This Michel Vivien boutique by architect Sophie Dries has been created with attention to detail. The 20 year old brand of traditional french shoe making opened their first boutique at the prestigious rue du Faubourg St Honoré in Paris. This very personal project was entrusted to Dries and the space has become a place with unexpected contours yet in the tradition of craftsmanship and noble materials, important to the designer.

A large wooden wave wall measuring 15 meters wide vibrates with the double-height volume of this shop of about a hundred square meters. The walnut wall contrasts with the sharp lines of the uncluttered volume and takes us to the infinity of this longitudinal space. A purist mezzanine space invites us to explore a more secret floor.

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Sophie Dries always works with skilled craftsmen in order to bring her gallery furniture alive, in particular with the master glassmakers of Murano. This results in a free-form glass paste wall lights, set on a wall with brass rivets.

Carpets with organic lines have been made to measure in eucalyptus fibres with moires reminiscent of silk. They are each unique in their colours from a painting by Michel Vivien.

Lighting fixtures in gilded metal by Philippe Hiquily (Gastou Gallery) and vintage furniture that have been picked out with the talented eye of Gilbert Kann, pursuing the idea of a timeless French spirit, with in particular solid wood stools by Pierre Chapo. This is combined with a monumental glass chandelier, geometrical armchairs in 70s velvet, wooden totems (Michael Voseller Gallery), and industrial DCW lighting by Jacques Biny or Charlotte Perriand. A series of personal objects from the world of Michel Vivien and antique pieces interact with the ceramic vases and furniture specially created by Sophie Dries.

Photos by Valerio Geraci.Visit www.sophiedries.com for more information about the project.

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