Dorothée Boissier on Objects from Kyoto, Golf, and Opaline Glass

When Dorothée Boissier was younger she was introduced to many cultural and artistic pursuits, but didn’t have one particular career in mind. She was confident though that by trying a variety of activities she would find her true calling. “I’ve always allowed myself to be carried along, learning day by day,” she says. “I nourished myself, and something emerged from that process.”

Boissier studied interior design at Penninghen in France, where one production made a lasting impression. She watched Madama Butterfly at the Opéra Bastille, directed by Bob Wilson, and was immersed in the splendor of it all. Every element, from the costumes to the colors, created an unforgettable experience. It clicked for Boissier then, and she was confident she had chosen the right path.

Dorothée Boissier, with long brown hair, wearing a pinstripe blazer and light blue blouse, smiles at the camera in a dimly lit indoor setting.

Dorothée Boissier \\\ Photo: Gilles Bensimon

She joined Philippe Starck’s studio as a team leader, and eventually became a partner at Starck Network. After nearly a decade with the iconic designer, Boissier founded architecture and interior design studio Gilles & Boissier with Patrick Gilles in 2004.

Known for their unique and poetic environments, this husband-and-wife duo’s work is influenced by their French heritage, with a blend of the synthetic and grandiose that forms a distinct signature style. Via a bespoke approach, they have completed a range of high-end boutiques, hospitality settings, and residences. In 2021, they launched a furniture and ready-to-buy accessories line that complements their interiors.

Boissier is drawn to the visual, and is fascinated by theater and set design. If she ever decided to pivot she would go behind the scenes to tell new stories. “It would be in the realm of the cinema,” she notes. “I really like the idea of the camera, the lighting, the photography, and the artistic direction of a film.”

Today, Dorothée Boissier joins us for Friday Five!

A vintage book titled "Les Fleurs du Mal" with an illustrated cover by Dorothée Boissier rests on a dark surface against a light-colored wall.

Photo: Dorothée Boissier

1. The collection of “Les Fleurs du mal” by Baudelaire, edition by Ambroise Vollard

This object once belonged to Ambroise Vollard, a famous art dealer who revealed some of the greatest painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was passed down to my stepfather, his godson, and eventually became a family heirloom that I was fortunate to inherit. Ambroise Vollard, initially an art publisher, produced this collection, which remains one of the rare examples of the Ambroise Vollard editions. This object holds great importance because it carries a deep and meaningful history, and it is also a very personal item.

A quiet forest scene with tall pine trees and grass, illuminated by soft, early morning light in a style reminiscent of Dorothée Boissier’s serene aesthetic.

Photo: Claire Curt

2. Golf

I am an avid golf enthusiast; I love playing the game as much as I enjoy admiring the landscapes and nature that surround the courses. There is a golf course near Paris that I particularly appreciate, nestled in a pine forest and dotted with natural purple heather at this time of year. The vegetation is lush, especially the ferns, which add to the striking beauty of the place. I was especially captivated by a photograph taken by Claire Curt, which beautifully captures a golf course with towering pine trees bathed in the sublime, warm evening light. Her stunning images perfectly convey the timeless beauty of this location.

An open book on a wooden surface shows black and white photographs of a woman standing next to a wire fence and textured concrete wall. Nearby, a lamp and white ornament reflect the minimalist style of Dorothée Boissier.

Photo: Dorothée Boissier

Prada is a brand I adore, and especially the woman that Miuccia Prada is, who fascinates me. I particularly admire the freedom and boldness she displays with her brand. She is a cultured and engaged person who knows how to surround herself with the best. Her collaboration with architect Rem Koolhaas is particularly fascinating, especially in how it has strengthened Prada’s image as a symbol of modernity. Together, they have also established new standards in commercial and cultural architecture. She is a woman who infuses so much boldness, technology, intelligence, culture, and authenticity – that’s what I admire most about her.

Shelves display assorted vintage glassware and porcelain vases, bowls, and jars in pastel colors—pink, green, yellow, and white—featuring decorative patterns inspired by the refined style of Dorothée Boissier.

