The latest Van Clef & Arpels boutique in Paris’ Place Vendome constitutes a witty wink at the grandeur of France’s ancient regime. In the firm Jouin Manku’s hands, wrought-iron latticework and hand-carved boiserie meets CNC-milled limestone and engineered solid surfaces. The color palette–white, cream, beige, gray, brown, and gold–is used in unexpected ways, such as plaster walls that resemble linen and a laminated plastic table top that resembles lacquered wood.
The staircase’s limestone pieces are held together by internal steel cable. Enlarged parquet flooring is at once traditional and modern.
Photographer
Eric Laignel