Haute Fréquence by Haute Facture, the French Exception
Published on 6 January 2023
Martin Pietri is the president of the Haute Facture (“High-Quality Craftsmanship”) collective. Pierre Gonalons is a designer. This January, at the Maison&Objet fair, they will introduce Haute Fréquence (“High Frequency”) – a vibrant presentation of the output of this collective of companies, all of whom are prime examples of exceptional French expertise.
What are the characteristics of the companies that make up the Haute Facture collective?
Martin Pietri: Within l’Ameublement Français, these houses all share certain traits: outstanding expertise, French manufacture for a luxury clientele, be they decorators or private customers, and a significant level of export activity.
Pierre Gonalons: There are some artisan workshops that have not changed in centuries. Others are of more recent vintage, yet they too are wholly artisanal in outlook and practice. Each offers fresh worlds to discover, and it’s a genuine pleasure to work with such exceptional craftspeople. That’s what I love most about my job – they’re always so passionate!
Would you say these manufacturing companies are all championing the same notion of excellence, albeit across a very wide spectrum of skills?
MP: Some of our houses work in wood, some in metal. We’ve got metalworkers, experts in Chinese lacquer or leather work, mattress manufacturers, lighting manufacturers … Together, they cover the entire range of French expertise that’s been our country’s calling card in the decorative arts field since the days of Louis XIV.
PG: As for me, I’ve designed sofas for the general public for Duvivier, manufactured to an extremely high quality. I’ve created unique pieces for customers with the help of an historic marquetry workshop. My first collection as artistic director at Moissonnier is being presented in January. For the on-site decorations, I used their materials, some of which were still confidential. These are extremely distinctive items, and I’m delighted to create this presentation for the work of the houses with whom I often collaborate.
Haute Facture has already made a showing at Paris Design Week. Now you’re setting up a presentation at our fair – why?
MP: We work in a niche market, clearly, but also one with a scattered presence across the globe. Your trade fair gives us a chance to talk to the whole world. Haute Fréquence is a setting for outstanding objects, and an invitation to explore these houses in their showrooms via the Maison&Objet In The City event.
HAUTE FACTURE - Hall 7
In partnership with l’Ameublement français
As luxury Maisons that possess exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, 15 French manufacturing workshops present unprecedented pieces of furniture, lighting, and objects that combine Haute-Couture craft with French creative design. Like a Fashion Week runway inspired by the 1970s, the “Haute Facture – Haute Fréquence” exhibition, staged by Pierre Gonalons, highlights the excellence of these Maisons, where handiwork is reinvented, offering creations that feature new details full of inspiring design.
In a vibrant atmosphere, exceptional brands will put on a show:
ATELIER ALAIN ELLOUZ – CHARLES PARIS – CRAMAN-LAGARDE – DUVIVIER CANAPÉS – MAISON LUCIEN GAU – MANUFACTURE DES ÉMAUX DE LONGWY 1798– MOISSONNIER – OBJET DE CURIOSITÉ – PHILIPPE HUREL – POUENAT – TAILLARDAT – TISSERANT – VERNAZ & FILLES – VOLEVATCH – ZUBER
The Haute Facture (Fine Craftsmanship) section of l’Ameublement français works to promote the French art of living, decorative arts, and excellence, which have crossed the centuries and so many borders.
