Design
The Invisible Collection
Wool Maxou Armchair by French artist and designer Hubert Le Gall
Limited edition of 30 signed and numbered pieces, upholstered in wool from Pierre Frey with Lesage embroidery. Bespoke fabrics and finishes upon request.
Image courtesy of: The Invisible Collection
The Invisible Collection was founded by Anna Zaoui and Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays in 2016. The idea came about as a dream, and via admiration for Pierre Yovanovitch’s works. Debern-Mallevays had long admired Yovanovitch’s work and wanted a Papa Bear Armchair; unfortunately, the only way to own one was to hire the acclaimed designer for an entire interior design project. Commiserating with her friend Zaoui, the designer offered to place an order for Dubern.
However behind the situation lay an opportunity… to offer esteemed clients the ability to purchase specific pieces (courtesy of the company’s website) “created by interior designers and architects for private projects around the world, without ever being offered to the public.”
Inside one of the flagship locations.
Image courtesy of: The Invisible Collection
For almost two years, the gallery operated as an e-commerce site showcasing bespoke furniture and decor by many French and international designers. The founders did not enjoy being unable to meet their customers at events they hosted around the world. As such, a permanent location became part of the plan… however, finding the right spot turned out to be a bit tricky. When a historic, private residence in London became available, the pair knew that it was the perfect place to present their pieces so that (courtesy of an article by Alicia Bunker for Architectural Digest Pro) “the superiority of handmade design could be properly recognized.”
Today, the The Invisible Collection has galleries in London, New York, and Paris. Common to the three locations is that they are all designed to feel like a private residence… albeit, a very special one!
Studioparisien’s Sévigné Bench X Métaphores, the bench is made from plywood with beechwood reinforcements. Available in seven fabric choices, the bench pays homage to Madame de Sévigné, Marquise and first French novelist. The textile, Métaphores, is a brand that belongs to Hermès’ textile division; it is handmade in France by Ateliers Jouffre.
Image courtesy of: The Invisible Collection
Selling luxury is behind the atelier’s ethos. Presenting a highly-curated selection of bespoke items is just as vital as ensuring that the the pieces are made sustainably by trusted craftsmen and using premier materiality. The company is the first luxury design platform to earn a Certified B Corporation™… this means that they meet “the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.”
Supporting family-run workshops, Dubern-Mallevays and Zaoui are strongly committed to preserving local heritage and supporting local production. No mass-production means that there is no waste; and since the products are more art than furniture, they will not be thrown away or discarded like other pieces that owners find old or outdated.
Edd Armless Chair by May – Maylis et Charles Tassin. The chair is upholstered in natural Moore and Giles Satin Suede leather with iron legs. The design, a single curve pays homage to a 1930’s aesthetic.
Image courtesy of: The Invisible Collection
The gallery is set up for customization so that the customers’ needs are met. That means that customers always meets with the designers in order to understand their approach and to find the pieces they like the most. Beyond design aesthetic, the pieces are relevant, of the high-design standards, and functional. As such, they vowed early on to respect each designer’s specific and unique vision.
The curated pieces err on the side of contemporary, hand-selected for their distinctiveness. Promoting current designers allows Dubern-Mallevays and Zaoui to be pertinent in “building a bridge between the masters of the Decorative Arts’ golden era- Jean-Michel Frank, Pierre Chareau, Jean Royère ,- and those we believe to be their contemporary heirs.”
The striking Moonshadow sculptures. Sculptural Longpi pottery vases by Atelier Ashiesh Shah, made in India.
Image courtesy of: The Invisible Collection
There are thoughts of expanding with addition brick-and-mortar locations… with permanent bases remaining in New York City and Paris, and a flagship location in London… however that does not mean that there will be a compromise on offering those (courtesy of an article for Elle Decoration, written by Phoebe Frangoul) “carefully curated offering and a refusal to compromise on values.” Dubern-Mallevays affirms, “When you have so many orders, how do you continue to have the same quality? We want to build this community, the designers, the atelier and the teams.”
She continues, “It is a huge responsibility.” Indeed… just keep doing what you’re doing, we love it all!
