Maison Balzac Flagship Store in Surry Hills, Sydney
"As this store is our very first and only one, I wanted it to be very personal, as if every customer was walking inside my own home. So I drew inspiration from my two favorite places: Le Corbusier private apartment in Paris which was restored and open to the public in 2019 and Salvador Dali's holiday home in the small fishing village of Cadaques in Spain. The curves, arches, colors are a mix of both of these architectural masterpieces."
"I wanted it to be very personal, as if every customer was walking inside my own home."
"Absolutely! It is the first time since I started the brand that I can see the entire collection in one place. Every single object is there, it tells our story in a very beautiful and articulate way. I find it easier to create new collections now!"
"Every single object is there, it tells our story in a very beautiful and articulate way."
Can this space tell us anything about your personal self?
"Yes! The size of the store is small which shows how humble my approach is to everything I do. It is colorful and happy which is an extension of my optimism toward life and everything in general! It is also welcoming and warm, exactly as I like homes and people."
"It felt to me that the entire world deserved to be entertained, surprised and amused the same way we would if we went to the circus with a child. It is the best way I found to take our mind off the current pandemic, even for a brief moment. I mean who isn't going to smile in front of a marble seal holding an incense stick on its nose?"
"It felt to me that the entire world deserved to be entertained, surprised and amused...It is the best way I found to take our mind off the current pandemic, even for a brief moment."
L to R: Ilona Catchall, Incense Sticks, Gaspard Vase
How does your interpretation of colour influence the creation of Maison Balzac’s products?
"'My exploration of colors is purely based on intuition. I choose Pantone colors that feel 'right' or 'interesting' as long as they work well with everything else that exists in the range already. This way, any product can be associated with any other and allow infinite possibilities. It's quite ironic because I only wear black clothes so there is a big contrast between what I feel comfortable with and my creative vision for Maison Balzac!"
"I choose Pantone colors that feel 'right' or 'interesting' as long as they work well with everything else that exists in the range already."
"I always start within myself. I close my eyes and bring myself back to the 80's, 90's and 2000's at home with my family. My mother and grandmother (Nadine and Jeanine Balzac) had a very particular taste for objects and interior and this inspires everything I do for my brand today. When I need to find new ideas I remember what object was in the kitchen cabinet or what we took for a picnic on the beach. My personal memories are the starting point of everything."
"My mother and grandmother (Nadine and Jeanine Balzac) had a very particular taste for objects and interior and this inspires everything I do for my brand today."
"I am extremely proud to have created our iconic Carafe & Glass! We brought this 20th century item back into fashion in 2017. The scent I am most addicted to is Sainte T, it is our best seller worldwide and seems to touch a lot of people's sensibilities."
L to R: Miel Carafe & Glass, Large Sainte T Candle
"I am a fearflyer so my favorite explorations are near where I live. Needless to say that the pandemic has not been painful for me in terms of travels! However I miss my family dearly so a trip to France would be top of my list."