Friday, May 29

Yves Saint Laurent: Villa Oasis


What I wouldn’t give to be sipping mint tea in Marrakech today. Suffering from a summertime cold, I awoke early this morning and started leafing through The Elle Book of Decoration (2001). I borrowed it from a friend last week and I am deeply enamored with every page.

A perspective on French design, the book explores the work and influences of contemporary designers, including Philippe Starck, Didier Gomez, Christian Liagne, Andree Puttman and Jacques Grange. It also includes past homes of Loulou de la Falaise, Kenzo, Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.

I was particularly thrilled to find these amazing images of Villa Oasis and Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Gardens), originally designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle. In 1980 Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden and restored it to its original splendor, leaving it open to the public. When Saint Laurent passed away in 2008, his ashes were spread in the garden.

A palette of blues and greens inspired by Henri Matisse graces the drawing room. The finely wrought stucco and top moldings in 'zelliges' are original to the home.

An Arts and Crafts writing and drawing desk.

A corner of the bedroom boasts Syrian furniture inlaid with mother of pearl, and Anglo-Indian armchair and French chandelier (18th century).

A spacious terrace opens to the extraordinary garden.

The 'Menzeh' is the most informal room at Villa Oasis. The view overlook the garden and the pond designed by Majorelle in the 1920's.

Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, 1976.

5 comments:

Renée Finberg said...

feel better....
but this is a super post !

the light fixtures in the drawing room are wild.

and btw, i wish i were there too.
xx

pve design said...

I have a friend who's uncle owns Tigmi- a wonderful spot for you to go and feel better.
Check out the site - I can book you a special room!
http;//www.tigmi.com/
pve

Unknown said...

It's all about learning and sometimes re-learning from the masters of great design. Thank goodness for great books and beautiful photography. Once you soothe the soul it will work itself outward and heal your cold.

Bette

My Castle in Spain said...

Somptuous...! love the last photo of Saint-Laurent beautifully relaxed, in his white djellabah...
The Majorelle gardens are so incredible. I was there 2 years ago...the new café is wonderful.
The items in the shop are a delight

thanks for this great post!

Fabulous Finds Gal said...

YSL does texture and color like no other...
Merci and get better,
Christina