It all started at Villa Kerylos. From the moment he was a designer Michael Aiduss accidentally discovered a celebrated house in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, he was enchanted. With a passion for history, architecture and fine craftsmanship, Michael found Kerylos a source of lasting inspiration. So when the French mark is a legacy Houles eavesdropping on him to create their first designer jewelry collection since the company was founded in 1928, Kerylos became his muse. Join Susanna and me at Michael’s stunning Montclair, a design studio in New Jersey, to see his inspiration, take a peek at the collection and his creative design aesthetics.
At what was once the world’s largest lacrosse net factory, Michael has remodeled a large industrial space into a modern studio for his design firm. With suspended ceilings and spacious windows, the scale is skillfully operated so that the rooms comfortably simulate living spaces, where staff and clients can be inspired. An airy library of patterns, is a homage to Villa Kerylos with its peristyle console and cushions with ornaments from the collection.
Each space evokes Michael’s love of antiques, architectural structure and luxurious materials – a designer in his office below.
Inspiration and reference materials abound.
Built in the early 20th century and today part of the French Ministry of Culture, Villa Kerylos is an ode to ancient Greece in all its glory. Combining the best of this classic civilization with the modern comforts of a belle époque villa, the estate echoed Michael’s sophisticated and worldly approach to design.
From wide gestures to the smallest details, the use of scale, pattern and material in Kerylos resonated deeply with Michael who magically translated his numerous motifs into his remarkable collection. Houlès then interpreted it as the elegant and precise craft for which the house is known.
Like Kerylos, the collection represents classic beauty, modern sophistication and disguised glamor. And as Michael has skillfully proven, the lining can elevate the design in many unexpected and creative ways (his update of the Houles Salon in Paris for his debut in the collection below).
all photos of Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence
So thank you Michael, for inviting us to your inspired design studio and Houlès, for sponsoring and sharing your excellent collaboration, workmanship and French Savoy Fair! We are so inspired!
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