20 YEARS TOGETHER: One of the world’s most renowned contemporary designers, Frenchman Hervé van der Straeten, is getting the royal treatment at the Ralph Pucci Gallery in Manhattan, with an opening Tuesday night.
And it’s no wonder, considering Pucci and van der Straeten have been partnering on shows for 20 years.
The relationship began serendipitously when a relatively unknown van der Straeten visited Pucci’s gallery at 44 West 18th Street, hoping to show his portfolio to Pucci. He didn’t have an appointment but bumped into Pucci on his way out of the building.
“I knew immediately at our first meeting that this work was from a very rare and extraordinary talent,” said Pucci, who was particularly taken by the focus on brass and lacquer which was different from the collections already housed at the gallery. “Twenty years later, Hervé’s work mesmerizes me,” Pucci said. “His innovative designs have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in furniture and lighting design. This show not only celebrates his incredible achievements, but also underscores our long-standing partnership and shared vision for the future of design.” He said the show with van der Straeten celebrates working together for two decades.
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Pucci is exhibiting new works for the show, as well as new editions of van der Straeten’s most successful creations. Among the van der Straeten pieces being shown: mirrors with bevelled flat glass and irregular bronze frame, with a faded black patina and rock crystal insets; “Appliques Module” lights in irregular bronze punctuated by rock crystal ingots that light passes through; circular tables in “green forest” marble and bronze; customizable and modular chandeliers illuminated by integrated rock crystals inside cages, and “chameleon” lacquered finished consoles that shift colors depending on the surrounding lighting.
Van der Straeten started his career creating jewelry before expanding into furniture and lighting design, where his work is renowned for craftsmanship, precision, bold form and innovative use of materials. His work is instantly identifiable.
“I met Ralph the minute I walked into his vast and luminous space gallery; he showed curiosity then great interest,” said van der Straeten. “Since then, he and his team show ongoing support. He always has a clear vision of what he wants to show and the ability to give it substance. Sharing the same passion for design and the beauty of craftsmanship have been making this relationship a lasting one. Merci Ralph.”
