Even before Christian Dior founded his luxury fashion house, he dreamt of operating it from the historic Paris complex.
After going through renovations for two years, Dior’s Paris headquarters is now open.
Since Christian Dior founded the French house in 1945, it’s been the band’s home due to the designer’s love for Hôtel Particulier’s distinct architecture. In fact, when the designer was walking through Avenue Montaigne and saw the building, he told artist Pierre Colle, “if one day I have my own [atelier], it will be here.”
Architect Peter Marino modeled the makeover. For the 108,000-square-foot space, Marino wanted to merge the historic building’s existing details with modern materials. He also paid tribute to Dior’s love for nature and flowers. “We all need to be happy, and what is a more universal symbol of happiness—dating back to Eden—than a garden? It is a positive symbol in all cultures, in Africa, in Indonesia, in China,” Marino told Architectural Digest.
Influenced by art
In effect, there are three gardens within the space designed by landscape artist Peter Witz. Art, something that heavily influences Marino, was also a large part of the interiors’ finishing. Pieces by artists Jennifer Steinkamp, Isa Genzken, Paul Cocksedge, and even a borrowed painting by Picasso decorate the various aspects of 30 Montaigne.
“I visit 50 galleries a week; I work with artists, I have my own foundation… Art is my inspiration. But the inspiration of artists, where does it come from? How do artists think? They think outside the ordinary, always far, far away from the ordinary,” Marino said.
Napoleon’s son initially built the building in 1865. Now, 157 years later, the luxury house has re-opened its doors and invites the public to experience a space that’s “like no other in the world.”
Photos courtesy of Dior.
