INTERVIEW WITH THE DESIGNERS
The Artistic Directors of DUCHATEL Biarritz reveal their sources of inspiration
"We have very eclectic tastes"
The Artistic Directors of DUCHATEL Biarritz reveal their sources of inspiration.
The Artistic Directors of DUCHATEL Biarritz reveal their sources of inspiration.
What are your references in terms of designers?
Poiret, Patou, and Chanel for the freedom of movement and the emancipation they offered to women, Cristóbal Balenciaga for the architectural aspect and sobriety, Pierre Cardin the visionary, and Yves Saint Laurent for the audacity, the artistic references, the androgyny, and his fascinating personality. Alexander McQueen was also a genius. Not to mention, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens. Nowadays, we admire Rabih Kayrouz for his work on lines, Haider Ackermann for the strength and sensitivity he gives to women, and The Row for the "timeless" spirit, the great modernity, and avant-gardism. But also Lucie and Luke Meier (Jil Sander) for the respect of the minimal DNA of the house, JW Anderson (Loewe) and Maria Grazia Chiuri (Dior).
For architecture and design, what are your influences? Your favorite designers?
We have very eclectic tastes. We love Art Deco, Bauhaus, the Memphis movement, Brazilian architects, and French designers from the 1950s and 1960s. Among our favorites: Madeleine Castaing, Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Jules Leleu, Eileen Gray, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Paulin, Oscar Niemeyer, Jorge Zalszupin, Gae Aulenti, Afra & Tobia Scrapa... The French scene of designers and decorators of the moment is very rich and interesting. The work of our young client Marta de la Rica is worth a look; her poetic style reflects timeless aristocratic elegance.
Places that inspire you?
London, Antwerp, Marrakech but also Paris for its museums (Bourdelle, Rodin...) and its galleries (Patrick Seguin, Yves Gastou, Chanel, Vallois, Carpenter Workshop Gallery...). Italy and Greece also inspire us a lot, without forgetting the Basque Country for its natural elegance, its character, its diversity, its culture and its "coolness". Finally, we dream of discovering Japan and its inspiring culture.
