Culture - 4/3/23
Opening on March 17th, Paul Smith is the first exceptional guest to take over the Café Vert on the ground floor of the Printemps Homme at Printemps Haussmann.
Inspired by the British designer’s expert use of colour as well as his hallmark Signature Stripe, the café provides a modern, multi-functional and playful retreat from the bustle of the city.
Reimagined in a vivid palette that references the designer’s iconic Signature Stripe motif, the space is inspired by Brutalist architecture and mid-century domestic interiors, particularly those of Ray Eames and Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi.
Separated into zones to create a multi-purpose destination designed for lounging, dining and working, the space is filled with an eclectic mix of antique and vintage furniture, including Carlo Ratti Italian dining chairs from the 1950s and Bauman Halfa French chairs from the 1970. A nod to the Paul Smith palette and use of stripes, a pair of 1960s lounge chairs by Frantisek Jirak for Tatra have also been reupholstered in custom fabric from the brand’s longstanding collaboration with Maharam. Elsewhere, a display table in the Memphis style, a reference to the designer’s postmodern-themed SS23 collection.
Inside, an eclectic mix of antique and vintage furniture sits alongside bespoke pieces made using Paul Smith + Maharam fabric. Meanwhile, outside, on the terrace, more overt references to the Signature Stripe appear on custom parasols which sit alongside artisanal Maison Louis Drucker dining chairs – the iconic Parisian rattan café chair.
Inspired by the designer’s pioneering use of photo printing, artist and illustrator Alec Doherty has been commissioned to design a whimsical series of illustrations referencing modern café culture that grace fine bone china plates, cups, saucers and more sourced from one of the UKs leading crockery workshops. The painterly and playful illustrations also appear on the tables and menus, setting an upbeat and light-hearted mood.
The menu, meanwhile, introduces a touch of quintessential Britishness – with elevated takes on traditional dishes such as egg and soldiers and toast and marmalade, as well as offering a classic afternoon ‘Tea Time’ service and more traditional Parisian fare.
Guests will also be able to purchase a selection of curated Paul Smith objets and keepsakes, each of which have been custom-designed for the café.
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