GROWING UP WITHIN A FAMILY RENOWNED FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO LUXURY TEXTILES, HOW DID YOUR EARLY EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOUR PASSION FOR DESIGN AND YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS?

Joining the family business was a natural progression. My brothers and I grew up immersed in it -- our father often involved us in every aspect of the company. Given my love for design and craftsmanship, it felt almost inevitable. 

YOUR FAMILY’S LEGACY IS STEEPED IN DESIGN, BUT IF YOU WEREN’T WORKING AT MAISON PIERRE FREY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’D BE DOING?

I’d likely still be in a creative profession -- perhaps within the arts or cultural sector -- or exploring communication strategies for heritage brands. The idea of storytelling, particularly when it comes to craftsmanship, has always fascinated me.

YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY SOME OF THE MOST EXQUISITE TEXTILES IN THE WORLD—DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE FABRIC OR PATTERN THAT HOLDS PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE?

It's difficult to choose just one, but the Bosquet wallcovering holds a special place in my heart : it’s featured in my apartment, and I’ve grown particularly attached to both its intricate design and the story behind it. I also discovered Thorp of London when we acquired the brand in 2022, and it truly feels like a hidden gem. The semi-bespoke approach -- where you can choose the ground, pattern, and colours from a wide range -- offers so many creative possibilities. I’m especially drawn to Thorp’s classic aesthetic; it really speaks to me.

MAISON PIERRE FREY HAS A RICH HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1935. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY TO UPHOLD AND CONTRIBUTE TO THIS LEGACY?

It’s a collective effort, rooted in a deep respect for craftsmanship. As a family business, it holds immense meaning. The legacy continues to evolve, notably through our acquisitions of historic houses and manufacturers with exceptional know-how. Key milestones include for instance the acquisition of Braquenié in 1991 -- founded in 1824 and a beacon of classic French textile artistry -- as well as Le Manach in 2014. We also integrated Margueroy, now our main weaving workshop and labeled Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant. In 2023, we acquired Zuber, the iconic Alsatian house known for its panoramic wallpapers and a symbol of 18th-century decorative arts. These moments have helped us structure the Maison around four key pillars: textiles, rugs, furniture, and wallpaper.

AS A HERITAGE BRAND, MAISON PIERRE FREY HAS A DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT ITS CREATIVE DIRECTION REMAINS RELEVANT WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS DNA?

We never follow trends for the sake of it. Our direction is guided by instinct, curiosity, and a love of color and light -- especially those of my father, who serves as Artistic Director, and his studio. Collaborations with artists fuel our creativity. Preserving traditional savoir-faire is essential to us, but so is keeping our work exciting and relevant.

MAISON PIERRE FREY IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN FRENCH CRAFTSMANSHIP, BUT ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL DESIGN TRADITIONS THAT HAVE CAPTURED YOUR IMAGINATION?

Maison Pierre Frey is deeply rooted in French craftsmanship, but our passion for artisanal traditions knows no borders. We remain endlessly curious and open to the world. Many international design heritages -- whether from Asia, Africa, or American folk art -- regularly inspire our creative explorations and collaborations. The design studio draws inspiration from every encounter (galeries, travel, artists), whether it happens abroad or close to home.

IN A MARKET WHERE TRENDS COME AND GO, WHAT DOES TIMELESS DESIGN MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DOES MAISON PIERRE FREY CONTINUE TO CREATE PIECES THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME?

There’s no secret formula. We create what we love -- with passion, quality, and an immense respect for craft. Our strength lies in our eclecticism: we don’t follow a single style but interpret the spirit of the times in our own way. We listen—to our clients, to the world, to how homes evolve. Our collections range from the very classic to the strikingly modern. We rework archival designs and pair them with the vision of contemporary artists. It’s through this dialogue--between generations, between styles-- that timelessness emerges. The « French style, » rooted in 18th-century elegance, is at the heart of our DNA. This heritage is visible in the lines of Braquenié or Le Manach, which we continue to develop and honour.

WHEN YOU WALK INTO A ROOM, WHAT’S THE FIRST DESIGN ELEMENT YOU NOTICE? IS THERE A DETAIL THAT ALWAYS CATCHES YOUR EYE?

It’s not always the same, but I tend to notice the light first … how it fills the room, reflects off the materials, and sets the overall mood. Then come textures and colours, which often reveal so much about the story of the space. And of course, I always pay close attention to fabrics and how they’re used : whether on a beautifully upholstered sofa or perfectly tailored curtains. They say so much about the care and intention behind a room.

COLLABORATIONS HAVE BEEN A PART OF MAISON PIERRE FREY’S JOURNEY. HOW DO YOU SELECT PARTNERS, AND WHAT DO YOU SEEK TO ACHIEVE THROUGH THESE CREATIVE ENDEAVOURS?

It often starts with a spark -- a genuine admiration for someone’s work, personality, or universe. These collaborations are largely driven by my father and the creative studio. We’ve worked with artists like Christian Astuguevieille, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Atelier Buffile, or Noémie de Yturbe. Each exchange is rooted in mutual respect and creative harmony. We let things evolve organically.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, HOW DOES YOUR HOME REFLECT YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? ARE THERE SPECIFIC TEXTILES OR PATTERNS FROM MAISON PIERRE FREY THAT YOU HAVE INCORPORATED INTO YOUR OWN LIVING SPACE?

I live in the same building as our headquarters --on the top floor of 47 rue des Petits Champs, a 17th-century architectural gem designed by Daniel Gittard for Lully. This historic setting deeply inspired the design of my apartment. Being surrounded by such heritage, close to the Louvre and Palais Royal, helped shape a space that blends the classical and the contemporary. I’ve incorporated several key pieces from the Maison: Bosquet by Le Manach as wallcovering, Sibao fabric curtains in the master bedroom, and the Petrouchka rug in the living room. The apartment is a personal reflection of the Maison's spirit.

TRAVEL OFTEN INFLUENCES DESIGN PERSPECTIVES. IS THERE A DESTINATION THAT HAS PROFOUNDLY IMPACTED YOUR CREATIVE VISION OR INSPIRED A PARTICULAR COLLECTION?

The United States has always held a special place for us—both creatively and commercially. The diversity of American interior design, its boldness in mixing styles, and the sheer scale of its interiors are a constant source of inspiration. We’re also deeply moved by the richness of American landscapes and nature, which often spark ideas in our creative process.

OUTSIDE OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE, WHAT HOBBIES OR INTERESTS ENRICH YOUR CREATIVITY AND INFORM YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN?

I travel frequently, but above all, I cherish time with my family. Weekends at our country house in Normandy are essential : a peaceful retreat where we reconnect with nature and with each other. It’s often in those quiet, simple moments that creativity flows most naturally.

At home, I love mixing inspirations and styles : an antique chair inherited from my grandmother sits next to flea market finds and Pierre Frey embroideries, alongside more contemporary pieces. That layered, personal approach to interiors is the style I feel most at home in … rich in stories, contrasts, and emotion.

WHAT DOES LUXURY MEAN TO YOU TODAY? HAS YOUR DEFINITION CHANGED OVER TIME?

To me, luxury is less about extravagance and more about quality, rarity, and know-how. As a luxury brand, we have a duty to preserve and transmit these traditions. True luxury is timeless and deeply rooted in human skill and dedication.