Homes & Estates Digest Homes & Estates Digest 2015 | Edition 2 | Page 9

It makes sense that she would want her home to be an escape from the frenetic,
brightly brocaded couturier world. Lhuillier’s business takes her all over the globe—to
New York, to Dubai, to Paris several times a year. (“Being part French and spending
so much time in Paris as a child with my family, I feel as though this city is my second
home,” she says.) Traveling is in her blood and often inspires her designs.
“When I go on these different trips, I get so inspired, whether it’s a beautiful art piece
or people-watching on the street or a beautiful fabric,” she notes. “I’m drawn to
beautiful things.”
Her spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection, for example, was inspired by a trip to
Harbour Island in the Bahamas. She explains: “When the sun rose over the ocean,
the sky turned beautiful shades of blush and lavender, and there was this reflective
quality to the water. I wanted to instill that sparkle in every piece.”
Homes & Estates recently caught up with the jetsetting designer and asked her
about her style must-haves at home and abroad.
Homes & Estates: In what ways have you translated the signature femininity
from your collections to your own home?
Monique Lhuillier: My home is a reflection of my design aesthetic and sense
of style. It is luxurious and classic with a modern twist. There are textural details
throughout, which are best seen through my contemporary art collection. My home
is done in shades of gray, giving it a serene and tranquil feeling, with pops of color
coming from the art that fills our home.
H&E: Which room in your home do you feel most embodies your sense of style?
ML: You instantly understand my sense of style when you walk into my foyer. The
skylight lets in natural light to make it bright and airy, juxtaposed by a dramatic
staircase and grand piano. There is a beautiful, textural Jason Martin piece that
adds a pop of turquoise amongst the shades of gray. The foyer also gives you great
perspective into all of the other areas of my home.
H&E: What’s your motto for mixing textures?
ML: I love to mix different textures together in both my bridal and RTW designs and
in my home. In my spring collection, laces, silks, jacquards, liquid satin and tulle
are all used throughout. My gowns are embellished with delicate beading and lace
appliques. In my home, we have wall coverings that mimic ostrich and lizard skin and
a mix of modern and vintage furniture in rich velvets and suedes. The contemporary
art in my home is vibrant, with a sense of movement.
H&E: Now that we’re moving into peak travel season, what are your absolute
must-haves for a vacation getaway?
ML: One of my favorite places to visit is Paris with my family. There is so much to do
and see, and beauty and inspiration can be found everywhere. We like to eat at new
places and even just stroll the city streets and the gardens. Once I’m there, I can’t
live without my iPhone and Uber.
H&E: How do you make a hotel room feel more like home?
ML: I bring my music with me—that makes me feel at home. I’m currently listening to
Ellie Goulding, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj and Drake. I also bring a fragrance with me,
whether it is a candle or an air spray, so it smells like me and my environment. I love
Diptyque’s Baies candles in the summer and Figue in the winter.