There’s plenty of ways to achieve a look of luxury at home, and taking cues from the world’s oldest fine leather goods house is just one of them.
Established in Brussels in 1829, Delvaux has been around for nearly two centuries and takes credit for creating today’s modern handbag.
The Belgian maison recently opened its first American store in no other than the Upper East Side’s Fifth Avenue, occupying two storeys in the historic Sherry-Netherland building that formerly housed the antiques gallery A La Vieille Russie.
As with its stores in London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo and Beijing, the New York location is designed with a look of its own. Built by architecture firm Vudafieri Saverino Partners, working closely with Delvaux CEO Jean-Marc Loubier, the store takes heavy inspiration from the Decorative Arts.
Gris des Ardennes marble floors, Emiel Veranneman tables, as well as leather cutting tools from Delvaux’s Brussels atelier greet shoppers upon entrance. The spiral staircase has been customised with colours of the Belgian flag on its risers as well as a restored balustrade. An antique chandelier has also been installed, formerly used in a Flemish church.
The upper level’s all-velvet lounge enjoys views of Central Park, and features restored Versailles parquet and an 18th-century Régence table once owned by financier George Jay Gould I. Elegant chests of drawers by Veranneman also fill the space.
Christina Zeller, a former model who over the years has worked for the late Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Lanvin and Dejac, started with Delvaux as product and image director; today, she heads the brand as artistic director. We chat with Zeller for a few tips on Delvaux-inspired home decorating, as well as her own picks for art in the home.
Tell us more about the design inspiration behind Delvaux’s New York store.
Our boutique concept is based on the Decorative Arts, which were created to combine function and beauty – from a central lamp once owned by a Flemish church, to Veranneman’s chest of drawers and the beautiful ‘Régence’ table.
The location of our boutiques are key. Facing Central Park, and being next to iconic landmarks such as MoMA, the MET and the Apple Store, it’s the ideal location for Delvaux’s first-ever store in the USA.
What’s your favourite piece in the New York flagship?
That’s a difficult question. I think my favourite decorative element is probably the chest of drawers from the Belgian designer Emiel Veranneman. This design piece is elegant, architectural and modern, and stands out perfectly in our VIP room.
Delvaux purses rest on an Emiel Veranneman-designed chest of drawers Any decorating tips for homeowners aspiring to recreate Delvaux’s interior look at home?
Delvaux is about paradoxes. Play with tradition and innovation, history and contemporary all at the same time. Add a whimsical touch.
Our Belgian origins are also present in every boutique. We take a lot of inspiration from Flemish design and architecture.
What type of art do you like collecting and how do you display these in your own home?
I love art and design! I love Japanese art, especially Samurai’s armors; as well as tribal art, and contemporary art.
One of my recent purchases is a portrait by the photographer Romina Ressia. Her photographical portraits are full of paradoxes and a nod to surrealism, which I love.
What’s your favourite decorative furniture or piece of art in your own home?
I love the conversation between my 18th-century Samurai armor and the contemporary pair of sconces from Hervé van der Straeten. I enjoy combining unexpected and eclectic things.
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