The Napoleon III, or Second Empire, style is making a subtle and bold comeback in the world of decoration. Long seen as a symbol of frozen bourgeois opulence, this style now reveals timeless potential when combined with contemporary pieces from African craftsmanship. At the crossroads of imperial splendor and vibrant African motifs, a new aesthetic is taking shape: sophisticated, authentic and resolutely cosmopolitan.
At the Brussels Opera, in the grand foyer and the royal box of the Théâtre de la Monnaie, on the occasion of an exceptional shooting, our collection comes to life in a sumptuous setting. Cushions with flamboyant wax prints or in very graphic traditional bogolan, Baoulé plaids with subtle weaves and wax tablecloths transform these historical settings into a universe where our history meets other, more unexpected, artisanal know-how. This marriage of styles tells the story of a dialogue between eras and continents: a rediscovery of opulence that reinvents the codes of the Second Empire.
Wax, with its hypnotic patterns and shimmering hues, softens the severe classicism of velvet armchairs and sofas. Bogolan, on the other hand, brings a raw and graphic texture, perfect for tempering complex gilding and moldings. These touches from elsewhere capture light and attention, giving each room a unique aura, without ever distorting the elegance of the place.
The trick to achieving this fusion? Play on contrasts without being scared. Combine the richness of Second Empire furniture with contemporary textiles with clean lines and dynamic patterns. By combining these elements, you breathe a subtle modernity, a cosmopolitan spirit that transcends eras and genres. You get an interior where every detail tells a story, where opulence meets sobriety, and where each piece dialogues with the other in a harmony of colors and textures.
