Thomas Montier Leboucher and Iris de La Villardière, the design duo and the co-founders of the French fine jewelry brand, Viltier, opened their showroom in Paris in a former art gallery on the city’s Left Bank. The newly designed space embodies the aesthetic synonymous with the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, known for timeless, casual luxury and classic Parisian elegance.
The founders tapped notable interior designer, Fanny Perrier of Studio Perrier, to bring their vision to life. The Viltier salon was inspired by the iconic decors of interior designers David Hicks and François Catroux, evoking 1970s eccentricity. Bright colors and cheerful touches include a mirrored wall, a stainless-steel fireplace, and the juxtaposition of antique and modern furnishings.
De La Villardière described a plan for the space that was simple, reasonable, yet bold.
“The idea was to create a space for all things beautiful,” she said. “A place that fully brought Viltier to life where we could showcase our creations while simultaneously acting as a platform to share art and objects we love and are inspired by with the people who walk in our doors. The new salon truly embodies who we are with its timeless yet modern design. We are thrilled to have this new destination to welcome clients and guests.”
To achieve these goals, the showroom features white lacquered walls and a lacquered ceiling completed with a custom mahogany wood frame. The made-to-measure vitrines and coffee table were crafted by local artisans using the same mahogany wood. Standout furniture highlights include a marble console from Porta Romana, a zebra print curule chair from Madeleine Castaing and a 20th century low chair inlayed with mother-of-pearl from Alain Demachy at Galerie Bellechasse29. The Dior Plissé couches in Viltier’s signature yellow hue were sourced from Baker Furniture and re-upholstered using fabric from Pierre Frey.
The fabric used for the curtains came from Dedar, a multi-generation family-owned business located in Lake Como that specializes in high-end textiles. The lighting fixtures are from Maison Charles.
While the décor and furnishings are well-crafted and luxurious, co-founder Montier Leboucher emphasized that another goal of the space is to be comfortable and relaxing for their clients.
“We wanted the showroom to feel inviting and personal as if you were walking into our home and to eliminate any intimidation factor often associated with jewelry,” he said. “Very similar to our designs, the space was created by local artisans with all its elements meticulously handcrafted in Paris.”
Montier Leboucher and de La Villardière, have plans to rotate and showcase different artwork in the space, honoring its original roots as a gallery. Currently on display is a painting by Serge Poliakoff from Galerie Dina Vierny. In addition, three original dishes from Pablo Picasso showcased on the mirrored wall are courtesy of famed silversmith Atelier Hugo, whom Picasso personally commissioned to do work. Two sculptures in the space are original Picassos, constructed from 23k gold, and again presented by Atelier Hugo. An important hammered copper pot with bronze handles and a floral motif created in 1905 by German sculptor Ludwig Vierthaler is on display in the showroom from Alb Anitquités.
The Viltier showroom is located at 46 rue de Verneuil – 75007 and is open weekly Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends by appointment.