Jacques Garcia

May 27th, 2009

Jacques Garcia began his career specialising in contemporary architecture, producing the interior design concepts of such landmarks as the Tour Montparnasse, the Meridiens Hotels and the Royal Monceau in Paris.

He collected furniture and art, in particular royal objects that had been dispersed during the French Revolution, and his ultra-modern early projects drew on his interest in 17th Century design.

Garcia received wide press coverage after producing the prestigious pied-à-terre of the Sultan of Brunei in Place Vendôme, but it was with the opening of Hôtel Costes in 1996 that his style hit the headlines in Paris.

His work was seen as audacious amidst the minimalism of the time, and fascinated a public that was not used to seeing “so much personality in a public place”.

From that moment onwards, Jacques Garcia focused on designing the finest restaurants and luxury hotels in Paris.

Chic venues that currently bear his trademark include Le Fouquet’s, Ladurée, L’Hôtel des Beaux Arts, le Rivoli Nôtre Dame, l’Esplanade, L’Avenue, la Grande Armée, le Ruc and le Cabaret.

Garcia also recently worked on the renovation of Hotel Victor in South Beach, Miami.

Recognition of his work includes The Medal of the City of Paris (1994), Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (1997) and Commander of Arts and Letters (2002).

He was also awarded the prestigious Henri Texier prize for the restoration of his famous 17th century château Champ de Bataille in Normandy, described as “the realm of opulence’’.

Most recently Garcia has produced stunning new collections for both Baker and McGuire, which have been brought exclusively to Australia by Cavit & Co.

cavitco.com.au