Philippe Chupin
Co-founder of SIÈCLE Paris and Creator
It was with the Louvre School between 1977 and 1981, then the Institute of Gemology of Paris that I learned to understand Art and Decorative Arts, a trip back in time with the history of styles.
Since the launch of SIÈCLE, 24 rue du Bac - it had to be the heart of Paris - it has felt extremely necessary to meet people : the artists who create their own visual language, the influencers who promote it, and of course the artisans who will put a shape to it.
I realize that I enjoy designing new objects for our customers just as much as I enjoy meeting our customers and sharing with them the same sensitivity. I do enjoy meeting people and I was able to quickly convince André Putman to present our brand at Puiforcat. Later on, Lalique welcomes our first cutlery collection.
Together with the creative work of Marisa, I enjoy to revamp old objects that have fallen into oblivion by adapting them to a more modern use. thus generating an ambiance and style.
From the years 1995, I really start in the creation. I express my taste more for the transformations or adaptations than for the innovations. I like working with our many artisans, listening to their technical constraints as well as the stylistic requirements of our customers. For example, this is how I imagined the “Branch door handle” for Philip Stark's Royal Monceau (Hotel in Paris).
I am still developing new creations for SIÈCLE today, I also enjoy promoting artists as we do occasionally. I also like social networks and especially Instagram where I enjoy keeping in touch with our long time followers.
We asked 7 questions to Philippe:
- What is your favourite SIÈCLE creation? The Fidelio cutlery design, and all the creations to come!
- What is the work of art that has impressed you the most? Raphael's Balthazar Castiglione, The First Renaissance...
- The encounter that inspired you the most? Andrée Putman and Jean Louis Dumas, Marisa Osorio Farinha and my 3 children.
- What are your favourite materials and techniques ? I really like precious stones and all techniques related to metal.
- What are your 3 favourite songs? Between Mozart and Chopin, and birdsong.
- What are your 3 favourite plants? Cacti
- A motto or a phrase that you like? La mode, c’est ce qui se démode. (close meaning : To be fashionable also means to become unfashionable). And also: Life goes one (“La roue tourne” in French.)