Design's grand dame

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Andrée Putman.

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The sleek shape of Putman’s Crescent Moon sofa.

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The panoramic views of the Putman in Hong Kong, which opened in 2007.

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Contemporary masculine interiors for Acacia Avenue’s Hilliana by Abyaar.

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Born in Paris in 1925, Andrée Putman could easily have become an aficionado in the music world, rather than design as she excelled in piano at the Paris Conservatory before choosing the visual arts as her vocation. Originally a design journalist, then a stylist, Putman really made her mark on the interior design industry with her launch of ‘Ecart International' in Paris in 1978, which specialised in promoting twentieth century modern furnishings.

She has since designed retail spaces for fashion heavyweights such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves St. Laurent, Thierry Mugler and Cartier in addition to turning her hand to hospitality design with her renowned concept for Morgan's boutique hotel in New York. In addition, the eponymous Putman Hotel opened its doors in Hong Kong in June 2007, cementing Putman's expertise as a commercial interior designer.

Her bulging portfolio also includes the interiors of Concorde for Air France, museums, film sets and an ever-expanding list of design items and products that include textiles, carpet, furniture and most recently a piano! She has recently seamlessly glided into the realm of residential design by designing the interiors of Abyaar's Acacia Avenues in Dubai. Commercial Interior Design talks to the designer that has been called the ‘Grand Dame of Modernism' and credited with being one of the twentieth century's most influential and interesting designers.

How did your transition from writing about design to actually doing it happen?

Step by step, little by little, my friends introduced me to incredible people and these relationships opened new doors for me. I was in the world of print but I was already looking for something more. It was only after many experiences of interior design that I was recognised as a designer. I worked for friends as an amateur, of course for no profit.

It has been said that the French have an innate style - why do you think French design has gained this reputation? And do you agree with it?

It is funny that this idea has never crossed my mind, but you are right because regarding my career I started without knowing a lot. Sometimes, courage is needed to make a decision which could shock some, but which turns out to be the right one. And I am not talking about the temptation of surprising or shocking people for the fun of an idea - one shouldn't intimidate others.

I believe this is true in life, and I also believe my work reflects this very much. I have often seen design work, or proposals, which were striking but for the wrong reasons and with the wrong intensity. After all, it comes down to one simple idea: harmony. I know it is ambitious to try to define harmony, and will not attempt this.

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