Interior designer Christian Liaigre burst onto the scene in the mid ’80s with a radically new approach to his craft. His take on modern furniture design was rooted in the French tradition of ultra-luxe production, with with a distinctly modern take — clean lines, meticulous proportions, and second-to-none natural materials (i.e. the finest woods, leathers, and metals on the market). No wonder early adopters included Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein. Fast forward thirty years, and Liaigre’s influence continues to spread across the U.S. After opening the first Liaigre showroom at 34 East 61st Street in 2013, the brand, now under the leadership of Thais Roda, CEO of Liaigre Inc., has launched outposts in Miami, Atlanta, and Boston. This week, it opens the doors to its second New York outpost in Nomad. Naturally, we had a few questions for Roda:
What drew you to Nomad for your second NYC showroom?
As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our first New York location, we felt the time was perfect for expanding our Manhattan portfolio. The Upper East Side townhouse is well known amongst the interior designer cognoscenti and we felt strongly that opening on lower Madison Avenue will help us bring the Liaigre aesthetic to a broader audience in a neighborhood that is a premier design destination. Through this central location, clients are able to experience Liaigre in a new way.
Can you give us a preview of what to expect from the space?
The 6,000 square foot light filled showroom boasts soaring ceilings and windows that face Madison Avenue and 29th street. The showroom design was conceived as a real design project and the NoMad address offers the quintessential Liaigre spirit and style, exceptional materials and refined details.
Clearly, the business is growing. Which Liaigre pieces and/or styles are really resonating with the American market?
Many clients love new pieces, which are being shown for the first time in the US including the Sumi Table, Touareg Bench and Shelter Sofa, as well as some of our signature pieces such as the Zanzibar Bed.
You have quite a following among the fashion community. Who were some of your first designer fans, and how have they incorporated your pieces into their homes?
We’ve been privileged to work with many influencers from the fashion industry including Calvin Klein, Francois Nars, Valentino, and Karl Lagerfeld as well as with Marc Jacobs on his showrooms and Valentino for his offices in Paris. Recently, through our work with interior designer Ryan Korban, many of our pieces can be seen in the West Chelsea apartment of fashion designer, Alexander Wang. It is in this home you can see Liaigre pieces, some of which notably are bronze, showcased in his sleek and refined space.
Where are your other showrooms located around the world?
Paris, London, Munich, Brussels, Moscow, St. Barthélémy, Bangkok, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City.
You’re hosting the press day for Khaite. What drew you to the brand and designer Cate Holstein?
Similar to Liaigre, Khaite’s ready-to-wear collection is designed with the intention to be cherished. Each piece proposes a balance of elements while simultaneously embodying a signature aesthetic of sophistication and ease. Our use of exceptional materials and attention to detail made this an ideal partnership.
Any plans to open other showrooms in the U.S.?
We plan to enjoy the Liaigre NoMad showroom for a bit!
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