Christophe Pillet
Irresistible Mediterranean Chic
Christophe Pillet presented his work at Belgrade Design Week
Grazia Serbia, fashion and lifestyle magazine, August 2013
By Katarina Markovic
Basking in light and air, the atmosphere at the Sezz design boutique hotel in Saint-Tropez, a work of the celebrated French designer Christophe Pillet, is a symbol of an ultimate luxurious vacation, a resort paradise perfect for relaxation.
Seduction is the mission he accomplishes over and over with each new project! That is why the name of French designer Christophe Pillet is tied to the best brands and exceptional projects that call for creative expression. Giving a very inspiring speech at the Belgrade Design Week this year, he explained that today, we focus on „emotional content of the product“. When consuming, we value experience and the possibility to feel better thanks to good design, and to view ourselves as more beautiful, glamorous, successful - whether our needs are related to fashion, architecture, interior design... In all the segments of his work Pillet follows the same principles.
He is expected to tell a story and translate it into a space, a product design, in a simple, accessible way. He doesn’t believe in absolute originality - he is focused on good life and optimism. He searches for a smile in an ambience and his interiors always expand into the outdoors. These are open spaces which function and are experienced as a whole! He says that what he creates is more of a scenery than architecture, in fact, he creates a kind of a movie starring impressions, smells, sounds, memories, feelings, more than the mere visual effect.
He told one such story on a beautiful French Riviera in a former fishing village which – being a getaway for artists such as Jean-Paul Sartre or Pablo Picasso, sexy cinema beauties like Brigitte Bardot (who became a local icon), obscenely rich world oligarchs and sport and show business stars - has earned a reputation of a fashionable destination. That’s right, it’s Saint-Tropez, the elite resort on the Côte d’Azur, with a cluster of glittering yachts - an infallible part of the landscape.
At the heart of the city there is a new attraction, a luxurious design boutique hotel Sezz, which is his second collaboration with the famous hotelier Shahé Kalaidjian, with whom, back in 2005, he created the first Sezz hotel, a combination of contemporary design and the latest technology, in the Parisean 16th arrondissement. This was the beginning of a new concept, a development of a new language translated from an urban style to an expression of discreet, but complete relaxation, at this Saint-Tropez fivestar hotel of the same name. The story of the Mediterranean is timeless and irresistible and it’s no wonder the fascination with this pleasant place and its moderate climate never ceases to inspire. How can one translate its typical lightness of being and bring its vivacity, its brightness and infinite charm into a space and depict the story in a simple way?
For Pillet, this obviously was no difficult task when he designed a 2000m2 hotel with 35 rooms of different sizes (Cocoon, Bungalow, Cocoon Plunge) open to terraces and separate yards and two villas with private pools. A gorgeous "Garden of Eden" with central pool is a mix of lavish vegetation (pine, olive and palms) and balance, abundance and simplicity. Due to the concept of the space, guests can feel the scent of salty water and a warm breeze from their bed or bathroom. Pillet’s touch is visible in every aspect of design, the hotel is furnished with exceptional pieces he designed for prestigious international brands such as Emeco, Porro, Oluce, Mazzega, Varaschin, Fantini, Boffi, Duravit…
Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, filled with charm of nostalgia and warm atmosphere, attracts quests with its absolutely magnetic appeal. There is another reason for this: a Dom Pérignon bar and an exceptional spa center launched in partnership with Payot.
Portrait of the architect of hedonism
Searching for a new approach to design, Christophe Pillet began his career in the eighties in Italy, after graduating from the Domus Academy in Milan. Upon returning to Paris he helped develop Philippe Starck’s agency, and in 1993 he established his own agency, receiving the "Designer of the year" nomination during a furniture show. The work of this award-winning designer ranges from architecture, to product design and furniture, to many art forms... He redesigned the Lancel boutiques in France and around the world, designed hotels and restaurants like Maison Blanche in Casablanca, Guilo Guilo in Paris, conceptualized the Renault stand for international car shows... The range and versatility of his international projects is fascinating. Whether he is working as design director at Lacoste, collaborating with fashion celebrities (Catherine Malandrino and John Richmond) or holding a long-term position at Driade, Cappellini and Emu, „his distinguished interpretations demonstrate a style that is very chic“, and are characterized by sophistication, precision and rigidity.
