It all started in Villa Kerylos. From the moment of the designer Michael Aydos He accidentally discovered the famous home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, and was intrigued. With a passion for history, exquisite architecture and craftsmanship, Michael Kerylos finds a constant source of inspiration. Even when the brand is French heritage He is not He used him to create his first costume designer collection since the company was founded in 1928, and Kerylos became his inspiration. Join me and Susanna at Michael’s stunning design studio in Montclair, NJ, to see his inspiration, peek at the collection and the beauty of his creative design.
In what was once the world’s largest manufacturer of lacrosse nets, Michael renovated the large industrial space into a stylish studio for his design firm. With high ceilings and wide windows, the scale is masterfully managed so the rooms comfortably mimic living spaces, where both staff and the client can be inspired. The airy specimen library, below, is a tribute to Villa Kerylos with its console and pillows that feature motifs from the collection.
Each space evokes Michael’s love for antiquities, architecture, and luxurious materials – the designer in his office below.
Inspiration and reference materials abound.
Built in the early 20th century and now part of the French Ministry of Culture, Villa Kerylos is an ode to ancient Greece in all its glory. Combining the best of this classic civilization with the modern comfort of the Belle époque villas, the property echoed Michael’s sophisticated and mundane approach to design.
From broad gestures to the minutest detail, Kerylos’ use of scale, pattern, and materials was a profound echo of Michael who magically translates his many shapes into his extraordinary collection. Houlès then interpreted it with the elegant and meticulous craftsmanship for which the house is famous.
Like Kerylos, the collection represents classic beauty, modern sophistication, and understated glamor. And, as Michael skillfully demonstrated, the pieces can elevate design in many unexpected and innovative ways (his update for Houlés’s showroom in Paris for the first collection below).
All photos by Stacey Buickis for Quintessence
So thank you, Michael, for welcoming us to your inspiring design studio and Houlès, for caring for you and sharing your wonderful collaboration, craftsmanship and French skill! We are so inspiring!
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