Maison Sarah Lavoine: A Woman, A Style
Published on 4 July 2024
Few design signatures are as immediately recognizable as that of Maison Sarah Lavoine. The brand, which also functions as an esteemed interior architecture studio, has made a notable mark in the design world. This September, at Maison&Objet, Sarah Lavoine will impart her insights as a business leader in a highly anticipated talk.
Think velvet textures, bold stripes, the gleam of lacquer, and vivid color blocks accentuated with black or white. Among them, a singular blue—the iconic "Sarah" blue, inspired by a peacock feather. Since founding her studio in 2002, Sarah Poniatowski has been defining her unique style. “I didn’t have a career blueprint,” she reflects. “Maison Sarah Lavoine evolved organically, driven by intuition.” By 2012, she had launched her own brand, now thriving with eleven boutiques in France, one in Belgium, corners in major department stores, and a presence on five continents. Expanding beyond home decor, she ventured into ready-to-wear fashion. The company, which employs around fifty people, continues to pursue space design projects. Sarah Poniatowski stands out as one of the few women to achieve such success. “I consider being a woman a strength,” she asserts. “We have different approaches, often gentler and with a smile. And we can juggle three children while running a business.”
“The French art of living is about an appreciation for beautiful things, but never ostentatiously.”
Her studio caters to private clients and also designs offices, restaurants, and hotels. In 2019, the brand launched a “contract” section. In 2018, L'Oréal entrusted her with their new headquarters, housing 2500 employees, and she reimagined the prestigious Racing Club in the Bois de Boulogne. “Every project is a research field that nourishes the brand’s inspiration,” she explains. “Sometimes, we incorporate a piece of furniture or lighting into the collection.” The Vadim lamp, for example, has become an iconic piece, initially designed for a restaurant. Similarly, the Leo pouf was created for the Roch Hotel in Paris. Offices are designed to be as comfortable as home, and restaurants are intended to seem timeless, with carefully curated simplicity. “The French art of living is about elegance, understated sophistication, and an appreciation for beautiful things without ostentation,” she describes. Her collections feature enduring objects, with designs maintained over many years, crafted by artisans. “I don’t follow trends,” she notes. “What matters is that people develop a bond with objects, that they age beautifully. It’s the same with my clothing line; these are timeless pieces. Clients come for the perfect jeans, the ideal tuxedo, and we refresh the colors over time.” A loyal attendee of Maison&Objet for twenty years, she meticulously explores each aisle every season. “I always feel a thrill before going; it’s a genuine source of inspiration!”
