As part of its commitment to support art, Massimo Dutti has chosen Maison Louis Carré as the backdrop for the launch of its new men’s collection. An example of Bauhaus architecture, just 50 km from Paris.
The dream home of Louis Carré, art gallery owner and art collector, was one in which he and his guests could enjoy his selective collection of African art and works from Klee, Bonnard, Picasso, Calder and Giacometti.
Initially, Carré intended to appoint the architect Le Corbusier to design his home, but having discovered the work of Alvar Aalto, its sombreness and ability to blend in with the natural surroundings, he decided to appoint Aalto.
Built in 1959, Maison Louis Carré is an example of Bauhaus architecture focused on functionality, geometry, and the use of essential materials.
All rooms are spacious and have high ceilings. Covering 450m2, it is divided into three areas. An area including the entrance, the living room – designed at a specific height to showcase the owners’ art collection bathed in natural light – the library and the dining room. A private area with three bedrooms and bathrooms. And, lastly, an area with the kitchen and the staff’s dining room.
The materials used to build the house were chosen with great care. The exterior was built using white clean-cut local stone, the same used to build Chartres Cathedral, just 23 km away.
Finnish pine was used for the interior and many pieces of furniture and lighting accessories that decorate the house were designed specifically for this project.
The house is now open to the public and can be visited by small groups. Visitors include students and architects from all over the world. Louis Carré’s gallery in Paris, in Rue de Messine, is now managed by his nephew and exhibits works of international renown.
ALVAR AALTO
1898 _ 1976
Finnish Architect and Designer He started his career as a functional architect and evolved towards a choice of shapes, lighting and materials inspired by what he called the humanization of architecture. He expressed this sentiment in his book “The humanization of architecture”, published in 1940, which reflects the essence of his idea of humanizing modernity, expressing a sense of care about the relation between buildings and the people who live in them, and a sensitive use of materials.
Finlandia Hall, Helsinki | by: Alvar Aalto
Riola Parrish Church | by: Alvar Aalto
Tubular steel chair | by: Alvar Aalto
Maison Louis Carré | by: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto Studio
Littala Aalto Vase | by: Alvar Aalto
MD FW20
MEN COLLECTION
The new Massimo Dutti collection reflects the essence and philosophy of this new educated luxury, based on the perfect balance between inherent elegance and comfortable wear. An ode to warmth, expressed in the quality of the materials and their exquisite feel, resulting in unique designs.
