Paths crossed
Auteur : Ariane | 05-15-2010
I met Stephanie Doligez in 2007 when she worked for Studio Andrée Putman. I was fortunate enough, along with the Atelier Martin Berger, to collaborate with her on several projects for which she was responsible. At the studio, it’s like one big family. As such, everyone, from the stylist to the project manager, is emotionally invested and takes a great interest in ongoing projects.
Two-story apartment, Brussels - View of helical staircase
Stephanie and I collaborated on, among others, a two-story apartment in Brussels and while exchanging ideas and their feasibility throughout several months, we inevitably ended up talking about our personal lives – it’s only human! Over time we discovered that we both have three daughters each about the same age whose personalities seemed quite similar mainly due to the fact that their parents all work in the same artistic fields!
Staircase steps and banister in Wengé
Wallcovering the pool room by Pietra Serena
Since then Stephanie decided to resign from the Studio Andrée Putman to start her own agency with new projects. Our professional relationship continues on today. This young woman is like no other, not only because she has decided to go it alone but because of the network she has built throughout the years. She is the visionary of the project – it’s obvious, she’s full of ideas – equally endowed with a true understanding of project requirements.
What is it that inspires you to start any particular project ?
For individuals (private customers), it’s that initial impression or feeling that I have with the client(s) that inspires me. I first need to imagine the client evolving in this particular space.
For public spaces – hotels, spas, and boutiques – I try to imagine myself as a prospective client entering this specific place. Sometimes this requires a lot of imagination. Anne Fontaine’s Spa, for example, at rue Saint-Honoré used to be a cold, humid basement!
Anna Fontaine Spa Entrance, Rue St Honoré : playing with volume and colored lights
Anne Fontaine changing room: The ultra chic !
Aesthetically, I look for that common thread, a concept that I further develop with the client according to his or her wishes. I than adapt it while keeping in mind any possible technical and functional constraints. Our role, as a designer, is to make it beautiful but also functional.
What made you decided to work in the fields of design and décor?
It’s clear!
I have always been hands-on and I always loved the touch of fabrics and materials. I started early with my Barbie dolls. I used to make their homes beautiful, even drawing up blueprints!
I initially wanted to be a stylist but today I have no regrets. I love my job!
Relationships with people are much more important in interior architecture than in the fashion design industry. It is much more personal: I almost play the role of a psychologist!
Pool at the Bayerishcher Hof in Munich : Entirely redone in a blue mosaic with little mirrors - The structure's poles have also become lanterns.
What did you learn from your experiences with Jean Nouvel and Andrée Putman?
To work for someone you admire is, in itself, enriching!
I had this chance when working with Jean Nouvel and Andrée Putman.
Jean Nouvel taught me the importance and the impact of using architectural graphics to order to see project ideas clearer.
When working with Andrée Putman, with whom I stayed six years, I learned to use my more feminine aspects: sensibility, finesse, learning which materials go together, and a sense of detail.
Andrée, thanks to the strong connections she has cultivated with her employees, passed on a great gift, her knowledge and her experience.
Implicitly, we learned to understand her in an architectural language thereby understanding her eclectic style, a subtle mix of furniture and materials.
These projects also bring about the significance of variety, independence, and the quality of service, which are all very important when providing luxury solutions.
Sketch by Stephanie of a villa's guest bedroom in Kuwait
Hong Kong hotel : a breathtaking view of its bath
What is the role of a woman in the field of décor?
I like the sensibility, sophistication, and the subtle sense of humor of Inga Sempé (especially her lamps), as well as the colorful fantasy of Matalie Crasset.
In general, women do things more playfully; they dare more and thus innovate more.
Do you read blogs?
The Internet is a huge resource, but sometimes it’s better to pinpoint your search so as not to waste time. But, if I do happen to find a blog that interests me, I enjoy reading it and passing it on to friends.
What are your “musts” whent it comes to décor?
I like to be surprised when discovering a project!
Like a painting, I like it to have multiple interpretations: the first is its overall impression, the second is it functionality, and the third are technical aspects.
In other words, it must be something original, new, but not gaudy.
For me an example of good taste is the Hermès showcase designed by Japanese designer Takujin Yoshioka in Tokyo : The B&W images of faces blowing a headscarf in a window is, for me, of a certain finesse.
What is your dream home? Or what is your ideal living space?
For the moment I would live ideally in Paris, but I am starting to change my mind (too much noise and the lack of green spaces are starting to get on my nerves)
But since the question asks what I dream of, my ideal house would be a two-story apartment, high above with a large balcony and an amazing view of the Seine and Paris!
It would be on the Ile Saint Louis or more modestly at Faidherbe Chaligny (which is at the centre of Paris for me)
The decoration would be contemporary but very warm and with a lot of textiles.
The furniture and colors would be mixed, as we have done at our apartment is now.
Today, we have designer objects (such as a lamp by Jasper Morisson) but also a large table found at the Good Will for, what was then, 100 francs which we have, ourselves, applied a colorful mosaic.
What are the current trends, in color or materials?
Ah, trends…
In this profession, one cannot escape them. But beware: clothing can last just one season, but not an apartment or boutique! A project too “hip” can age poorly!
And yet the link between fashion, décor, design, and graphics is there.
It is for this reason, even if I love anything in color for my projects, I force myself to use it in moderation, giving priority to the materials and the effects of light.
Sometimes, color appears in a drawer or on a piece of furniture.
Then, I love floral prints, blues, from turquoise to Klein Blue, pale pinks, grapefruit, grays and sands…I really like the color trend at the moment because it is subtle. Colors that are too lively or bold tend to stress me out.
As for jewelry (we women need our jewlery), several St. Andrew crosses superimposed, mixed bracelets, odd rings and earrings.
What brands do you love?
I love “One Step” and Isabel Marant for their subtle mix of colors and prints.
Paris has lots of little stylist boutiques where we can find those little gems (rue Daguerre, rue Oberkampf, rue Mouffetard).
And finally, when you are creative you can make your own style based on a good pair of old jeans.
There is nothing more boring at this moment than those “clone” boutiques : such as Sandro, Zadig&Voltaire, Iro, Maje, The Kooples, or Bel Air. Although it is important to check out what they are doing each season, because there isn’t anything more trendy than these boutiques.
Where do you go most often in Paris?
According to your mood, there is always something to do in Paris.
I prefer rue de Charonne. Here you can find good shopping, restaurants, and bars. You can even find tree-covered hideaways behind the large gates where time stops and you are far from the city’s turmoil.
What artists do you like?
I love Japanese contemporary art! My dream is to go to Japan. Each label, each object, seems to have been so thought out graphically.
My favorite artist is Takashi Murakami. It is amazing how he has rejuvenated Vuitton bags by creating a colorful pattern from the logo some years ago.
Lately, the humor and technical works of Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne have really touched me.
Do you have any free-time for yourself?
Between work and family, I have very little time left for myself.
If I would have a day for myself, I would spend it at the spa “redoing” the world with a good friend that I have not seen for a long time!
It does me good both physically and mentally, thus killing two birds with one stone.
Waht are your current projects?
I finally have my own company using, as a base, my experiences as an employee at all these fabulous agencies where I truly learned so much thanks to the different styles and different projects.
At the moment, I am building up my company image with two projects for private customers and a hotel. My goal today is to satisfy my clients, even to the extent that I often coach my clients in décor just giving them advice and reassuring them!
I hope to continue working on diverse projects and maybe even join forces with another “cocotte”!
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