Invisible Collection presents “In the Mood for Love,” Sandra Benhamou’s first solo exhibition in the UK. The French interior architect and designer taps into her roots as a set designer to create an experiential setting imbued with a cinematic atmosphere, inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s unforgettable film. Invisible Collection’s gallery becomes a sophisticated, evocative setting where every detail—from color palettes to artworks—has been carefully conceived to complement Sandra’s beautiful, lush designs, alongside vintage pieces and a curated selection of furniture and objects from Invisible Collection. It has been 25 years since In the Mood for Love hit theaters, leaving an enduring mark on cinephiles’ hearts and minds. With this exhibition, Sandra Benhamou seeks to recapture that dreamy, nostalgic feeling: “The memory of a pattern, a journey, a meeting, a scent, a reflection. The delicacy of a curve—nape, shoulder, profile. In the dim light, fleeting moments of brightness, an elusive softness, a warmth from elsewhere, a silence, a few notes linger…” Using a painting by Gideon Rubin and her impressions from Wong Kar-wai’s film as a starting point, Sandra has brought to life a landscape of gentle hues and bold lines—a landscape that seems to have traveled across the world and through time. Textiles, wood, and metals engage in dialogue, respecting one another and merging in harmony as one.
This is not the first time Sandra Benhamou has drawn from Hollywood’s imagery for inspiration. Before entering the world of architecture and interior decoration, she worked as a set designer in the film industry, learning all the secrets of fantastic décors and make-believe. A keen art collector and passionate globetrotter, she infuses all her projects with a sense of story and soul, anchored to her Italo-Tunisian roots and the decade spent in New York City. Working closely with skillful artisans who understand her vision and materialize it, Sandra brings warmth, light, and energy to every place and object she designs. For her first UK show, the AD100 honoree played many roles—from designer to curator, scenographer, and ensemblier—bringing together complementary elements from a variety of sources to create a unified, harmonious space. Sandra didn’t just use her own creations but included works from multiple artists, artisans, and designers, carefully selecting and combining these diverse pieces.
Different atmospheres punctuate the gallery’s ground floor, from an elegant dining room to cosy nooks and a sultry living room, each space evoking a sense of soft nostalgia and warm vibes. As in a film cutting between two characters to create continuity and interaction, Sandra seamlessly pairs varied elements set in dialogue. Highlights from the exhibition include the wonderfully glamorous Dolly armchairs, sofa, and ottomans dressed in Dedar, alongside a sophisticated liquor cabinet filled with lovely objects from Baccarat. The elegant dining table paired with vintage Josef Frank chairs is decorated with exclusive pieces by Donald Judd x Puiforcat. A unique coffee table by Pierre Bonnefille and a hand-painted screen by Marion Stora in collaboration with Pierre Bonnefille add a textured note to the smooth palette of soft colors. A fascinating painting by Beau Gabriel resonates with another intriguing artwork by Gideon Rubin, the latter from Sandra’s own art collection. Diurne rugs in muted colors become canvases of blues, beiges, and greens anchoring the furniture, including a backgammon table specially designed for this exhibition. A selection of rare objects from l’Oeil de KO, elegantly placed throughout the space, adds a new layer of subtle sophistication.
In the Mood for Love by Sandra Benhamou is now on view at Invisible Collection London and will remain open until the end of June. Book your appointment and browse the entire collection, available exclusively through us.
