“I don’t think I ever subscribed to any particular school or theory, or succumbed to any preconceptions. I have no prejudices at all. For me, words like “functional,” “style,” and “contemporary” are meaningless,” declared Jean Royère, the French designer whose unconventional elegance continues to captivate the world.
This rebellious spirit, a refusal to be confined by design dogma, is perhaps what makes Royère’s work so enduring. He was a man of contradictions, a banker turned self-taught designer who embraced the beauty of biomorphic forms and playful ornamentation, often using exotic materials like raffia and zebrawood to create whimsical and luxurious pieces.
In the heart of Paris, nestled among the city's iconic landmarks, lies the studio of Jean Royère, a French designer whose creations have graced the most prestigious interiors across the globe. With a career spanning decades, Royère left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design, blending playful elegance with a refined sense of craftsmanship. Born in 1902 into a wealthy family, Royère initially pursued a career in banking before turning his attention to the world of interior design.
He found his true calling in 1931 when he left his comfortable job to apprentice under Pierre Gouff, a renowned furniture maker, in the bustling cabinetmaking workshops of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Here he learned the meticulous techniques that would later define his style. But it was his bold decision to redesign the Brasserie Carlton on the Champs-Élysées in 1933 that catapulted him into the spotlight. His use of metal tubing, Bakelite, and rattan, combined with a sober, pastel-toned decor, revolutionized the Parisian design scene.
Royère's big break came in 1934 when he won a competition to design the restaurant of the luxurious Hotel Carlton on the Champs-Élysées. This project brought him widespread acclaim and launched his career practically overnight. He went on to establish his own company in 1944, building a global clientele that included royalty and heads of state. With a unique ability to combine bright colors, plush fabrics, and whimsical forms, Royère's designs exude a sense of joie de vivre that has captivated collectors and tastemakers worldwide.
He wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo. During World War II, he used his trade as a cover to help the Resistance, a testament to his courage and ingenuity. But it was after the war, as the world embraced a new era of optimism, that Royère's international career truly blossomed.
He found his greatest inspiration in the Middle East, where he designed for palaces and private residences, even capturing the attention of King Farouk of Egypt, King Hussein of Jordan, and the Shah of Iran. Royere went on to open a showroom in Cairo and offices in Beirut and Tehran.
By designing interiors for royalty and heads of state, Royere became a pioneer in the global dissemination of French decorative arts, adapting his designs to suit the tastes and preferences of his clients, proving that true elegance is not just about beauty but also about the joy of living.
Royère's talent was recognized during his lifetime, with a 1949 exhibition at the French Decorative Arts Museum in Paris, and a major retrospective at the Sonnabend Gallery in New York in 2008.
His iconic "Ours Polaire" (Polar Bear) sofa, designed in 1947, embodies this spirit. This elegantly rounded, ultra-comfortable piece, upholstered in plush velvet, became a signature design and one of Royère's most iconic creations, achieving impressive sales prices at auctions and coveted by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kanye West.
Royère's creative process was deeply influenced by his travels and his appreciation for nature. He often drew inspiration from the natural world, incorporating organic forms and a vibrant color palette into his designs. The "Oeuf" chair, with its egg-shaped silhouette, and the "Flaque" table, with its playful puddle-like shape, are testament to his whimsical imagination. Royère's furniture designs were not just about aesthetics but about creating a sense of comfort and joy.
Royere’s works have been an integral part of the global market evolution for collectible design, with a growing recognition of furniture as a strategic art investment. High-end interior designers and collectors seek out unique pieces by renowned artists like Royère, viewing them as integral elements that enhance the value and aesthetic of a space.
Royère's ability to adapt to the changing tastes of the post-war period and his unique approach to form and color resulted in a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. He believed that "the model attracted a limited clientele initially”, but its innovative design enjoyed success during the 1950s, when free-form designs and Royère’s soft, round lines triumphed.
In 2023, a suite of "Ours Polaire" sofa and two armchairs sold for a staggering $3,420,000, demonstrating the significant value and desirability of Royère's designs. The "Éléphanteau" armchair, the "Trèfle" chair, and the "Champignon" lamp are among his other signature pieces, reflecting his playful imagination and mastery of form. Royère's work is characterized by a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities, resulting in furniture that transcends passing trends.
His pieces, with their playful curves and vibrant hues, will continue to grace the most prestigious interiors, serving as a reminder that furniture is not just a functional element but a form of artistic expression. Royère's journey, from his early days in Paris to his global success, is a testament to the power of passion and a refined sense of craftsmanship.