Photo: Dorothée Boissier

4. The Opalines

The Opalines are objects that are part of my personal history, dating back to the 19th century. I particularly love their vibrant colors and shapes, as if you were walking into a candy shop. I decided to display them in a showcase we designed and is part of our line of furniture. These Opalines add a very colorful touch to the living room in our home.

Four fabric fruits, including strawberries and a peach, are displayed on a woven tray inside a white rectangular frame, reflecting the refined aesthetic inspired by Dorothée Boissier.

Photo: Dorothée Boissier

5. Objects from Kyoto

This series of small objects comes from a traditional shop in Kyoto that specializes in making kimonos with sumptuous fabrics. Amidst these precious materials, I discovered a collection of small fruits, probably made from scraps of these refined textiles. These delicate objects in crêpe de Chine immediately captivated me with their finesse and charm.

Works by Dorothée Boissier and Gilles & Boissier:
A whole raw fish on a fish-shaped plate is surrounded by cabbage, eggplant, parsley, red onion, celery, radishes, and a dish with peppercorns in a style reminiscent of Dorothée Boissier’s elegant culinary presentations.

Photo: Courtesy of Gilles & Boissier

Jardins Sculptés Collection
Gilles & Boissier’s Jardins Sculptés earthenware collection was created in collaboration with the prestigious Maison Bourg Joly Malicorne, specialists in French earthenware preserving the skill and savoir-faire of their craft since 1747. Consisting of servers, dishes, and raviers, every piece is conceived as a living sculpture, inspired by vine leaves, squash, and freshwater fish, in celebration of the raw, poetic beauty of natural forms. True to the spirit of craftsmanship, the plates feature irregular edges, finely outlined in shades of cognac, pink, and blue, reminiscent of subtly colored natural lace.

Modern hotel lobby with high ceilings, marble floors in a geometric pattern, white walls, contemporary furniture, and a large textured yellow artwork on the far wall inspired by Dorothée Boissier’s elegant style.

Photo: Cai Yunpu

The Lana
With elegant interiors exquisitely designed by Gilles & Boissier, The Lana made its debut in April 2024 as the Dorchester Collection’s first hotel in the Middle East. Located in Dubai, the design project took place over a duration of six years with Gilles & Boissier working to design the lobby, restaurants, guest rooms and spa.

A modern lobby designed by Dorothée Boissier features curved beige sofas, small round tables, large windows, and lush greenery, offering tranquil views of trees and water outside.

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons

Four Seasons Formentor, Mallorca
Gilles & Boissier’s redesigned Four Seasons Formentor, Mallorca, originally established in 1929, opened to the public in June 2024. Following a meticulous restoration and expansion, the historic gem, nestled within 40 hectares of pristine seaside woodlands, invites guests to rediscover the Mediterranean coast with a blend of timeless and contemporary design.

Double sink vanity with marble surfaces, two mirrors, wooden drawers, and overhead wooden slats in a contemporary bathroom inspired by Dorothée Boissier’s elegant design sensibility.

Photo: Michael Paul

Maison Dijon
Located in the center of Dijon, the Maison Dijon townhouse is a true architectural gem. Gilles & Boissier’s renovation was comprehensive, transforming the property into an elegant pied-à-terre, offering all the comfort of a luxury hotel suite—an essential feature for its owner, a seasoned traveler. Hidden behind its façade, the property is accessed through a charming secret garden, offering an initial impression of tranquility and charm. A grand entrance, adorned with old oak paneling and a checkerboard marble floor blending New Saint Laurent marble with Burgundy stone, sets the tone for this exceptional home.

Elegant living room with wood paneling, a large portrait, and Dorothée Boissier-inspired design. Two sofas face a central table, a piano graces the space, and symmetrical cabinets flank a fireplace topped with a mirror. Natural light floods in from tall windows.

Photo: Jerome Galland

Maison Courvoisier
Maison Courvoisier, the world’s most awarded cognac house, reemerged in October 2024 following a multi-year restoration led by renowned French architecture and design agency Gilles & Boissier. In collaboration with local and international artists and artisans, the designers blended tradition with innovation: paying tribute to nearly two centuries of history and craftsmanship while ushering in an exciting new chapter to bring to life the essence of Courvoisier’s rich heritage and vision for the future.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.