Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look celebrate Craftsmanship with de Gournay, the Louvre’s First Fashion Exhibition, and the Antiques & Gardens Show of Nashville. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Celebrating Craftsmanship with de Gournay,
In honor of Design Destination London, de Gournay welcomed patrons into their world of craftsmanship, offering a rare opportunity to witness their artistry firsthand.
As a designer, I deeply value the artisans, craftsmen, and tradespeople who bring our projects to life. Understanding and preserving the intricate techniques behind these incredible creations is paramount. While glimpsing behind the scenes is always a privilege, it’s not every day that a vendor invites you to try your hand at their craft—but de Gournay did just that.
Within their Chelsea showroom, they assembled a team of their most skilled painters, embroiderers, and porcelain artists, who not only demonstrated their meticulous work but also guided us in attempting it ourselves. It was a truly immersive experience, offering a newfound appreciation for the mastery and dedication behind every de Gournay piece. The day was a marvelous celebration of craftsmanship.
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The Louvre’s First Fashion Exhibition
The Louvre, a beacon of Paris and home to the extraordinary, has unveiled a first in its over 200 year history of a museum. Titled Louvre Couture, Objets d’art, Objets de Mode, the museum has introduced its first ever fashion exhibition. Spanning from Cristóbal Balenciaga to Iris van Herpen, this unprecedented showcase pairs masterpieces from the museum’s Department of Decorative Arts with pivotal moments in contemporary fashion from the 1960s to today.
Across nearly 9,000 square meters, over a hundred silhouettes and accessories exist within the storied rooms of the Louvre drawing on centuries of style, craftsmanship, and ornament. Despite not having its own fashion archive, the Louvre has long been a limitless source of sartorial inspiration for designers. Its tapestries, portraits, and objets d’art have long shaped the vision of fashion’s greatest names.
Staged by Nathalie Crinière and curated by Olivier Gabet, the exhibit invites visitors to wander rather than follow a rigid path. Mirrored podiums reflect the opulence of Byzantium, the Renaissance rooms showcase dialogues between richly enameled ceramics and couture, and the Napoleon III apartments offer a grand finale of extravagance. This exhibition illuminates the timeless and inextricable bond between fashion and art.
With 45 designers represented, the exhibition is certainly the first of its kind. Running now until July 21, 2025, if you find yourself in Paris, Louvre Couture, Objets d’art, Objets de Mode is a must see.
The Antiques & Gardens Show
The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville is set to celebrate 35 years in full bloom from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at the Music City Center. Presented by Northern Trust, this perennial favorite draws over 15,000 attendees in support of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and ECON Charities, with a beautiful mix of 150 different dealers in antiques, art, and horticulture, plus immersive garden displays, live music, and special events.
This year’s theme, Cultivating Home: Life Well Tended, takes a stylish cue from the timeless patterns of Fabricut, Jean Monro, and Clarence House. Design legend Bunny Williams returns as Honorary Co-Chair alongside her business partner Elizabeth Lawrence to mark this milestone year. Meanwhile, the lecture lineup is as dazzling as a well-set garden party, featuring Brooke Shields, Sheryl Crow, and celebrated florists Shane Connolly and Willow Crossley.
Guests can meander through three breathtaking garden showcases, including a coveted Hartley Botanic Greenhouse, while at The Hermitage Hotel a botanical-themed Afternoon Tea and exclusive events will take place. And don’t forgot get to take a pause to take in the finely appointed show entrance decorated by Nashville based designer, Amanda Khouri. Tickets can be purchased here!
Read our favorite articles of the week!
Mind Your Manners: A History of Proper Place Settings written by Emma Bazilian for Frederic.
Designers Predict These Front Door Colors Will Be Huge in 2025 written by Steele Marcoux for Veranda.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
x Natalie
Sometimes, when I see dedication and exquisite beauty such as what you just provided; my eyes tear up with joy. Many thanks…