Inspired by a picture of Delphine Krakoff’s sheep on The Zhush, I did a little sleuthing and found out that the first major retrospective of Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne’s whimsical work opened at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris last month.
Delphine Krakoff for Pamplemousse Design
Known for their “sense of absurdity”, this legendary couple not only created the iconic sheep (which graced Park Avenue last October), but fabulous furniture, jewelry and home decor, as well. The exhibit, designed by architect and Lalanne uber-collector Peter Marino, includes more than 150 pieces inspired by animals and nature in a fantasy French chateau setting.
"Les Lalannes" Exhibition - Musee des Arts Decoratifs
"Les Lalannes" Rabbits with Tutus and Mice with Fans
From what we have heard, visitors to the Musee are in for a treat. From the “monkey room” dedicated to Yves St. Laurent’s collection which graced his Rue de Babylone home to a dining room with a table-top fountain commissioned by Marino for his own New York apartment, every room is filled with magic.
Claude Lalanne - Mobilier Gingko c. 1996
Claude Lalanne - Bambiloba c. 2005
And if the furniture is too much for you, there’s always Claude’s gorgeous jewelry and home accessories!
Claude Lalanne - Clips d'Oreille "Collerette" c. 1980's
Claude Lalanne - Paire de Candelabres c. 1990
Claude Lalanne - Vase Reseaux c. 2007
Photos from The Zhush, Musee des Arts Decoratifs and Christie’s