Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
After a classical training (at Nice’s Villa Arson and the Fine Arts Academy, Paris), Jean-Jacques Lécuru followed courses given by Claude Rebold, someone who was to influence his career. The apprentice worked with the master before standing on his own two feet, still using techniques he had been taught for working with minerals and the volumetric layout of a garden. Entrusted with colour refurbishment of the Old Town of Nice, designer of Port Inland at Mandelieu and other large-scale projects such as the lagoon frontage of Abidjan, Jean-Jacques is a sculptor of space whose gardens take the environment into account while allowing him to express his fondness for contemporary styles. Emotion becomes part of a flagstone path, alights on a stairway, skims the surface of a pool… Jean-Jacques Lécuru, 11 rue de Dijon, Nice (04 93 16 01 18).
Sifas is well-known for furnishings. And you can learn more about the brand through its very own magazine. “In-out attitude” differs from a standard catalogue by giving centre-stage to personalities from the world of interior decor (or close to it). Sifas, 1170 route de Nice, Antibes (04 92 91 42 00). Bretelle de l’Autoroute, Mougins (04 92 18 32 40). Avenue Léon-Bérenger, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 31 08 28). www.sifas.fr. C.O.
With springs, in Bultex or Latex, mattresses by Baratto e Figli guarantee maximum comfort. The range also includes made-to-measure mattresses, orthopedic bases, decorated beds, accessories. Quality materials, real craftsmanship and technological innovation all ensure sound and lasting value. Baratto e Figli snc, via Isnardi, 31, Vintimille (00 39) 0184 29 51 12). E.G.
While the prime vocation of Open & Closing is in the field of doors, windows and verandahs, this firm based on the Italian side of the border also offers its services for the creation and renovation of apartments and houses. Its team of nine architects, decorators and technicians are used to working for private clients as well as on much larger projects. Their strong points include enlightened advice, competence in custom-made items, a good after-sales service and a wide choice of products incorporating spearhead techniques. As illustrated by the recent installation of a motorised steel and inox window, 2.5 x 4.5 m, in a single piece. No need to wax eloquent about the quality of the “Made in Italy” style… Open & Closing, via Roma, 26 bis, Ventimille, Italie (00 39) 0184 231 813). www.openclosing.it. L.R.
Nicole and Nathalie Villaret are tireless travellers in search of the eternal. And their summer collection is a trip around the world. Throw a “Mimizan” cushion onto your sofa and sand dunes instantly come to mind. Spread a “Sarlat” boutis on your bed and streets full of history invade your bedroom ! Then the “Positano” duvet cover will take you to the little Italian village clinging to its cliff which has inspired so many artists. Travel is often just a state of mind… On sale from Colombine, 799 avenue de Tourmany, Mougins (04 93 75 07 71) and from La Maison des Lices, 18 boulevard Louis-Blanc, Saint-Tropez (04 94 97 11 34).
Provence has inspired Hervé Gambs to create a festival of colour and fragrances. Lemon yellow, brilliant orange, deep violet and dark green : that’s the palette for his new creations. Presented in square wengé pots, his trees grace both terraces and gardens. For laurels and olive-trees, this professional with a diploma in interior architecture has opted for the “ball” shape. En vente aux Galeries Lafayette, Cap 3000, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 14 82 12).
For home decorators, the bathroom can be a great place to play around with original ideas. If you’re into colour, try “Ambiance Colors” for a lively, energizing, exotic, sunny, sensual or spicy atmosphere… Really flashy, from the soap-dish to the shower curtain ! To play it cool, opt for “Espace nature” : authentic, ethnic, a touch of amber and minerals, flowers and wood, greenery and wickerwork. For a blend of modernity and sobriety, “Esprit loft” proposes an architectural, rectilinear approach, transparency, perspectives and light. Which of the three suits you best ? Gelco Design, on sale from Galeries Lafayette, Cap 3000, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 07 47 27).
Its design instantly recalls the “X” typical of the folding army stool. “Sablier” has been specially made by Lafuma for the “D’Day” exhibition at the Centre Georges-Pompidou in Paris (until October 17th). Designer Yann Le Gal has added comfort to practicality : and the steel tube and canvas are easy to separate, so that cleaning and ultimately replacement will not pose any problem. www.lafuma.com.
The dictionary is adamant : a frame is something which enhances artworks by taking proportions and materials into account. As for pedestals, the aim is the same, though their function is to display objects in space while remaining as discreet as possible. Marie-Laure Duteil, who studied art history before working in a studio in Paris, has become an expert in the field. Atelier Duo, 5 impasse François-Blanc, Vallauris (06 16 90 34 98).
Of Franco-Swiss nationality, Emilie Favier lived in Geneva until 2003. Flowers and plants have always been her passion, though it was thanks to her “florist boss” that she persevered on her path. 3 years of apprenticeship gave her the bases and desire to succeed. Very quickly, Emilie decided to create her own firm, “a concept, not a boutique”. Flowers, OK, but also real contact with customers who order a composition, a bouquet, a setting. With her book under her arm, she seeks new clients, sketching new ideas on paper, making maquettes with artifical flowers. At present, she works in a tiny studio. Though she’s sure that her future lies in a showroom - flower-bedecked, of course ! 80-83 boulevard Henri-Sappia Nice (06 09 83 76 72).
