Entering the premises of Féau Boiseries in Paris is a unique experience. Within a maze of different rooms and workshops, pieces of some of the finest woodwork in the world are stored. Since 1875, this unique, changing collection has forged the reputation of this maison, headed up by three generations of the Féau family. Today, Guillaume Féau and his sister Angélique passionately guard a treasure trove of two hundred woodwork pieces, placing their expertise at the service of the finest interior decorators. In their workshops throughout France and in the Paris region, woodworkers, gilders, fitters, sculptors and goldsmiths restore and reproduce historic models on demand, according to the inspirations of architects and their clients. They are masters of every historic style: Regency, Empire, Art Nouveau, Rocaille, and Neoclassical…Bespoke decorative settings are flown all over the world, from a penthouse in New York to a historic European abode. Guillaume Féau cultivates the memory of the most extraordinary mansions, from the Palais Rose de Boni de Castellane in Paris to the lavish Ephrussi de Rothschild villa in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. 

“In short, we have the same clientele as Féau Boiseries”

It is within this setting that The Invisible Collection has chosen to hold its first major Parisian exhibit, on the occasion of its fifth anniversary. Here, this internet pure player will present a sample of the extraordinary collection of furniture and lighting designed by the finest architects and decorators it sells on its site. Each piece, crafted by artisans, is bespoke and made to order. For this capsule collection, each designer had free rein to reinterpret one of their iconic pieces, drawing from the new fabric collection from Dedar. Initially planned for the In The City session in January, this exhibit will remain in place through March 28, and can be visited by appointment only. The Invisible Collection is present in Paris, New York, Miami, London and Los Angeles. “In short, we have the same clientele as Féau Boiseries”, states Isabelle Dubern-Malvayse, co-founder of this very unique e-commerce site. Scattered around the room, a Laura Gonzalez armchair (…) interacts with woodwork and a stool from Le Berre-Vevaud. We come across a Charles Zana sofa, an ottoman from Pietro Franceschini, and a bench seat from Jean-Pierre Tortil. “We realized that great art collectors didn’t necessarily think of collecting design pieces”, Isabelle Dubern-Malvayse continues. From her point of view, decorators, designers, clients and artisans form a community, working hand-in-hand for the sake of art. Within the setting of Féau Boiseries, this approach is sure to be inscribed in the long and venerable history of the French decorative arts.