‘La Vie en Vogue’ Reflections on Fashion and Interiors by design curator, Francesca Barrow CEO Façonner
Welcome, dear readers, to the first instalment of La Vie
Fashion seems to have this amazing way of giving you
en Vogue - my musings on all things fashion and interior
just what you want, right when you want it. For example,
related noted exclusively for you. Who am I to talk? Let
my style as anyone who knows me will tell you, is probably
me introduce myself. I am the CEO of Façonner; luxury
best described as ‘contemporary classic’. I’m a Chloe
design curators. I am often asked what it means to be
blouse cut by a beautifully tailored Joseph blazer, never
a ‘design curator’. Indeed,
without my YSL red lipstick;
when I founded Façonner
I mean business type-of-
all those years ago, its
girl. But recently, I’ve been
description was often met
rekindling
by
expressions
with fashion ideals I thought
at the idea of curating
I’d safely left behind in my
design as oppose to that
teenage years; otherwise
which is more traditionally
described as the era when
associated
the
punk rock ran riot and
But
I
word
puzzled
with
‘curate’,
art.
my
actually
romance
thought
that
always
fashion meant a pair of
remained; design is an art.
very Courtney Love-esque
My core is appeased by
hot pink 6-inch platform
beautiful
shoes
my
answer
has
aesthetic
and
that
my
mother
etiquette so simply put, I
begged me not to buy
established Façonner to
(which I subsequently wore
advocate these through
at my first ever fashion
exhibiting sterling design in
week teamed with the
the perfect environment;
classic pink Chanel bag
these are the company’s
I’d just been given for
own space in Belgravia
my sixteenth birthday- I
and the photo shoots that
still treasure the bag, the
I creatively direct. So, I
shoes; not so much). That’s
could think of no better
not to say my Manolo
description for what I do
Blahniks are going to be
nor name for my company
locked
which literally translated
but rather, that I’m in the
away
(never!)
means ‘to shape, to fashion, to mould, to manufacture’.
mood to team them with more rough and ready textures
With tidy hand-shakes thus out of the way, let us embark
and motifs than my wardrobe is usually accustomed
now on our conversation, dear reader; one which, just
to. And you’ll never guess what graced the catwalk
as life, will likely have its share of ups and downs; serious
for the upcoming season. As if by magic, AW15 obliges
contemplation and a few laughs along the way. After all,
with my eagerness to dress-up; cut-out shapes, glorious
la vie est belle.
embellishments and some banging colours (lime-green!).
020 3731 4131 | faconner@faconner.co.uk | www.faconner.co.uk
AW15 Issa
It would all be too much save for the delicate nature in which these are executed by the design houses that stood out for all the right reasons this fashion week. They lure in the conservative girls by giving us just a little-bit of that something-edgy and more often than not, it’s that little-bit that makes all the difference. I’ve fallen in love with this lime-green Issa jumpsuit; the cut of the top is daring but it’s balanced by a very classic trouser and the colour may be somewhat loud but the fabric flows with the utmost of ease. It’s like Ralph Lauren doing rock and roll. No, I mean it’s exactly like that- classically beautiful black dresses with a little cut out here or there (and when I say ‘here or there’, I mean in ‘bonjour monsieur, je ne sais quoi’ type-areas). And then Jenny Packham. The embellishments happened and I was like, ‘really?’ Because they are unreal; surreally beautiful and made stronger by a shoulder shape that just won’t quit. And sometimes, that’s simply the best way to do it. So I will dare to- because the wonderful thing about having one’s style evolve from our teenage years is the ability to trust that we can take risks, just a little bit, without falling over on ridiculous heels. And if we do, fashion is there to catch AW15 Ralph Lauren
us- at least this season anyway. Interiors continued on page 94.
AW15 Jenny Packham
‘La Vie en Vogue’ Reflections on Fashion and Interiors by design curator, Francesca Barrow CEO Façonner
Welcome, dear readers, to the first instalment of La Vie en
shade of grey, took a few samples to get right. Grey can be
Vogue Interiors. The amazing power of interior design lies in its
brown in tone or blue in tone and like my Loewe bag, I have an
ability not to transform a space, but to transform who we are
ardour for blue greys; entirely sharp and chic. The game then
in that space. Our surroundings impact our mood often more
became playing with shape. The space is small so I wanted to
than we realise. I remember at my first ever job, feeling the dire
create a lifestyle through designating different areas but also
need not only to tidy my desk but also everyone elses’ around
vastness by not literally partitioning it- thus different segments
me because my eyes physically pained at the clutter. And
of the floor achieve this best. The entrance sees a diamond
let’s not talk about the bright lights or that blue carpet which
and square motif, leading into the kitchen area where there is
seems permanently etched in my memory. So how wonderful
a basket-weave design and different finish (which also effects
then that Façonner’s very purpose is to curate design. Curating
the colour slightly and creates contrast) and the main studio
pieces in the most effective way is very much impacted by
space which has panelled wood, completed by a strong
the environment they are placed in. In Façonner’s case, we
black border which emphasises its masculinity and also draws
are alluding to a residential setting in terms of the interiors
in the space. The furniture compliments the concept of shape
we exhibit. So designing the space was about balancing the
and weight very well; Bolier is the beautiful brand curated for
concept of a gallery in a homely setting. For me, creating a
this. Softer shapes such as the chaise which almost appears
tranquil yet motivating environment had to be at the forefront
as a sculpture ensure that no one area becomes too heavy;
of my aim. As you might have gathered by my company
whilst abstract lines and dark wood retain warmth. The mirror
colours, I love grey. It’s not black, it’s not white (similarly to how
in particular is a favourite piece and beautifully illustrates the
I spoke of ‘just that little bit’ in the fashion segment), it’s that
concept of the design in its entirety. Poignantly, the curtain
area right in between; the glorious moment when you don’t
was a very crucial aspect in bringing in texture. We exhibit
quite have to decide yet. It’s the colour of stone and it bears
Colony Fabrics in this regard. It is very difficult to browse their
such an effortlessly calming nature. With grey, often comes
collection and not fall in love with absolutely everything. None
contemporary. And I wanted to retain the modernity that lent
more so though than ‘Bengala’, which was the fabric used for
to this colour scheme whilst alluding to a strong, warm and
its perfect compliment to the room. Finally, accessorising is just
sultry appeal. Indeed I enjoy the energy of more masculine
as important in interiors as in fashion and this was achieved
interiors so heavier textures such as wood and leather were
with pieces by Alexander James London as well of course, as
implemented in my thought process from the early stages. A
pictures from the photo shoots I’ve creatively directed over
big part of this was the flooring. Artwood is the brand we curate
the years; carefully placed in the space. In its culmination,
for floors; and believe me when I say, they literally create art
the Façonner space is calm, characterful, deep and sexy;
out of wood. Virtually anything is possible and it’s fun to create
elements which serve to illustrate just how powerful interior
with that magnitude of option. The colour firstly; the particular
design can be.
020 3731 4131 | faconner@faconner.co.uk | www.faconner.co.uk