Re-editing stage props is a new venture launched by Massant. The curtain rises at the Comédie Française on a series of seats that will remind theatre-goers of moments of high drama. The slightly wobbly “Tchekhov” bench for instance, designed by Jacques Gabel. Or the “Cyrano” stool, available in a range of trendy colours (seven in all, including flashy red and apple green). “Tchekhov” bench 1,500 €. “Cyrano” stool 375 €. Sales outlets 00 32 68 45 65 85.
Frank Lefebvre launched “Bleu Nature” in 1995. Since then, deadwood has followed his path. 2005 has been a year for new ideas : a more modern collection, more graphic, with “Krakal” as one of the stars. A lamp all in black with a theatrical allure, wildly contemporary ! Then there’s the “Crusoë” line for farniente and a line called “O”, rounded and geometric at the same time, halfway between the ’fifties and ’seventies. Bleu Nature, sales outlets 03 20 11 25 28.
Graduates of the Marseille Luminy school of architecture, Dominique Seni and Danièle Niccoletti share a “craftsmanship” approach to their work. They prefer to work in a team of two or three maximum on a given project so as to retain full mastery of its evolution. They have mostly opted for commissions in the public sector, as large-scale projects offer greater freedom of expression. Though the “Villa L.” at Roquebrune-sur-Argens is a superb example of their talent in the private sector. “It was a privileged encounter with a client who, like us, wanted to get off the beaten track.” Dominique Seni et Danièle Nicoletti, Le Plaisance, bâtiment B, 309 rue Victor-Raybaud Fréjus (04 94 40 19 21).
In its latest collection of tableware and vases called “Balcons du Guadalquivir”, Hermès has featured the famous wrought ironwork of Andalusian towns. It blends assertive design with the exuberance of dark red. Ideal for refined tables wanting a touch of baroque in spite of their modernity. To complete the effect, go for the total look with a bouquet in one of the matching vases ! Hermès, 8 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 93 87 75 03). C.O.
Only just launched, Corinne Piot’s on-line boutique pure-deco.com is already attracting professionals in search of vintage items, one of the four types of goods proposed by this native of Lyon, alongside design, the Zen approach and ethnic styles. Lampes Patel, Ice pop, designer pieces… Purebred shopping, as the objective here is clearly to present items rarely available except in Paris. In any event, a very promising start. www.pure-deco.com. N.F.
For the past 15 years, Italia Serramenti has specialized in the production of windows, skylights, French windows, sliding or standard doors, in PVC, wood and aluminium. Just another name on the market ? Don’t jump to hasty conclusions : in addition to real expertise in its field, the company offers competitive prices. Together with two proposals well worth noting : a combination of wood and aluminium, which ensures the warmth of the first and the solidity of the second, and a thermal solution which prevents condensation. The firm naturally extends its offerings to verandahs and automated shutters. Italia Serramenti, via Rossini, 9, Camporosso, Italie (00 39 0184 28 83 98). L.R.
One won’t go without the other : they complement each other and work binominally. Designer Eric Lopez and conceptualist Jacques Martinet have carried off a daunting challenge : to operate solely for the prestige end of the market, by commission and with exceptional custom-made items. They have a thing for fur, and this year’s novelty is mink carpets. Though they’re leaning more and more towards accessories. Eric Lopez delves into his imagination to invent bags, jewellery and stoles. Appartement à Louer, 01 48 76 73 08. Accessories on sale from Bellize, rue Garonne, Saint-Tropez (04 94 97 74 71).
Christian Tortu’s passion for flowers needs no introduction. Upright or suspended, his vases fly in the face of convention. For those with their head in the clouds, the designer suggests “Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, Venus, Pluto”…. Just one flower to set the scene ? It will be right at home in a glass bell. Christian Tortu, on sale from Galerie Romarine, 5 boulevard Aristide-Briand, Sainte-Maxime (04 94 49 29 06).
Lexon’s designers intend to keep their creations streamlined and sober. In the “Living” collection, the porcelain “Breaktime“ and “Mini Breaktime” table services are presented in wooden boxes. With “Ric Rac Coffee”, Marc Berthier sets his cups on a tray with matching handles. Lighting becomes fun. “Tykho bulb”, for example, in silicone and aluminium, proposes different hues. The white, battery-run “Dolmen led light” was dreamt up by M. Pulga and L. Artioli. Accessories that follow the leitmotiv : a purpose, a concept, a product. Lexon, on sale from Scandia, 103 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 63 82). And from Architecture Visuelle et Sonore, 10 avenue Paul-Guigou, Cannes (04 93 38 60 43).
The Manufacture de Monaco, already famous for its flair in the field of porcelain (ultra-white, translucent and hard), is innovating yet again. After its “E” and “D” lines, here comes a new range called “F”. Porcelain with a pearly effect, completely black or white and, as always, produced by hand to offer unique shapes and finishes. Since its creation in 1972, the company has always been at the spearhead of innovation. Manufacture de Monaco, 36 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 92 05 77 55).
