Surrounded by the lush expanse of the French Vexin Regional Nature Park, an inspiring place in its own right, Lauret Studio, a small atelier lovingly referred to as orfèvrerie d’auteurs — silverware by authors — has not only upheld but redefined the standards of a centuries-old tradition, forging the skill of silver smithing with the poetic grace of art and the functional elegance of utensil design.
Christine Lauret, the founder and soul of Lauret Studio, embarked on this venture late in her life — a bold step to continue the legacy of her husband, Richard, a renowned artist-designer. The closing of the silversmith he worked for in Lyon could have been an end for his work, but Christine saw this as a new beginning. Starting with nothing but a few of Richard’s artist proofs and a vast uncharted territory ahead, she set up shop, rebuilt from scratch, and gathered around her a team that would come to define the silverware studio’s ethos: artisanship, creativity and an undying passion for beauty.
Most of the pieces are designed by Richard, who uses his unique artistic insights to elevate everyday objects into works of art. The studio also collaborates with artists Christian Jaccard and Jean-Charles Maïna, who Richard worked with previously in Lyon, to create distinctive designs. From eye-catching platters to intricate table accessories, these masterpieces are proudly displayed in the most refined dining environments, prestigious galleries and ambitious design projects, be it on land, at sea, or in the air. However, Lauret Studio’s impact is perhaps best seen in its special commissions. The Montgolfière caviar bowl, a signature piece that was displayed during summer at the Cini Foundation in Venice for the HOMO FABER exhibition in celebration of contemporary craftsmanship, exemplifies Lauret Studio’s reach and artistic acclaim. This piece isn’t just functional; it is a centrepiece that commands attention, embodying the atelier’s capability to blend utility with grandeur.
Lauret Studio’s catalogue is a panorama of creativity and versatility. From the bold and mysterious craterlike motifs of Météor to the delicate and serene artistic impressions of Les Jardins de Giverny, each creation reflects a specific theme or inspiration, many of which originate from nature or architecture. Noteworthy is the Plume design, which replicates the delicate beauty of feathers through fine lines, intricate details and textural depth. Like all products emerging from Lauret Studio, this collection is hand-signed by the artist, reflecting genuine handcrafted quality.
With Christine’s palpable passion and dedication evident in each piece, the studio has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, fostering partnerships with some of the culinary industry’s most illustrious names. For instance, the Bambou collection holds pride of place in the opulent dining settings of the famed Villa Treville hotel in Positano, echoing the sophisticated tastes of chef Vincenzo Castaldo. Its design, characterised by fluid, organic lines and an almost ethereal presence at the table, complements the culinary creations it serves. In France, Laurence Bonnel-Alléno, Artistic Director of Paris’s gastronomic temple, Pavillon Ledoyen, chose Lauret Studio’s sophisticated Metropolis and Antinea cutlery to elevate the award-winning cuisine served by chefs Yasunari Okazaki and Yannick Alléno at two-Michelin-starred L’Abysse. À La Folie, the bespoke tea-time displays crafted for Maxime Frédéric at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris and later at Cheval Blanc Paris, is another impressive creation. Lauded with a Tableware International prize for the best in the serverware category, this magnificent design features two upright flowers crafted from silver and finished with satin-white porcelain petals.
Lauret Studio also demonstrates its know-how through its comprehensive services. Recognising its clients’ unique and evolving needs, the studio excels in made-to-measure solutions that meet the most detailed demands, offering everything from tailored table settings for top chefs to collaborative projects that reflect the latest in dining trends and interior design. Whether it’s a caviar display for a high-end yacht or a customised butter dish for a Michelin-starred restaurant, Lauret Studio rises to the occasion with unmatched elegance and expertise. To add a personal touch, elements like gold links, fine stones and even engravings can be incorporated, reflecting the owner’s taste and style.
Steering clear of mass production and taking a staunch stand against the ongoing rise of overconsumption and disposability in the luxury goods sector, Lauret Studio focuses on perpetuating French artistic heritage by creating high-quality, durable pieces meant to be cherished and last a lifetime. The company’s manufacturing process remainsrooted in time-honoured artisanal techniques, involving craftsmen who are not only masters of their trade but are also recognised as “Entreprise Patrimoine Vivant” and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” — titles that commend their dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. Created as limited editions, each piece from Lauret Studio boasts a distinctive identity — a heart that tells a story of traditions, innovations and the people behind them, from the designers to the craftsmen.
Under Christine’s leadership, the studio not only promises exceptional, tailor-made silverware but also invites its clients into a world where every piece resonates with the spirit of its makers — where art is both seen and experienced. Here, passion meets profession and every creation celebrates the French art de vivre.
To find out more about Lauret Studio and enquire about pieces, visit the links below:
LAURET STUDIO
Web: lauret-studio.eion.co
Tel: +33 (0) 6 27 92 19 80
Email: lauretstudio95@gmail.com
Instagram: @lauretstudio