19 CARPETS FOR LA SAMARITAINE IN PARIS

The Creative Matters pink carpet for the atrium of the footwear department. Adapted from Dark Angel from our XXV Collection, the design captured the movement and texture the designer was looking for.

In June 2021 the design eyes of the world were upon the reopening of the iconic French department store, La Samaritaine. Reinvented for the 21st century, the French historical treasure had undergone a spectacular restoration. It’s luxurious light-filled interiors were redesigned by Yabu Pushelberg who asked us to create carpets and rugs for 19 different areas.

The blue carpet for the atrium of the footwear department is the same design as the pink carpet. The client wanted colour in these areas - particularly cool with the blues and warmth with the pinks.

Creative Matters Managing Director Ana Cunningham worked with the team at Yabu Pushelberg along with Director of Design - Europe Clémence Hardelay who handled all the French communications including meetings in Paris and Hong Kong. “We were selected by Yabu Pushelberg for the range of skills and experience we would contribute to such a prestigious project. Primarily they appreciate our ability to interpret their design intent,” said Ana. “They also have a high level of trust in us when it comes to colour selection and the way in which we are constantly seeking ways to elevate our designs. And from past projects they are very aware of the excellent service we provide, not only to them but to their client, the contractor and all the way to the installer.”

The women’s fashion carpet palette needed to remain soft, yet fresh. We achieved that with violet and sage accents.

Yabu Pushelberg provided the design inspiration and it was our task to carefully translate the soft blends to create a subtle sense of transparency.

The rugs and carpets play a substantial role in the redesign of La Samaritaine. “The designs play off the fresh Parisian style of the area, offering contrast to the history of this formidable space,” said Ana. “The natural light pouring in from the Atrium showcases the lustre of wool in many of the areas. And the use of wool brings comfort underfoot while beautifully expressing the variety of design styles and eye-catching colour palettes.”

Also for women’s fashion, we also created a little whimsy with these perfectly placed vibrant floral elements. This design uses similar organic shapes seen throughout the women’s fashion departments.

“This has been one of the largest and most prestigious projects I have managed in my career. Managing a project like this takes many motivated and talented people to ensure its success,” said Ana. “Our design team offered up hand painted designs to achieve those effortless brushstrokes in patterns such as the jewellery department rug.”

The Creative Matters design for the jewellery department began with hand painted elements. You can really see this in the way the details flow effortlessly as they carry the eye across all 49 feet.

The women’s jewellery rug is one of Ana’s favourite designs. She loves its playfulness. From its inception starting with the painting studies, to the careful consideration of its palette, it resulted in an effortless expression.

The level of craftsmanship in the production teams in Thailand and China also contributed significantly to the success of the project. An equally important part of the process was the Creative Matters logistics team that moved all the rugs and carpets in a timely manner.

We had a lot of fun creating these two circular rugs for men’s contemporary fashion because we were given the freedom to be very bold. Pure colour and a play on pile heights. Modern art on the floor was the aim.

“Working with Yabu Pushelberg has always been a great pleasure of mine but this project - I have to say - was an experience that drew upon all our capabilities so perfectly,” said Ana. “We really wanted to work on La Samaritaine and were thrilled to take this two-year journey with them.”

Cobalt blue was added to reference the architectural wall detail.

More reserved than the men’s contemporary rugs, the rug for men’s classic fashion was more about structured geometry and soft flowing ombres.

We began design work on the La Samaritaine rugs and carpets in early 2018 and continued to manage their progress until they were installed in early 2020. Some were handtufted at our mill in Thailand while others were produced using the woven Axminster production method at our mill in China. Some were made in 100% wool and others included a small amount of nylon to cope with heavy traffic or shiny nylon to add visual dimension.

This Creative Matters design for the women’s atelier boasts the most colour blends (40) of the project. The complex colour palette achieved a stunning translucent effect.

Many people have followed the long history of the legendary Paris department store and the challenges it faced to reopen its doors since it closed in 2005. We are honoured to have been part of the extensive redesign by a team of international archictects and designers.

Please enjoy this slideshow of all 19 rugs and carpets in their stunning setting.