For NYCxDESIGN, on the night of our event in collaboration with Par Excellence and Villa Albertine, the Long Island City showroom of Ateliers Jouffre was a whirlwind of excitement as the new design exhibition "Trompe-L'oeil" was unveiled. This exhibition explores the themes of illusion and tangibility in design, using a vast array of materials and textures to reframe our understanding of landscapes and space.

"Trompe-L'oeil" is a French phrase meaning "deceive the eye", an apt description for an exhibition that features design pieces which playfully manipulate perceptions. The exhibition showcases the stunning craftsmanship and creative abilities of several designers, each contributing their unique vision to the overall theme.

Marine blue marble and white onyx “Coquina” sconces designed by Jouffre's Corina Durrego in collaboration with BAS Stone were a lesson in elegant assemblage, their white oak ball details adding a surprising touch. An alabaster and leather wrapped pendant light by Delisle and designed by Elliott Barnes cast a warm glow over the display, adding to the ambiance. A pair of white oak "Elias" dining chairs by Eric Nakassa added a touch of warm geometry, while the "Suma" limestone lamp by Frero Collective injected a textural note.

The "Taylor Sofa" by Garcé & Dimofski, expertly upholstered by Jouffre in a soothing sage green bouclé from Zak + Fox, beckoned visitors to take a moment to pause and be held by the sofa. Decorating the meandering sofa were ornamental pillows that included ball cushions delicately gilded by Studio Anthost and embroidered throw pillows by Combray Design. This theme of material juxtaposition continued in the "Shell Chair" designed by GRADE NY, its unique structure fabricated by Souchet Woodwork and upholstered in a bold red "Zui" weave from rruka. Stone sculptures by Katibelle Sharkey brought an elemental theme to the exhibition, contrasting with the delicate intricacy of a work on paper by Lauren Collin.

The "Mangrove Table" by Rich Sison, a Jouffre designer, demonstrated a masterful blend of materials: copper patinated steel with a petrified wood top. Santiago Salgado's tree trunk-inspired coffee table “Alameda'' complemented this naturalistic theme. Meanwhile, the "Henge Chair" designed by Jouffre's Design Director, Taylor Scott Ross, in collaboration with Rees Roberts + Partners (RRP) was upholstered in a bouclé from Chapas Textiles and references the eroded earthscapes that occupy neolithic henge sites, showcasing Jouffre and RRP’s shared commitment to timeless craft and aesthetics.

But the centerpiece of "Trompe-L'oeil" was a sprawling wall upholstery mural, a collaboration between Studio Anthost, Combray Design, Garcé & Dimofski, and Jouffre that depicted a seaside scene in abstract shapes and textures. Drawing inspiration from the soft color story of the showroom and the climbing nature of the Jean Royère sconce, the mural featured a variety of techniques and materials that transformed a wall into an artwork, from hand-embroidered elements to hand-painted organza, and from dyed raffia to metal beads and springs.

Visitors to the opening reception were taken by the exhibition, taking time to appreciate the details and craftsmanship of each piece. The comfort and style of the upholstered pieces offered a welcoming respite amidst the excitement of the event. Through the seamless collaboration of Jouffre's in-house design studio, a blend of technical innovation and bold creative vision took shape. This unique concept was brought to life by the meticulous craftsmanship of our artisans and fabrication partners within the atelier.

This exhibition is the first refresh of the showroom since it was designed and curated by Garcé & Dimofski in 2021.