Fashion and Interiors: Jean Paul Gaultier for Lelievre
Home collections tapping leading international fashion brands for zest may have started in 1989 at textile house Lelievre with an excusive line of Rochas fabrics. But collaborative success really began years later with Kenzo Maison and the launch of the home accessories collection, which included ready-made curtains, throws, cushions and rugs.
“The benefit is for both companies, mainly in style but also in all other areas like image and communication,” says Patrick Lelievre, chairman of Lelievre, a 99-year-old, Paris-based company. Lelievre chooses their partners thoughtfully, seeking internationally recognized brands clearly interested in the promotion of both companies. Good relationships from the start—management, style, image, and PR teams—is integral.
“A fashion company is looking for more royalties and we are looking for products that will be a success in the decorative world. It can make cooperation difficult,” says Lelievre. But worthwhile, enabling both companies to show a different aspect of their savoir faire, he says.
In 2010 Lelievre partnered with Sonia Rykiel followed by Jean-Paul Gaultier in 2012—the latter designer’s first ever line of fabrics was released at the end of the year.
“Lelievre gives ideas of quality and Sonia Rykiel and Jean Paul Gaultier select designs based on strong images of what people imagine are the signatures of their fashion brands,” says Lelievre. The next step is to select colors together, ones that appeal to the fashion brands but can also adapt to decorative needs.
The chairman’s prediction: “My feeling is that decorative fabric will find a part of its inspiration in fashion and will most of the time follow fashion rather than influence fashion.” Whoever takes the lead, we’re in.
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