In 2017, Pierre Frey acquired one of France’s leading manufacturers of seating and furniture, strengthening its know-how and expanding its range of products. The Maison now offers a rigorous furniture service, with the ability to control all stages of production, from the design process to the carving and assembly of the wooden frames and finally, the upholstery.
Today, the Maison Pierre Frey aims to apply the values that have made it successful (quality, know-how, craftsmanship, eclecticism of patterns, colors, shapes and materials...). It is with this in mind that Sam Baron was recently appointed artistic director for Pierre Frey’s furniture department.
With an affinity for the heritage of decorative arts, Sam Baron applies his own vision by redesigning basics and reinterpreting traditional furniture-making know-how in a contemporary way.
A true conductor, he is currently reorganizing, modifying and enriching the collection, reconnecting the House of Pierre Frey to its roots, with a particular focus on the work René Prou, grandfather of Patrick Frey and the first French Interior Designer.
Verso, a collaboration with the Lebanese designer duo david/nicolas in homage to René Prou
For his first furniture collection, Sam Baron worked with the young and talented designers David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussalem of the david/nicolas studio. Together, they focused on the theme of travel and the great transatlantic liners such as those decorated by René Prou in the 30s to 50s. Sam Baron knew that david/nicolas’s innovative approach to contrasting materials, as well as their unique way of mixing inspired, contemporary and futuristic elements, would bring a timeless aesthetic to the collection.
David and Nicolas boldly reinterpreted René Prou’s codes, combining the notions of comfort, design and service, to create a drawer-dresser, a lounge chair and a sofa-shelf with an associated low pouf-table.
These functional pieces are made of solid oak engraved with fine grooves and brass knobs, and are covered with mohair velvet or fabric designed by René Prou, reissued for the occasion.
A folding screen with shelf, pedestal tables designed by Sam Baron and a rug by René Prou complete the entire Verso collection.
With this furniture, the House of Pierre Frey proposes a new way of living and sitting while reflecting on new lifestyles, a link between decoration and furniture.
Four generations later, the House of Pierre Frey, a manufacturer of fabrics and furniture could become the new contemporary designer.
