Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/726108
84 BAL HARBOUR Diptyque, the gracious French brand with its iconic 34 Boulevard Saint- Germain address in Paris, has become somewhat of a calling card for the well-heeled home—or at the very least, an appreciated host. The home fragrance house, which now counts 50 scents in its archive, inspired by everything from nature, childhood memories or journeys, has been quietly extending its reach beyond candles and diffusers. A move that actually brings Diptyque closer to its roots, back on Boulevard Saint-Germain. When it was founded in 1961 by Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet and Yves Coueslant, it was a passion for "objects with soul" that was the driving force in this then-experimental space. You might call it the first concept store, with Italian glass-bead necklaces and potpourri butting up against upholstery fabrics and hand- sewn change purses, amid other treasures captured along the trio's travels. Fast-forward five decades and Diptyque is testing the silken waters with new limited-edition fabric collections, including pillowcases, totes and pouches. "In the beginning, the Saint-Germain store was a kind of bazaar chic," says Myriam Badault, the brand's creative director. "You could find a selection of fabrics, decorative objects and accessories. I have always felt that our patterns and this grounding in the 'decorative arts' is what makes Diptyque truly unique." Each product in the collection pays homage to the founders by intertwining their rich heritage but also incorporating a modern interpretation of their history. "I always wanted to recreate and protect a kind of 'creative laboratory,' and the watchwords for us are freedom, innovation and experimentation," says Badault. "It is a way to enrich the original collection and make it alive and modern by mixing the origins and contemporary designs." For the 2016 collection of fabric accessories, the brand chose to partner with the Belgian linen company Libeco. "It was key for us to work with them because we wanted to use a very qualitative material, genuine and luxurious, but with a sustainable dimension," says Badault. And for the patterns they worked with designer Charlotte Gastaut who played with three vintage patterns of the Diptyque collection: Prétorien, Légende and Palladin. And it's all very French. Decorating is a way of living; in a way, it's an extension of one's personality. "What Diptyque offers today is a part of this very Parisian lifestyle of home pride and decorating through a collection of very exclusive and unique scents and objects," says Badault. "We like to surprise our clients, re-enchant their everyday lives, and share emotions, findings and encounters." Diptyque returns to its roots with a new limited-edition fabric collection inspired by its original Parisian bazaar-like boutique. BY DANIEL SCHEFFLER BURN NOTICE LIGHT IT UP The Miami candle is inspired by the strong architectural and decorative elements in Bal Harbour's Diptyque boutique. Above, the brand's creative director Myriam Badault. Limited-edition pillows from Diptyque's new collaboration with Belgian linen company Libeco. IMAGES COURTESY OF DIPTYQUE