Sophie Lou Jacobsen x De Gournay
Designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen will unveil her brilliant new collection of glass object “Tulipa” in collaboration with heritage wallpaper brand De Gournay at the 2024 London Design Festival. From September 19th to mid-October, this highly anticipated showcase will transform De Gournay’s showroom into an enchanting environment that seamlessly merges historical references with contemporary design sensibilities.
Building on the success of her “Giardino Segreto” (Secret Garden) series of floral-patterned vases and candle holders launched in May 2023, Sophie has created an expanded collection called “Tulipa” as an homage to De Gournay's famous Chinoiserie wallpapers. The new pieces include a dazzling array of vases, wall sconces, pendant lights, and mirrors, all produced with the designer’s meticulous attention to detail and respect for handcrafted techniques.
“This collection is an extension of Giardino Segreto, seen through the lens of De Gournay’s rich heritage. I’ve pushed the collection further - adding color, new shapes, larger pieces, as well as new typologies in the form of lighting, mirrors, and wall sconces. It has been an opportunity to develop the collection into a much larger series and experiment with how the language of design can evolve and transform.”
explains Sophie.
De Gournay, celebrated worldwide for its commitment to preserving and elevating traditional craftsmanship, provides the perfect setting for the designer’s innovative creations. The brand’s hand-painted and embroidered silk wallpapers serve as both inspiration and counterpoint to the contemporary glass pieces, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Together, they have worked with De Gournay’s in-house design team to create immersive environments evoking the spirit of Pauline de Rothschild’s famous Chinoiserie rooms while nodding to early 20th-century European salons. By incorporating furniture and decor from the 18th and 19th centuries from De Gournay’s archives, they have created a truly transporting experience.
“When I first discovered De Gournay’s showroom in London, I immediately thought of Christopher. His expertise in historical furniture perfectly complements the research and references I incorporate into my own design process. We’ve drawn from De Gournay’s existing archives of furniture and objects to create a truly transporting experience.”
shares Sophie.
The creative process for this collection involved a deep dive into the cultural exchanges and design movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“I closely examined the fascination with Oriental craftsmanship during this period, as well as Art Deco environments. It’s fascinating to discover recurring motifs across different movements and decades, reimagining how these references can be integrated into contemporary spaces.”
explains Sophie.
The collection showcases Sophie Lou Jacobsen’s ability to push the boundaries of glassblowing techniques, translating forms traditionally associated with ceramics and porcelain through the delicate medium of glass.
“Many of the shapes that inspired this collection seem simple because we are used to seeing them in other materials. Recreating them in glass presents unique challenges that I was fortunate to overcome alongside my incredibly talented glassblower, Adam Holtzinger of Keep Brooklyn.”
notes Sophie.
Visitors to the De Gournay showroom during the London Design Festival will discover a harmonious blend of classic forms boldly reimagined by the designer and De Gournay’s meticulously crafted wallpapers.
“De Gournay and I share a deep appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and the history of decorative arts. This collaboration has been an opportunity to present my work alongside a company that truly values and preserves almost lost artistic techniques. It has been a perfect match of vision and design values.”
reflects Sophie.
Sophie Lou Jacobsen @sophieloujacobsen
www.sophieloujacobsen.com
De Gournay @degournay
www.degournay.com
Pictures- Marco Galloway @marco_galloway
William Jess Laird @william.jess.laird
Jen Steele @jensteele