Pierre_Augustin_Rose, the Evidence

It was evident that these three would meet. Pierre Bénard, a former advertising executive, Augustin Deleuze, for several years an even younger antique dealer in the Paul Bert Market and Nina Rose, a proactive designer and a native of Poland were born to create. Together. Nestled in the ever-changing Sentier district – at 8, Rue Hérold – their gallery-studio suits them well and lets them gives free rein to their imagination. Pierre_Augustin_Rose, their collaborative design project is significant. And as big as the inspirations that feed it. A 21st-century furniture collection, bringing the imposing lines of the Empire style up to date, like the Bauhaus hues found in the colourful version of the duet of armchairs that bears the movement’s name. The aesthetics of antiques, their great love. The desire to bring to life pieces that are impossible to find. All this is supported by a unique partnership that encourages multiple roles. Deeply respectful of each other, Pierre, Augustin and Nina are developing their business without hierarchy. Their models are designed by six hands, and in accordance with principled manufacturing ethics. Based in the world of the living room, this first range consists of two coffee tables, seating and lighting. An offering with precious finishes that can admire now in the Pierre_Augustin_Rose showroom. Let yourself be carried away by the depth of its designers’ words.

Pierre_Augustin_Rose, 8, Rue Hérold – 75001 Paris. Opening: Tuesday to Saturday, from 13:00 to 19:00.

Showroom Showroom Pierre_Augustin_Rose Paris

Pierre, Augustin, Rose: what are each of your career paths?

Pierre

I studied at the Beaux-Arts before establishing and developing an advertising agency for 25 years, which I then sold in 1989 to the BDDP group. I later created various companies from the early 1990s until 2006, when Bénard Compagnie moved to the Paul Bert Market. In 2015, I joined Augustin for a series of events involving antiques. In the process, Galerie Bergère was born. We are currently developing prototypes for 21st-century sofas.

Augustin

I have been passionate about antiques since I was very young, and I became familiar with Drouot as a teenager. I trained my eye and gained my knowledge there. I very quickly started making my first purchases with a preference for unique furniture and cabinet items. In 2014, I decided to become an antique dealer and I moved to the Paul Bert Market., I was only nineteen years old at the time. So I was the youngest dealer. Later, I met Pierre. We immediately recognised that we belonged to the same aesthetic world. The Galerie Bergère was born. As was our idea to develop a 21st-century furniture range.

Nina

I was born in Poland, into a very French-speaking family, which allowed me to take an early interest in European design. Thanks to my father, an engineer and the founder of a company related to the world of contemporary construction, I was able to discover the expertise of the very best craftsmen. When I turned eighteen, I started travelling to enrich my knowledge and mastery of languages. At the end of 2016, I met Augustin and Pierre. Our desire to develop a joint project around design was almost immediate.

How did you two meet?

PIERRE & AUGUSTIN

At the Paul Bert Market, we have a shared taste for the same aesthetic world of antiques.

Fauteuil Showroom Pierre_Augustin_Rose Paris

Canapé Showroom Pierre_Augustin_Rose Paris

Why did you decide to create a furniture collection together? What are your major inspirations?

Pierre & Augustin

The desire to develop projects together came about quite quickly when we established the Galerie Bergère and organised events and installations around antiques. The choices are highly eclectic, based on a shared taste for the Empire, the Gustavian world, furniture and very singular – even unique – objects, as well as 20th-century design. It is this blend of styles and periods that inspires us. In 2016, we started to want to design sofas, seats and tables that we couldn’t find.

Rose

Throughout 2017, we invested in the creation and production of a series of prototypes with the ambition of creating the first collection. At the beginning of 2018, Pierre_Augustin_Rose was born. The launch, first as part of the Galerie Bergère, then, since September, in our wonderful location at 8 Rue Hérold, followed. It is here, in a gallery-studio in constant motion, that we are entertaining today.

What are your roles – if any – in the creative process?

Pierre

We can ascribe the uniqueness of our association to the interchangeability of roles in the modern world. Perfectly in harmony with the young company’s ethics, aesthetic line and ambitions for development, everyone-without hierarchy-always knows what to do and what they should be doing towards the excellence and development of the Pierre_Augustin_Rose brand.

Augustin

However, Nina and I are mainly involved in production and international relations. I also manage order logistics and transport/delivery to our international customers and distributors, while Pierre coordinates the six-handed operation, communications and all the company’s legal aspects.

The choices are highly eclectic, based on a shared taste for the Empire, the Gustavian world, furniture and very singular - even unique - objects, as well as 20th-century design.