Paris - Rue de l'Université - Hôtel de Guise.

It was when we pushed open the doors of this 18th century mansion - which Charles Zana fell in love with at first sight - that we had the joy of discovering his first furniture collection.

Known and renowned for his keen eye for detail, Charles Zana draws his inspiration from classic 18th century references to which he adds contemporary touches. "I love the beauty of empty spaces”.

The Ithaca exhibition is a tribute to Ulysses' native island, and symbolizes an initial journey rich in thirty years of experience for Charles Zana with a return to a timeless aesthetic. After countless projects to elevate interiors and transform them into living spaces, he wanted to put his signature on a line of high-end furniture.

Without superfluous frills, the architect presented a poetic collection of seats, lighting, a headboard, tables and a desk. Some of the pieces of furniture were created in our Lyon workrooms, thanks to the precise and meticulous work of our upholsterers, our Design and Methods Studio, and the members of our design office who have been working with Charles Zana for several decades.

In the double reception room, we find several pieces resulting from our collaboration: two Ulysse ottomans, the Teddy frame and headboard and the Champel sofa inspired by the Hôtel de Guise. The sofa, with its simple and pure lines, highlights the technical aspects of seating comfort, particularly thanks to the back of the sofa which perfectly supports the person who invites themselves to try it out.

Beautiful textile editors such as Toyine Sellers, Pierre Frey, and Rubelli have also taken part in the launch of his first collection, with soft and warm materials such as the velvet of the Teddy headboard, "imagined as something very enveloping [...] that lulls as in children's memories" - underlines Charles Zana.

The famous Julie sofa in a Glant fabric, which we had already fabricated for the architect, was also at the meeting. This piece of furniture with its dizzying curves can be found at The Invisible Collection.

Photos : © Vincent Leroux