Photos courtesy of Christopher Guy
Christopher Guy Harrison, is the founder and CEO of global luxury furnishings brand, Christopher Guy. Raised in France and Spain, British-born Christopher discovered his passion for design at a very young age. Influenced by his international background, his design carries on a sophisticated, highly-stylized luxurious French charm. From use of exotic woods and lacquers carefully handcrafted at his workshops in Central Java, each CG piece is graced with timeless elegance.
His prestigious list of projects includes, the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo, the Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas, and Beverly Hills Hotel in California, to name a few. His work has garnered worldwide acclaim, and has been the recipient of numerous accolades including, Outstanding Design Award from the British Interior Design Association in 2004, and Design Icon Award by World Market Center Las Vegas in 2011. His furnishings have been featured in a host of Hollywood film productions such as “Ocean’s 13,” “The Interview,” and “Casino Royale.”
Christopher Guy furnishings have elevated the art of elegant living with presence in over 42 cities including showrooms throughout North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and has taken a forefront in the world of luxury furniture.
Christopher gives us insight into the Christopher Guy brand, in his exclusive interview with High Rise Life Magazine.
Q: How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as having a contemporary mood with timeless values. My aim is always to add a subtle elegance into each product with a sprinkling of the Christopher Guy DNA design philosophy which is central to the brand. Regardless of whether a piece leans towards modern or classic, the question I always pose myself is if I would wish to display that item in my home. If the answer is no, then I would tend to go back to the drawing board.
Q: What is design to you?
It is becoming more of an eclectic look, a mix of materials and the art of bringing these together. Classic furniture has moved on I think, and I don’t sense it will ever return to the previous levels of demand as the skills to make it has been decreasing at an alarming rate. We’re still incorporating a few classic designs but have moved to a cleaner, sophisticated, and timeless look.
Q: Can you tell us a little about the design and ordering process?
Every piece is handcrafted at my workshops in Central Java, which today covers more than two million square feet and where two-thousand of the world’s finest craftsmen bring my projects to life using a variety of materials, including certified Mahogany, various metals, marble, and limestone.
Q: What is one of your favorite pieces you have designed?
My signature patented “Chris-X” (chris-cross) leg design was inspired by the waistline of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, while the legs mimic the pose of a ballerina – drawing inspiration from the elegance, grace, and femininity of women from a bygone era. Redefining the posterior of a dining chair, I tapered the form without compromising the comfort, structural strength, or stability of the piece. Like many of my designs, inspired by the feminine form. The idea was to create a chair that was simple, sophisticated, and flexible enough to work in a variety of style categories.
Q: How has the brand evolved over the years?
The industry used to be localized and now it is very far ranging. Where you would once just sell within one’s own country as a brand, we now find ourselves supplying the four corners of the world. So, we’re developing ways to solve this through the creation of software. In the last five years I’ve been working on developing a software to solve this issue and ultimately help the CG brand.
Q: Where do you spend most of your time?
I reside between London, Singapore, and the US.
Q: What is one of your favorite projects you have worked on?
I would have to say, Harrods Georgian Restaurant. The project came by accident. It is a timeless restaurant built with passion. There is only one Harrods. I sought out inspiration from the elegance of the 1920’s and 1930’s mixing elements of modernism and classicism to create the perfect ambience.
Q: What did you think of the Las Vegas Market winter furniture show?
We were delighted to share some of our latest creations with Las Vegas Market attendees. From elegant to sublime, our collection was very much at home with the splendor of Las Vegas style and luxury.
Q: Are you currently working on any new interesting projects or collaborations?
Christopher Guy (CG) started in decorative mirrors and has since grown to include a full luxury, lifestyle collection. The addition of rugs with such a wonderful partner as Nourison Rugs in recent adds an exciting foundation for the CG look.
For more information, please visit official website www.christopherguy.com