Saint-Germain-des-Prés under the microscope

Photo: Collection Oiseaux de Paradis ©Volevatch

Between the river Seine and Boulevard Saint-Germain, a few sinuous streets and secret passageways host the crème de la crème of Parisian elegance. On Rue Jacob, Bruno Moinard Editions will exhibit, during Maison&Objet In The City, the decorator’s collection who likes to work precious wood, leather, marble, patinated bronze and enamelled ceramic, but also sometimes crinoline, a forgotten material. Everything is made in French craft workshops, and adaptable to measure. The gallery is representative of a certain French taste today «more intimate, more relaxed, never intimidating» says the creator.Still on Rue Jacob, Triode design specializes in American furniture, both vintage and contemporary, including reissues from Danish designer Finn Juhl and Brazilian Modernist Sergio Rodrigues. It’s owner Jacques Barret has given free rein to Gabriel Scott’s studio, based in Montreal, which will present its collection of Kaleido luminaires, including a precious onyx suspension, in addition to a film offering a virtual immersion in its creative process. 

Turning onto Rue Bonaparte, the house of Volevatch is another example of unique expert skill. A Living Heritage Enterprise that is both a custodian of and a maker in the art of bathroom design, Volevatch reissues historic bathroom fixtures and fittings, while also creating contemporary designs. Recently, they recreated the “birds of paradise” series within their workshops, originally designed for Jeanne Lanvin’s bathroom in the purest Art Nouveau style by Armand Albert Rateau, featuring a swan’s-neck spout and marvelous, finely chiseled feather effects. For In The City, Volevatch will unveil a modern collection, where bath fittings take on velvety matte, pink, bluish and golden effects… And the charming 50’s Bloom handwasher, available in 30 colours.

When you pass through the ravishing place Fürstenberg, head toward rue de l’Abbaye and you’ll find Rubelli. This fabric and furnishings maker is both the perfect embodiment of the Venetian silk-making tradition and the owner of a cutting-edge factory near Como. And the latest innovation they’ll be presenting? Textured acoustic paneling made from recycled and recyclable materials that create elegant, high-performance wall coverings. Then, on Rue Mazarine, Duvivier Canapés, a Living Heritage Enterprise, revives the golden age of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the lively, festive 1970s. Designer Pierre Gonalons has revisited the classic Chesterfield in a heartfelt tribute to Serge Gainsbourg, whose home, located just nearby on rue de Verneuil, will soon be opening to the public. Masculine elegance, then, but also impertinence characterized this musician. The whole ambiance of that era will be reflected in their showroom, where the Elsa sofa from Guillaume Hinfray will also be on show, evocative, this time, of Elsa Peretti, jewelry designer for Tiffany and muse of couturiers Roy Alston and Yves Saint Laurent. Then, you’ll only need to pass through the neighboring gate of passage Dauphine to visit Pouenat, experts in the art of wrought iron since 1880. Working with the most prominent architects and custodians of a truly precious expert skill, Pouenat will be showing metal lighting fixtures from Valérie Serin-Lok, a desk, a coffee table and a chair Octant from the duo of Christine and Nicola Borella, and a lamp by François Champsaur.