inspiration overload encore: manon gignoux’s paris studio…
Posted in artists, handmade, interiors, paris September 29th, 2009 by pia

PJB_manonsstudio1

This is a gorgeous article from World of Interiors that I have had on my moodboard for well over a year now, I’ve been meaning to show you for that long! Aren’t I lazy (don’t answer that). Oh yes I remember why I didn’t show you earlier – it’s because I was hoping to shoot Manon’s studio as part of Paris: Made By Hand! But after a chat with Manon we found out that her atelier is not open to the public, and that is very important for the Made By Hand concept. So then I tried to find Manon’s work in Paris so that I could at least include her pieces, but to no avail. Her work was nowhere to be found in Paris at the time. I was very sad as I adore her creations and philosophy, and wanted to photograph her space and her work. I hope one day I have the opportunity to do so, but in the meantime let’s take a look at these beautiful photographs by Eric Morin for World of Interiors

livingdolls4

Manon creates fabric sculptures, dressed household objects, clothes and accessories.  Every single piece is unique and exquisite…

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She uses uniforms from early 20th century workmen and women, and her textile collection is, well, c’est à mourir (to-die-for)…

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Manon’s studio is part of a residents for artists. Her kitchen is full of lovely old crockery, all on display, and the back wall is covered in peony wallpaper which she found at a brocante

PJB_manon'skitchen

And then, as if Eric Morin (sorry I cannot find any website for his work) did not already whet our appetite for  inspiration, I just found this incredible story of images by Japanese photographer Makiko Takehara (again, no online portfolio)who recently photographed Manon and her Paris studio for Japanese fashion magazine so-en. Take a deep breath and hold it tight, because what you are about to see will indeed, take your breath away…

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Are you still with me? My heart did ten double backflips when I first saw these images, with thanks to mady dooijes of abundance – a textile designer herself who authors a beautiful blog filled with inspiration. From there I went on a rather erratic wander – running to a number of dead ends in search of the original shots and more information. Alas, here are the images, but no more information than I have already offered. Manon and her work remains a beautiful mystery, one that you may cross if you are in the right place, at the right time.  Let’s hope for this moment…

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To see more of Manon Gignoux’s work, please click here.


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27 Comments

  1. isabelle says

    I love it … thanks for the link

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  2. Ann Marie says

    what makes it so beautiful is that it’s all so simple…a reminder that i don’t need to feel like i need to have everything i see/find. i admire her oh so much for her ability to make little things beautiful.

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  3. Inka says

    I adore her work, it’s so amazing! Could you please tell me in which number of World of Interiors that article is, so I could maybe try to find a copy for myself 🙂

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  4. pia says

    Hi Inka, I’m not sure which WoI it is in but I know it was featured in 2007, I hope this helps!

    Ann Marie – I totally agree.

    isabelle- no worries.

    xx

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  5. Jen Jafarzadeh says

    absolutely blown away. goose bumps. oh to be in such a space on daily basis. amazing, thanks pia!

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  6. Anairam says

    Absolutely fantastic! I love the designs, the faded colours, everything about it!

    September 30th, 2009 | #

  7. mlle paradis says

    Hi Pia, I’m one of the legions who love you work (and your soundscapes). Di Overton did a post over at Designer’s Block on August 8 about FEW and FAR in London and Manon’s clothes are sold there – she shows some. FEW and FAR is v. special, I bought some speckled turquoise plates from there. I think Priscilla Carluccio also used to be the Conran Shops head buyer and did their visual merchandising. She’s a very unique talent. So glad she’s finally able to shine on her own.

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  8. Cindy says

    So amazing!
    It might be the Feb 08 issue, according to this…
    http://feltbug.blogspot.com/2008/01/manon-gignoux.html
    Thanks for so much inspiration, Pia!

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  9. mlle paradis says

    oops Di’s post about Manon and Few and Far was August 8, 2008. for those london bound, now you know.

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  10. Danielle says

    ahhhh! nearly having a heart attack from inspiration overload! to.die.for. xoxo

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  11. Gigi says

    I was just going to say that I’m blown away, but someone else has said it above. It’s true, though; I am. Thanks for sharing all this. I’m always inspired when I visit your blog. xo

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  12. mady dooijes says

    dank je wel for the link pia- manon and her work remains a beautiful mystery indeed. i absolutly adore her work, i love it that her work retains the memory of their original use.

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  13. Inka says

    Pia and Cindy, Thanks for your help – now I know which magazine I’m hunting 🙂

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  14. vintage simple says

    Manon’s studio is very inspiring…and I’m madly in love with her kitchen. Madly, I tell you… Thanks for sharing these photos, Pia.
    -maria

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  15. beauty comma says

    oh, i love the fabric sculptures, they’re fantastic, plus the coat… and her website looks really beautiful. just the thing to peruse when one has a cold and is sporting a scarf and red nose =(
    have a lovely weekend pia!

    October 1st, 2009 | #

  16. Maia says

    THese are stunning, and the mood of the photos is gorgeous. What a magical place.

    October 2nd, 2009 | #

  17. ginnybranch says

    where have i been? oh my… she is definitely one of my new favorites! thank you for introducing her to me!

    p.s your photography is so beautiful it makes me ache.

    October 3rd, 2009 | #

  18. Holly-UK says

    oh my god!!! so amazing!!!! just the exact style i love!!! wow breath takingly beautiful and ssooooooooooooooooo Inspiring!!!! thankyou sooooooo much for shring these xxx

    October 3rd, 2009 | #

  19. liane says

    I was so in meed of that! sometimes i search the web for something exquisite. knowing it’s out there i just need to locate it! manon’s space is so wonderful and her work is evocative. the way she manipulates the beautiful textiles. wow.

    October 4th, 2009 | #

  20. wecouldgrowup2gether says

    i’m overwhelmed and have gone to heaven just looking at those

    October 10th, 2009 | #

  21. deb says

    So incredibly beautiful and inspiring – à tomber par terre. Merci!

    October 10th, 2009 | #

  22. melissa says

    i just found your blog (that i really love!), and i wish i had known about your book before i went on my paris holiday earlier this year! i am definitely going to get your book and hopefully be able to go back to paris next year.

    November 6th, 2009 | #

  23. De Beaux souvenirs says

    So long ago I had not seen such a wonderful work ! thank you for this meeting.

    January 6th, 2010 | #

  24. Erica Berman says

    Dear Pia, Thanks so much for your lovely blog. I adore your photos and they inspire me daily. I just ordered your book and my mom is going to bring it to me here in Paris from the US. I can’t wait to start checking out all the shops! A bientot Pia – Erica

    February 10th, 2010 | #

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  27. Maria Virgínia says

    É incrível…. Maravilhoso!!! Thats incredible.. Beautifu….

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