A PLAYFUL EXPLORATION OF COLOURS AND GEOMETRIES THAT IS THE WORK OF THE INTERIOR ARCHITECT AND FURNITURE DESIGNER.

This week we explore the work of Pierre Gonalons, an interior architect and designer based in Paris, who was recently invited by the Musée des Archives Nationales during Paris Design Week in September this year, to exhibit and curate his furniture collection, within the historic context of the beautiful residence of L’Hôtel de Soubise.

Gonalons who was raised in Lyon from an Italian family, at a young age developed a strong appreciation and understanding of art history and French cultural heritage. The designer established his own studio at the age of 23, producing limited collections that have been exhibited in international galleries. Whilst working on his own collection, he has collaborated with a number of prominent design houses that include Lalique, Chloé, Pierre Frey, Nina Ricci, Pernod and Weston. In 2018, he was appointed as creative director at the renowned and historic Italian design brand, Paradisoterrestre gallery in Bologna. He has worked with the gallery on various collections and fabrics, and has collaborated with other Italian clients such as Ceramica Bardelli and Masiero.

His collections celebrate the traditions of craftsmanship, which was cultivated early on in his career. Gonalons’ designs are embodied with a sense of simplicity and reductionist approach, that are married with references to pop culture and decorative arts, thus resulting in the creation of extraordinary juxtapositions between past and present. 

Gonalons’ exclusive invitation to exhibit at the historic mansion for Paris Design Week, involved curating his collection in the salon and bedroom that once belonged to the Prince of Soubise. The exhibition titled Allégories, featured in the former salon the Loggia armchair, Soul mirror, Shout coffee table, Tesoro vase, Palette Rug including his collaborative works with Paradisioterrestre such as the All Around sofa and armchair. The King Sun Murano table lamp and floor lamp designed with Stories of Italy for Ascète was also featured in this suite.

In the adjacent room which once served as the Prince’s bedroom, more pieces from Gonalons’ collaborations were featured that included the See Through armchair and sofa for Paradisioterrestre, as well as the Horo table and floor lamp stands for Masiero. The pieces were curated along with the Smash coffee and side tables, ornamented with the Chou vase, and the designers’ Palette rugs featured in other colourways, used as decorative objects of art hanging on the walls of the mansion.

Gonalons’ exhibition at L’Hôtel de Soubise manifested a universe that was a playful exploration of colours and geometrical possibilities with fantastic spontaneity, which fused both classic and contemporary styles within an extraordinary setting. 

PHOTOGRAPHY | STEPHAN JULLIARD