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We meet at the foot of her building, an opulent-looking property in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near Parc Monceau. Dorothée Boissier has a slender figure and aristocratic features that highlight her elegantly coiffed, jet black hair. She has the look of a classical ballerina, refined and discreet, with serene self-assurance. As we trip lightly along the cobbles, the doors file past and together we head up to her family apartment. The private world differs from the public conception of the partnership she forms with her husband, Patrick Gilles. Here, the spaces are generous. There is room to breathe. As we file through the rooms that she introduces to us succinctly, the watchword is comfort. Assisted by a perfectly judged minimalism, the materials – most of them natural – and the spaces are designed to be reassuring. The mind must be able to roam freely. Objects must be able to release their memories. As much as the works of art from which the two interior architects ceaselessly nourish themselves to establish a point of departure, a catalyst for each project. Art, the chief inspiration. For Dorothée Boissier, a foregone conclusion. What she like above all is to delve into her notebooks of inspirations. Relics that the Parisian consults from her bed, a sort of monochrome ante-chamber where thoughts and sounds lose themselves. The conception of Gilles & Boissier is this duality. Calm and passion. Precision and improvisation. An artistic maturity achieved through the love that unites these two talented beings at the helm of an agency and, now, of their own collection of furniture that they have only just started developing. Patrick Gilles wasn’t there during the interview. Constant trips that feed the vision of Gilles & Boissier, making them sought after by the biggest brands in the four corners of the world. Scenographic symmetry against the clock.
Dorothy, can you introduce yourself? Can you tell us more about you?
I’m a French woman, an interior designer and a hedonist and I value respect, honesty, integrity and freedom too.
How did you get to where you are today? Did you study art and design in particular?
I graduated from Penninghen, the School of Art Direction and Interior Architecture. My father-in-law is a collector, so I’ve been able to contemplate beautiful works on a daily basis.
Can you tell us a bit about your architectural agency, Gilles & Boissier? Do you have a particular creative process?
Gilles & Boissier is a two-headed agency, with a north and a south, like Marcel Duchamp’s “Bicycle Wheel“, 1913. The creative process starts with me and Patrick Gilles having a discussion and a brainstorming session.
How did you use your experience to design the apartment in which you live, in terms of space?
I wanted an apartment with a family feel, with room for everyone.
And in terms of furniture?
Most of our furniture was designed by us, although other pieces are second-hand – items which have a memory of a past life.
What are your favourite materials and your favourite colours for this season?
What inspires you?
Artists, their research and their triumphs. And nature always inspires me too.
What’s your favourite era?
The Enlightenment.
A designer who made you want to do this job?
Art in general was a real eye-opener for me. Modern art, dance, stage design. And the opera “Madame Butterfly“, produced by Bob Wilson.
Art in general was a real eye-opener for me. Modern art, dance, stage design. And the opera "Madame Butterfly".
In what room do you prefer spending time?
My bedroom, surrounded by books and inspirational notebooks.
How long have you lived in this neighbourhood?
8 years. I live here and I work here.
Do you have any places to recommend in Paris or elswhere?
Le Manach fabrics by Pierre Frey, Lauren Collin’s sculpted papers, Christian Astuguevieille’s sculptures, the Italian restaurant Farnessina and a Japanese restaurant in New York: Omen.
What plans does Gilles & Boissier have in the pipeline?
Moncler’s world flagship store in Milan. A restaurant in Tbilisi, Georgia. Hotels in Taormina, New York, Montreal, St. Barthelemy and Madrid. And our furniture collection which we’re starting to develop.
Photography: Constance Gennari – Text: Caroline Balvay – Translation: TextMaster @thesocialitefamily
I loved her, she is amazing and elegant,
Thank you for this interview…?????????
that is one lovely homestory and gorgeous apartment! may i ask what the name/brand of the carpet in the living room is? and which material it is? kind regards from zurich, ellen