MON ONCLE: LUXURY LIVING GROUP DEBUTS PAUL MATHIEU

Thursday November 5th 2015 5:45pm 68 degrees

I love early arrivals. I was conveniently early for the Luxury Living /Fendi Casa fête for furniture designer Paul Mathieu.

His swank new furniture collection called "Contour" is the perfect little sister to big brothers FENDI Casa, Bentley Home, Trussardi and Heritage which all reside at the expansive showroom on Madison and 32nd Street in Manhattan.

Ally Coulter, Vice President and Creative Director for Luxury Living Fendi Casa US has skillfully luxuriated (repeat 3 times out-loud for your daily oral diction) the 12,000 sq ft location to another glamorous level of life and style. Combining artwork from photographer Robert Farber and painter Peter Tunney with distinct hand-crafted furniture, lavish lighting and endless accessories (glassware to fur throws) inside the LLG storefront.

I found a stylized niche from where to snap photos as prominent design editors Pilar Viladas (Town and Country) and Sabine Rothman (Hearst Market Director) arrived within minutes of one another and began admiring the graceful and elegant modernism that has become a signature of Mathieu's work.

As 6pm approached iconic society photographer Patrick McMullan was already snapping photos while the Luxury Living team added last minute turns and twists to vases filled with luscious and abundant floral arrangements by Winston Flowers. I was excited to see Miami based design legend Fanny Haim as she ushered her clients to the unveiling of Mathieus' US debut of the "Contour" Collection.

Other notables were Raffaella Vignatelli (LLG President) - Fabio Saragoni - Jamie Drake (renowned Interior Designer) - Leonard Lauren (businessman brother to Ralph)- Katie Scott (Texas based Interior Designer) and Deborah French (NY based Interior Designer). DJ Brogran began spinning smooth beats as Brandon Epperson's laser light show illuminated and amused the rapidly filled space.

It seems everyone adores Paul Mathieu-guests at this affair came from all wonderful walks of life. His creations are internationally recognized by an elegant and refined clientele who appreciate his 'modern life' modus operandi with traditional references.

Born in France, Paul Mathieu, earned his diploma at the National School of Fine Arts in Lyon and then at the British School of Art and Design in West Surrey. He opened his first design studio in Los Angeles. He currently divides his time between New York, Aix-en-Provence, Udaipur and Murano.

Shiraz events catered the posh affair - their 6'4" model-like servers had endless trays of delicious appetizers like caviar and blini, roasted duck and tuna tartare. Special thanks to Patrick McMullan for allowing me to mix some of his photos with mine. Thank you Luxury Living Group / Fendi Casa - your elegant fête was a fresh and entertaining introduction to Paul Mathieu's chic furniture and lighting collection.