ICONIC FUSION

 

In 2015, Jean-Louis Costes embarked on a transformative journey for the newly acquired Hotel Lotti, situated on the illustrious Rue de Castiglione. Entrusting the project to Christian Liaigre, the vision was to create a seamless blend of luxury and sophistication that would connect Hotel Costes (designed by Jacques Garcia in 1995) with Hotel Lotti and a new establishment on Rue du Mont Thabor. This ambitious project culminated in the creation of “Le Costes,” a brand that epitomizes the quintessence of Parisian elegance and cosmopolitan charm.

Christian Liaigre’s final achievement, inaugurated in the early 2020s, encapsulates the art of living and timeless refinement. Unlike Garcia’s theatrical and opulent style, Liaigre’s approach for Le Costes was marked by restraint and sophistication, drawing inspiration from both neo-classical Parisian mansions and the loft spirit. This stylistic dichotomy is evident throughout the hotel’s design, from the monastic atmosphere of the lobby to the loft-like bedrooms with their large terraces and panoramic views of Paris.

Bertrand Thibouville, Christian Liaigre’s first assistant on the Costes project and now one of the four Creative Directors at Studio Liaigre, shares insights into the meticulous design process. “We let ourselves be guided by the needs of the project, with simplicity, timelessness, and noble materials as our leitmotif,” Thibouville explains. This philosophy is embodied in the Costes X Liaigre capsule collection, a curated selection of furniture pieces that reflect the Parisian and cosmopolitan spirit of this five-star hotel.

 

 

The collection features iconic pieces such as the Castiglione Sofa and the Mont-Thabor Armchair, each designed with an emphasis on comfort, ergonomics, and visual harmony. “We used very few, carefully selected materials: black lacquer and wirebrushed wood, linen, dark leather, velvet and straw,” Thibouville notes. This restrained material palette ensures a unified aesthetic that enhances the bright, airy atmosphere of the rooms.

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Thibouville elaborates on the unique challenges faced during the project, particularly in integrating the designs of the three hotels. “The main challenge was optimizing the rooms and making the technology disappear,” he says. Balancing Garcia’s theatrical style with Liaigre’s more restrained approach required a delicate touch, resulting in a design that seamlessly blends monastic tranquility with Parisian sophistication.

The legacy of the Costes X Liaigre Collection lies in its exclusivity and the deep collaboration between the designers and the owner, Jean-Louis Costes. “It’s very rare to design exclusive furniture for a hotel,” Thibouville remarks. “This project redefines luxury in the hotel industry through exclusivity, dialogue with the owner, and his total trust.”

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