Family
A modern house in Lille infused with the romance and optimism so dear to the founder of Balzac
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Chrysoline and Victorien de Gastines, Garance, 11, Colombe, 9, Lazare, 4, and Georges, 1
"A family story." That’s how Chrysoline de Gastines begins when talking about her women’s clothing brand, which has become a staple in French fashion. Over ten years ago, Chrysoline and Victorien, together with their friend and brother-in-law Charles Fourmaux, embarked on the adventure of responsible women’s fashion. Since then, their family has grown, and the move they had been considering for some time has finally happened: they’ve returned to their roots in Lille. In their large modern home, you can spot the hallmarks of Balzac Paris co-founder Chrysoline: slightly romantic, bright, clean, and joyful, now with a touch more confidence. The walls are white, but the furniture, objects, and artworks burst with color and energy—just like this lively family.
Location
Lille
Author
Elsa Cau
Photos and videos
Jeanne Perrotte
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Plate by Agathe Prouvost and candleholders by La Romaine Éditions.
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TSF
Who are you, Chrysoline?
Chrysoline
I’m originally from Lille, but I work in Paris. I co-founded Balzac Paris with Charles and Victorien—my husband and my brother-in-law. It’s really a family story. And I’m also a mother to four children: Garance, Colombe, Lazare, and Georges.
TSF
What’s your background?
Chrysoline
I have a master’s in communications from Lille and spent six months in Mexico on Erasmus. Back in France, I worked briefly as a journalist for Version Femina’s beauty section. I quickly realized that journalism was a tough field to break into, but I loved writing. I fell into the early days of community management—one of the very first in France, helping brands grow on social media while still being able to write.
I applied to brands and media offices, and eventually joined Marie-Claire Maison for three and a half years, managing their social media presence. Meanwhile, in 2011, Charles, Victorien, and I started Balzac. One evening, we were watching a TV show about a young woman in Paris making bow ties. People were queuing on the spiral staircase outside her tiny attic room. We thought: “Why don’t we make bow ties too?” At the time, the market offered only pre-tied black satin bows. We created something fun and custom—a missing piece in fashion.
We started the project alongside our jobs, each bringing a complementary skill: I handle communication and fashion; Charles was in consulting with a finance and operations focus; Victorien works in investment and strategy. The concept was an instant hit. That’s how Balzac Paris was born. By 2014, I went full-time.
TSF
Why Balzac Paris?
Chrysoline
Honoré de Balzac wrote Treatise on Elegant Living in 1830, explaining how men should dress—and even mentioning bow ties. Balzac is globally recognized, yet distinctly French, which fit the identity we wanted for our brand. After bow ties, we moved to literary sweatshirts, another instant success. Soon after, we expanded into women’s fashion, with a focus on community and responsible production from the very start.
TSF
You recently moved back to Lille.
Chrysoline
Yes, in July 2024. I was pregnant with Georges. We had lived in Paris for so long, but we always knew we’d return home one day. We wanted a house with a garden for our four children but still close enough to the train for our jobs in Paris.
The house needed work, so we renovated extensively. But I immediately felt at home. I could picture breaking walls, designing spaces that reflected us, and making the garden ours. Victorien fell in love with it at the second visit.
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Coffee table found on Le Bon Coin.
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“I love white — I think it’s an endless playground, especially when it comes to wall displays and furniture.”
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Work selected by the Amélie du Chalard gallery.
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Tom Dixon pendant light.
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Panchina bench The Socialite Family -
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TSF
What was your childhood like?
Chrysoline
I grew up in Lille. Victorien’s parents had a beautiful guest house near Le Touquet, with every detail thoughtfully chosen. He traveled a lot and is very attentive to others. I have four sisters, and our mother, a fashion lover, passed on her taste. Our father loves art; he even gave me a signed Peter Klasen poster when I first visited Drouot as a student.
TSF
The atmosphere in your home is very specific.
Chrysoline
I’ve worked with the same interior designer, Cyrielle Wattinne, for years. I have a clear vision of what I like, and she brings technical expertise, especially for renovations. I love white—it’s a blank canvas for art and furniture—but we warm it with wood in door frames and the kitchen. This house is filled with light, with windows everywhere. We play with mirrors, reflective tiles, and stainless steel, softened with colorful rugs, books, and artwork. Each child’s room has its own identity.
TSF
Renovations must have been extensive.
Chrysoline
Yes, the spaces were compartmentalized. We opened them up, repainted, re-wallpapered, tiled, and refurnished.
TSF
Favorite piece of furniture?
Chrysoline
I adore our custom sofa by Cyrielle Wattinne, made of connectable modules. I chose a Pierre Frey striped fabric—I love stripes, it’s an obsession of mine. I like furniture that evolves with the space, keeping the home dynamic.
TSF
Does your fashion sense influence your interior design, and vice versa?
Chrysoline
Absolutely. I love color combinations that seem unlikely but work perfectly—green with dusty pink, blue with burgundy, prints paired with solids. I have a colorful, joyful, slightly Anglo-Saxon style, with stripes and leopard print thrown in.
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Ferm Living pendant light.
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“To me, it’s important to move things around regularly — it gives you the feeling that your home is alive and constantly changing.”
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Axel Chay armchair for Monoprix.
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TSF
Do you enjoy flea-marketing?
Chrysoline
Yes, especially online or at Emmaüs. I set long-term alerts on LeBonCoin and occasionally find the perfect chairs. Galleries are also a favorite, like Galerie Paradis in Paris. I buy new too, often discovering artists on Instagram.
TSF
Do you see yourself here in ten years?
Chrysoline
It’s hard—I hate projecting too far. I live in the present and feel very happy here. We moved just in July 2024. I imagine we’ll stay a few years, but I’m still city-minded. Paris gave me energy; Lille is quieter. Maybe in a few years, I’ll want a bit more green, but for now, I’m very content.
TSF
Current projects?
Chrysoline
This summer, we opened two new stores in Bordeaux and Lyon, connecting with our community outside Paris. Both are beautiful: one designed by RMGB, the other by Batiik Studio. Batiik is also designing our upcoming Lille store, which opens in November. This winter, we launched a third collaboration with Barbour, blending our universes into lasting pieces.
TSF
What do you think of The Socialite Family?
Chrysoline
I’ve followed them from the start. I love how they reveal interiors and the people who live in them, without ever feeling stiff or perfect. There’s warmth, natural elegance, and a mastery of mixing styles and eras.
TSF
Favorite piece from our collection?
Chrysoline
The
—it’s modular, adaptable, and adds instant character with its warm, deep wood. It’s exactly what I love in furniture: personality and precision.
TSF
And from Balzac?
Chrysoline
Right now, I never leave home without the Gala bag. Simple but with a twist, versatile, and perfect for my lifestyle—chasing kids, hopping on my bike. I adore grain leather bags; the material is beautiful, and the crossbody style is practical and chic.
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Custom-made headboard, Colours of Arley fabric.
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