When we founded Invisible Collection, we envisioned it as a strong link between the heritage of arts décoratifs and the contemporary French aesthetic — this subtle mix of elegance and poetry, artisanal details, a taste for harmony, a little classicism and sobriety, and a touch of mystery too… Hard to explain, yet self-evident when you see it. This aesthetic we champion through our curation of collectible designs is now embodied in our residences, exclusive properties where we take on the role of ensemblier, bringing together a full décor, from furniture to furnishings and artworks, in a harmonious ensemble. Each home curated by Invisible Collection has its own identity and character, inspired as much by the culture and history of its surroundings as by a distinct aesthetic vision. If a penthouse in the Steinway Tower calls for grand decorative gestures and a loft in a Lower Manhattan industrial building is best suited to bold, sculptural furniture, a Parisian apartment on the Rive Gauche will inspire a warmer yet sophisticated touch. For the Beaux-Arts Residence, our signature French aesthetic is on full display. Nestled in a storied building close to boulevard Saint-Germain, and a stone’s throw from the Beaux-Arts academy, this elegant apartment was entirely renovated by Pierre Lacroix.
The AD 100 honoree brought his architectural vision to the space by enhancing volumes and circulation while preserving the 19th-century architectural shell and its most significant original elements, including a marble fireplace and a finely decorated arched structure with original plaster motifs and exposed supporting columns, creating a subtle divide between the living and dining areas. The floors, too, evoke France’s past splendors with their unmistakable Versailles parquet, adding a storied patina full of charm. Against this historic backdrop, Invisible Collection’s curation of furniture injects a crisp, modern feel into the décor. The inviting, undulating silhouettes of sofas and armchairs are counterbalanced by bold pieces in brushed steel. The bedrooms feature wood paneling and handmade brass sconces, adding depth and warmth. The geometric motifs adorning the ultra-plush rugs play with the intricate squares and diamond shapes of the Versailles floor. A few re-editions by Pierre Chareau and Pierre Chapo dot the space, in dialogue with fascinating objets d’art from l’Œil de KO. Â
The tone is set from the entryway, an airy corridor marked by a vintage tile pattern on the floor known as cabochon. Just two stunning elements there: a simple bench in brushed steel and a large round mirror in the same material, flanked by Chareau’s double block lamps in white alabaster. The vast living area — where the seamless continuity between the dining and living rooms is subtly interrupted by the presence of supporting columns decorated with the same motifs as the ceiling —anchors the apartment. A stunning table in brushed steel is complemented by Willy Rizzo’s metal chairs; the imposing Doucet sofa, dressed in a soft brown Dedar velvet, stands opposite vintage Danish armchairs and a lovely Pierre Chapo stool, all placed around a one-of-a-kind coffee table by Pierre Bonnefille. In this sophisticated setting, the original marble fireplace on one side finds an ultra-contemporary counterpoint in the fascinating custom-made fireplace in gilded brass, its rectangular structure looking from afar like a Rothko painting.Â
The three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms each feature a different bespoke headboard in wood and bespoke sconces — beautiful brass lights from Maison Intègre. No detail was spared: even the bedding is custom-made, as the mattresses were specially crafted by the artisans of Lit National. The eye-catching Versailles parquet is enhanced by bespoke rugs in light earthy tones. The objets d’art specially handpicked from l’Œil de KO add an extra layer of meaning and intention to the overall décor. This is our idea of a collector’s home. And our definition of Parisian chic.Â
