ‘Incroyables et Merveilleuses’ (The Incredibles and their Marvellous Women), the fashion house reviews one of the most eventful eras of history — the French Revolution — and pays homage to the Incroyables and Merveilleuses, who had the courage and audacity to wear the colours of their styles and convictions.

 

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Through colours and patterns, the fashion house represents in its furnishings several iconic elements of the Revolution, including rosettes sported by soldiers of the Revolution. White pearls, red ribbons and range of playing cards with a luxury of details can be seen across the cushions, wallpapers and curtains.

Roses on ‘Malmaison’, a shimmering chintz, are a tribute to the rose garden of Joséphine de Beauharnais (the first wife of Napoleon I and, thus, the first Empress of the French), where bloomed more than 250 species of roses.

 

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Then there is the ‘Parvenue’, which is inspired by dresses of this era, mixing flowers with black and white graphics.

‘Ciel Liberté’(Sky of freedom) represents an optical illusion of a stormy sky with neon and pastel clouds, picturing as many glimmers of hope.

 

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‘Maison de jeu’ (House of Games) uses antique playing cards to throw light on  superstitions and vanities, with subtle stripes to add a dramatic effect. Stripes, in fact, play a dominant role in the Christian Lacroix style of home furnishing; they had actually become a symbol of freedom during the Revolution.

In all the designs — be it cushions, seat covers, drapes or rugs — there is always a juxtaposition of contrasting colours.

 

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Black satin cotton embroidered with hypnotic tender pink, celadon green in close proximity of cobalt blue and daffodil yellow create a shimmering kaleidoscopic effect. Playing with colours and patterns to such an extent can often be challenging, especially when the studio tries to blend the furniture with the surrounding (read wallpaper, dividers and rugs). However, it is a challenge that Sacha and his team seem to have mastered.

Use the cues and get moving with this adorable French style in your personal spaces!