Lison De Caunes

Background

After studying at the Union centrale des Arts décoratifs, an academy for fine arts specializing in decorative arts, Lison de Caunes dedicated herself to the art of straw marquetry, continuing the tradition of her grandfather, the renowned decorator André Groult. Establishing herself as the undisputed specialist of straw marquetery, Lison has revived this poetic practice and taken it to new heights. Her expertise includes restoring rare furniture pieces and objects spanning various periods, from the 17th century to Art Deco. In 2015, she launched Lison de Caunes Créations, her eponymous line of straw marquetry furniture. Alongside the work in the atelier, she has organized several exhibitions, written books on straw marquetry, and participated in numerous events to shine a light on this humble yet luxurious material, which brings a shimmering touch to contemporary furniture. Her company is the recipient of the EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) label, which distinguishes heritage brands that preserve traditional craftsmanship.  

Signature Style

Regarded as a trailblazer, Lison de Caunes has been leaving an indelible mark in her field of expertise. In addition to breathing new life into antique masterpieces, she has innovated straw marquetry techniques by incorporating bookbinder’s tools and blending straw with other materials, such as gold leaf, or mother-of-pearl. Her distinctive style encompasses the use of vibrant colours, poetic patterns and material effects that have become her hallmark. 

Showstoppers

In collaboration with interior designers and architects, Lison de Caunes is sought after for her expertise in creating bespoke pieces, including objects, wall panels, and minimalist lighting in straw marquetry.  Her exceptional creations and customized straw marquetry panels are displayed inside the iconic flagships of Guerlain, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.  

Glenn Sestig

Background

Glenn Sestig graduated from the famed Henri Van De Velde institute in Antwerp and collaborated with other designers, architects and artists before setting up his own studio, after a couple of brief internships, in 1997. This spirit of interdisciplinarity and openness continued in his independent practice and his relationship with his clients. “I learned much more about my craft through my own practice than during my training as I started accepting private commissions quite early,” says the Belgian architect. Distinguished creative professionals such as fashion designer Raf Simons and artist Luc Tuymans, flock to his studio with their commissions. From the beginning, Glenn has worked with his life and business partner artist Bernard Tournemenne, creative director at Glenn Sestig Architects, who is primarily dedicated to developing atmospheric palettes of textures, colors, and tones.   

Signature Style

Glenn’s approach favours subtle spatial luxury, calm, clean forms, material honesty and minimalist and modernist influences. “Belgium’s 20th century architecture heritage, my world travels and my keen eye for culture that goes far beyond the borders of the architecture discipline, all inform my designs. They are elements that have come to define my professional path and hefty creative body of work, which balances perfectly the tightrope between function and art.” Explains Sestig. The vertical and horizontal lines are grand, but never too grand. Nothing is exaggerated yet this is not minimalism, there is less where necessary and more when right. Everything is considered and ideas are refined to the point of perfection. His palette of travertine, stone or concrete is always balanced with the polish of glass or lacquer, bold statements are paired with the right amount of space. Each project is developed as a response to every individual client, context, brief and typology, and therefore moulded according to different needs. The methodology is always the same, springing from the Modernist adage ‘form follows function’, then applying volume, texture and emotion to a painstakingly drawn floorplan. This highly project-specific layering is an innately creative process for Sestig. Consolidating an array of influences and always led by the compass of architectural functionality, his spaces vary widely from bright to dark, light to heavy and from contemporary to heritage-led designs: “I put feeling and compositional flair to the fore, rather than the hard facts of a commission.”   

Showstoppers

The Beausoleil Collection in collaboration with Lison de Caunes, a limited edition of timeless pieces in wood and straw marquetry. The Tennessee collection of lighting fixtures that combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest LED technology, produced by Ozone. Blending architectural clarity with geometric décor, the offering ranges from hanging ceiling fixtures of varied sizes, to sconce lights.