Passionate about design, Vincent Dupont-Rougier began working as a self-taught designer before joining the post-graduate program of the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris.
Both curious about heritage and resolutely turned towards the avant-garde, he has an acute interest in the notion of narrative and materials in his projects.
From 2000 to 2001 he was a resident at the French Academy in Rome, at the Villa Medici. In 2015, he received the prestigious distinction of Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
The HILT furniture line he designed for Pierre Frey is developed around legs carved from solid oak pieces. These wooden spurs, just squared, are thought as two solid supports that accompany the user in his movement. They also echo the stylized hieraticism of Art Deco furniture and architecture. The sculptural appearance of the base is reflected in the faceted volumes and the rigidity of the outer lines contrasts with a soft comfort.
Designer's words
How would you describe the Hilt line?
The Hilt line consists of a sofa, an armchair and a coffee table. Congruent throughout is the treatment of the front legs, presented in a rather radical way, as a contemporary evocation of Art Deco ornamentation.
How would you sum up the HILT line in 3 words?
Tension, soberness, utility.
How did you find the inspiration? What was the idea in the creation process?
For this project for the Heritage collection I focused on a detail that evokes those found in Art Deco furniture or architecture. I also like to question functionality: there is in these seats a service, an aid providing a handgrip to assist with sitting and rising. This is not apparent at first glance but upon use. Once this choice has been made, all the lines, proportions and materials are naturally deduced.
Why did you choose to call this line « HILT »?
I wanted to express the idea of a grip, a handle, which translates into English as the word hilt.
What is the characteristic detail of the line?
The cut of the legs creates a hexagon at the top from which all the lines of the furniture are drawn like facets which are declined all around the seats.
What is the richness of this furniture?
The interior comfort is hidden behind the apparent tension of the lines.