The Art of Design Issue 23 2016 | Page 11

11 Who is Gérard Faivre? As told by Gérard Faivre... “People say that I am always in a hurry, but in fact I Of course I am no Van Gogh nor Matisse but, am rather patient! I had to wait more than 15 years to coming from the North like these two major practice the profession I had always dreamt of doing: interior and exterior design. With resignation and a tinge of sadness, I had to artists, I understood immediately that my idea of paradise on earth was to be found between a palm tree and an olive-tree. give up my studies of architecture to manage the family business after the early death of my father. When we bought our first house, I restructured and During many long years, I ran ready-to- wear clothing decorated it according to my taste which leans factories. Thanks to this experience which I did not towards contemporary art. It was not even finished choose, I learned to love beautiful materials and when some of my friends requested to buy it. We harmonious proportions. My eye and my hands refused to sell it until I found another well-located improved in keenness and know-how. “bastide” that need to be entirely renovated. From then on, I was hooked. I finally found a way to make In my shops, you could find a guiding line that told my teenage dreams come true. And this is how I a story just with clothes and accessories that I had became the creator of this global art of living which selected with utmost care. I am still telling stories I continue to create in the properties that I buy and with my homes in Provence: my first stay in the south sell. My approach is totally original because I create a of France was dazzling. universe which I really love.