New brand offers jewellery for the home in Dubai

Hughes Ducoin of L'Objet launches this fascinating and luxurious home accessories brand in Dubai. We catch up with him at Tanagra to learn more The Tanagra store at Mall of the Emirates was recently decked up once again to proudly unveil yet another super-luxury brand in home accessories - L'Objet. Media milled about and the flurry of activity seemed centred around one particular gentleman, Hughes Ducoin.  Ducoin was recently appointed as Managing Director of L'Objet and did well to portray the image this luxury brand exuded - one of a fresh entrant that quickly reached the ranks of luxury design bureaucracy. And there is no mistaking the obvious precious element amidst exquisite and delicate design. From intricate tableware to beautifully ornate accessorises, and decorative objets d'art, L'Objet's designers show a clear commitment to artistic integrity. As well as artisan value, the monetary value of these pieces is also quite high. In tableware for instance, precious metals are combined with Swarovski crystals, and Limoges porcelain is matched with 24 carat gold or platinum, making these items unique with a strong collector's quotient. And as such, the pieces are not mass produced. "The brand is very new, only about six years old, but it's a really fast-growing one," says Ducoin. The name sits amidst the top echelon of super luxury designs, "But because of the uniqueness of its designs and creations, L'Objet has created a niche market for itself, and so does not threaten but coexists peacefully with its peers," says Ducoin, referring to brands of design aristocracy.  In the 2009 Byzantium collection, a custom mould for each piece has patterns so intricate that each mould cannot withstand more than 15 uses. Their metal ranges are equally laborious and extensive to produce, with techniques used that are not dissimilar to jewellery making. Sterling silver is used to hand solder the delicate links, and special tools are used to embed the hundreds of Swarovski crystals on detailed, intricate design such the Spice Jewels range.  A L'Objet piece could easily have fallen out of a treasure chest - one found on a faraway island, across many seas. "When you see a L'Objet piece, you can identify it instantly, for there will be a natural, earthly quality to it. There is also a distinct global cultural appeal," says Ducoin. "Our designs are inspired by natural beauty and elegant architecture, and from past and contemporary global civilisations. We blend ancient and modern techniques to create today's timeless treasures."