For almost forty years, Inès de la Fressange has embodied the most Parisian of Parisiennes. It is therefore not surprising that she has invested in an artists’ district of the capital to build a nest perfectly in her image.
At 68 years old, Inès de la Fressange still has a passion for fashion… and decoration. An essential figure in lifestyle like a Parisian, her apartment is the perfect testimony. Recently, the former model – who grew up in the countryside in a mill in Yvelines – agreed to open the doors of her Parisian haven of peace to Madame Figaro.
Inès de la Fressange lives in a “a former artist’s studio” decorated by him
It is therefore in the 14th arrondissement of the capital that Inès de la Fressange lives, after having previously lived in the 9th arrondissement. She took up residence in “an old artist’s studio like many found in the neighborhood”. And what does her home look like? “In the living room, a huge glass roof lets in a few winter rays. The colors are soft (blond wood, sea green, soft pink); the atmosphere is a bit overheated – the fault of the vintage cast iron maxiradiators. Stacks of books clutter the coffee table”describes the magazine.
And to add: “In a corner, overflowing racks” of clothes. Nothing surprising for the one who perfectly embodies the Parisian woman. Asked about her tastes in decoration, she replied very simply: “When I decorate a place, I always do it according to the neighborhood.”
Inès de la Fressange art collector? “There are a lot of crusts in this apartment”
“Before I lived in the 9th arrondissement, in the Géricault and Offenbach building. So I bought small, very 19th century paintings”she added. Before going into details: “Here, we are in the corner of bohemian Montparnasse – I have very glamorous neighbors: Man Ray, Scott Fitzgerald, Foujita, Giacometti… We are in the former studio of a painter, Raymond Legueult”.
“I have also kept certain original pieces of furniture, like these two Norman cupboards – not necessarily to my taste initially, but very much in the style of the Montmartre workshop of the painter Suzanne Valadon”then added the mother of Nine and Violette, the two daughters she had with the Italian businessman and art dealer Luigi d’Urso, who died suddenly in 2006 following a heart attack.
And to the one who today shares her life with Denis Olivennes, former boss of Europe 1, to conclude: “There are a lot of crusts in this apartment! But the most beautiful painting is this landscape by Jean-Baptiste Sécheret, a contemporary painter that I adore”. An apartment at first glance very busy, and colorful, like its famous owner!
