“A bit of the eternal, or at least of the durable, had entered into the composition of this ephemeral.” With this famous quote, Marcel Proust reminds us that, however transient, memories, feelings, and even the experience of beautiful design can leave a lasting impact on our lives. This is the starting point of Making Memories, a special exhibition curated by Invisible Collection in celebration of Paris Design Week. Set in the magical salons of Féau Boiseries, the backdrop itself becomes an essential part of the show—a space filled with decorative treasures that serve as mementos of France’s splendid cultural past. As we continue to build bridges between the past—specifically the Arts Décoratifs tradition—and the present by introducing a new generation of talents, we bring forth this new contemporary French aesthetic that has become Invisible Collection’s signature. Making Memories invites visitors not only to experience Invisible Collection designs in person, but to discover memorable pieces that can be cherished, collected, and passed on.
But first, a few words on Féau Boiseries: Boasting the world’s most important private collection of boiseries, antique panels, and decorating schemes, Féau Boiseries has become the reference point for those seeking unique savoir-faire for their projects. Whether it’s a custom reproduction, a revisitation of existing styles, or an original piece, siblings Guillaume and Angélique Féau, and their team, assist the most renowned architects and interior decorators in creating the perfect setting for their clients’ art and design collections.
A treasure trove of inspiration, as well as the ultimate laboratory for bespoke decorative creations, Féau Boiseries shares with Invisible Collection the same passion and savoir-faire in bringing to life the unique interiors that art and design collectors dream of. Oozing lavishness and grandeur, the Féau salons encompass the opulence of Versailles, the delicacy of intricate chinoiseries, and the elegance of decorating schemes imagined by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
Everywhere one looks, there is a treasure to be discovered, from the hand-painted panels that graced the music room of Chopin’s apartment, to sophisticated doors commissioned by Jeanne Lanvin, and boiseries that inspired the late Karl Lagerfeld and Peter Marino.
In this dream-like setting, Invisible Collection brings together the ultra-contemporary designs of many talented stars. Highlights include the playful armchairs of Pietro Franceschini, the streamlined elegance of furniture by Charlotte Biltgen, a nod to late eighteenth-century French style by Leo Sentou, the curved grace of the seating by Garcé & Dimofski, and much more. Alongside new pieces from Laclaux—including the lovely Baci Chair in two shades of red—we play with scale and proportion, pairing the oversized, sculptural Tosi armchair by Thierry Lemaire with Assieds-Toii’s darling Mushroom Stools dressed in eye-catching fabrics.
The jewel-like Mirra Side Table by Hamrei shines next to the whimsical Basket Bar by Mayaro Editions. The elegant Yumi Sofa—designed by Studioparisien x Philippe Hurel—finds its match with the Hug Armchair by Fleur Delesalle in a display enlivened by Osanna Visconti’s Fiore Side Table in bronze. The museum-worthy Giraffe chairs by Juliana Lima Vasconcellos dot the space, now available in a new iteration in natural oak.
Vintage designs from Crosta Smith Gallery and Norki seamlessly integrate into the decor, interacting with timeless objects and bespoke creations from Les Maisons d’Art pour la Mode et la Décoration, the specialty creators housed at le19M, Chanel’s hub of savoir-faire in Paris. Alongside a unique Cabinet designed by Susanne Agron, first unveiled at the Salon d’Automne in 1927, we pay homage to the great Pierre Chareau by displaying two of his iconic pieces, the Fan Table and the Ashtray Table reissued by Galerie MCDE. Combining industrial materials with traditional craftsmanship, these two designs are a feat of flexibility and practicality and, ultimately, an ode to sophistication.
The same idea of sophistication is found in the special pieces crafted by Goossens, one of the specialty creators from le19M. Gilded chandeliers in gold and rock crystal, alongside exquisite trinkets and objects conceived by Louis Goossens himself, when he worked hand in hand with Coco Chanel.
A special curation of artworks complements the overall décor, contemporary pieces handpicked by Docent, the AI-powered art recommendation app.
“It’s both a humbling and empowering experience to stage our iconic designs at Féau Boiseries,” says Invisible Collection’s co-founder Isabelle Dubern Mallevays. The works of Frank and Ruhlmann, alongside unique décors commissioned by France’s kings, Chopin, or Jeanne Lanvin, become one with contemporary furniture pieces created by today’s brightest talents who are part of Invisible Collection. Making Memories is about experiencing something beautiful and soulful that everyone can understand and appreciate, from the exquisite craftsmanship to the timeless quality and relevance of each piece.”
Making Memories will be open by appointment only during Paris Design Week and until 30 September. Book your visit to experience it in person and discover the full list of designs available exclusively on Invisible Collection.
