Stepping contained in the doorways of Maison Diptyque, the brand new immersive house situated at 107 New Bond Road in London, you’ll perceive precisely why the luxurious French fragrance model has described it as ‘its most astonishing boutique’ thus far. The 400 sq m idea retailer is the sister location to a second Maison, not too long ago opened at 7 rue Duphot in Paris. Every evokes an architectural setting match for a ‘Parisian aesthete’, with no element too small to be celebrated and no nook left unconsidered. (I used to be lucky sufficient to preview each areas over the previous few weeks, and located myself wanting to maneuver proper in, instantly getting misplaced of their respective charms.)
On the floor, Diptyque wants little or no introduction. It’s most likely greatest identified for its home-fragrance candles, and perfumes, and immediately recognisable black and white oval-shaped branding with ‘dancing letters’ that may be present in essentially the most discerning of properties the world over. However, each of those new Maisons invite the customer to find the whole world of the model in nice depth, permitting the trajectory of its story, each previous and current, to be advised in full.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Diptyque)
Maison Diptyque London: lose your self on this immersive new dwelling
Based in 1961 by three artists (Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane Montadre-Gautrot and Yves Couselant), Diptyque started as an artist’s studio-cum-exhibition house within the fifth Arrondissement, Paris, displaying antiques and curiosities found on their travels. (Knox-Leet and Montadre-Gautrot, had beforehand joined forces to create a variety of materials for Liberty.) ‘We have been artists. We weren’t pushed by ambition, however fairly by ardour, creativeness, creativity and the will to do one thing with true integrity,’ Montadre-Gautrot as soon as mentioned.
The present CEO of Diptyque Fabienne Mauny naturally shares on this ethos. ‘The launch of Maisons Diptyque marks a brand new period, symbolising our dedication to broadening our nationwide and worldwide attain,’ she says. ‘Our new boutiques have been conceived as immersive areas that commemorate the artwork of dwelling, Diptyque-style. Because the world grows ever extra digitalised, these areas stand out as a result of they provide experiences which can be unique, sensual, intimate – briefly, something however standardised.’
The doorway at Maison Diptyque in London, which shows candles, fragrances, and extra
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Diptyque)
As such, Maison Diptyque is an element boutique and half cultural house; not solely has the model turned to up to date craftspeople to form its interiors, however it would additionally act as a hub for exhibitions, workshops and extra. The boutique contains stone tables from British sculptor Steven John Clark, a winding staircase adorned with iron wrought vine motifs by the Atelier de Forge, and a ceiling within the ‘providers space’ by Claire Coles, who has made a form of botanical Sistine Chapel, with paint, embroidery and gold leaf referencing the work of William Morris (one of many Diptyque founders’ most enduring inspirations).
The cultural house, named ‘The Ephemeral House and Heritage Gallery’, is curated in collaboration with the founding father of Colette, Sarah Andelman. Presently, it pays homage to Café Verlet, with a espresso and pastry bar. It will quickly be adopted by a collaboration with Villa Noailles, the up to date artwork centre in Hyères, France; an exhibition of the sculptor Cyril Lancelin in September 2024; and on the finish of the yr, British up to date artist Lucy Sparrow will showcase her felt trompe-l’œil creations at a ‘pop-art-inspired’ Christmas market.
Maison Diptyque London is contained inside a Georgian-era townhouse in Mayfair
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Diptyque)
The journey by way of the Maison begins on the entrance, with partitions of candles and fragrances chronicling each scent you’ll be able to think about: from Feu de Bois to Tam Dao.
Ascending the staircase reveals ‘The Bathing Salon’ with skincare, bathtub and physique merchandise, from exhausting soaps at hand lotions. (It’s troublesome to choose a favorite side of the boutique, as it’s nearly overwhelmingly stunning. However, if I have been to play favourites, The Bathing Salon could be the one.) An ode to the artwork of English and French horticulture, a Thirties artwork deco couch sits beside a travertine basin with fine-gold swan faucets, and a copper bathtub is illuminated with stained-glass panels in shades of verdant inexperienced made by Studio Virtrail Bianconi. (The Maison in Paris additionally has the identical stained glass characteristic.)
‘[Maisons Diptyque] exemplify our dedication to experience, as evidenced each by our personal expertise within the creation of perfumes and by these of the artisans and artists who contribute to our universe,’ continues Fabienne Mauny. ‘Enriching the shopper expertise is central to this initiative – a reminder that relating to the conception of its boutiques, Diptyque stays trustworthy to its disruptive, poetic imaginative and prescient.’
Maison Diptyque London is open now, situated at 107 New Bond Road, W1S 1RR. Maison Diptque Paris is situated at 7 Rue Duphot, 75001 Paris, France.
diptyqueparis.com
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