Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/779424
I n the early 1990s, David Sutherland was the first showroom in the Southwest to carry furniture by an under- the-radar French interior designer named Christian Liaigre. First introduced to the U.S. via designer Holly Hunt in Chicago, the Liaigre look caught on fast for its minimalism, refinement, and exquisite craftsmanship. The collection moved to George Cameron Nash showroom, where Holly Hunt also had her collection. Now, some three decades after their relationship began, Sutherland and Liaigre are together again — and in a très big way, with the debut of a 3,800-square-foot showroom inside David Sutherland, devoted to Liaigre's full collections of furniture and lighting, and his selection of upholstery fabrics and leathers. "The French work with a discipline that is to be admired," Sutherland says. "Their attention to detail is what attracts designers." To install Liaigre's collection in Dallas, Sutherland worked directly with the designer's wife, Deborah Liaigre, who is also the company's artistic and managing director. "It raises the bar," says Sutherland of the collection. "It's aspirational — not just in terms of quality, but look." Deborah Liaigre and company pres- ident Christophe Caillaud (formerly of Jean Paul Gaultier and Rothschild) ar- rives in town for a launch party at the David Sutherland Showroom on Thurs- day, February 2. To the trade at David Sutherland Showroom at Dallas Design Center, Suite 340, davidsutherlandshow room.com. FRENCH CONNECTIONS B Y R E B E C C A S H E R M A N Shelter armchair in larch wood and polished copper Shelter armchair in macassar ebony and brass 60 Deborah Liaigre A Liaigre-designed room