Taste Explored: Conversations with Interior Designer Rodolphe Parente

My personal style signature consists of my classic black Acne Studios jeans paired with an Ami Paris hoodie. However, I like to incorporate a pop of color with items like a purple and green Isabel Marant jacket and silver bracelets from Le Gramme. Similar to my approach to design, I enjoy mixing and matching various technical pieces and accessories to create tension.

One recent purchase that I absolutely love is an ethereal painting by Xie Lei, an innovative Chinese artist. I discovered it at the Semiose gallery in Paris. The painting is truly unique, with its phantasmagorical style and vibrant colors.

Pantelleria in Sicily holds a special place in my heart. It is known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean and is located about 70km from the Tunisian coast. The island is wild and volcanic, with deep blue waters and stunning light. I have spent every summer there for the past seven years and recently acquired a house. Although I am half-French and half-Italian, Pantelleria feels like my true roots.

One of the most memorable souvenirs I have brought home is a box of matches from a concert by French singer Juliette Armanet at the Olympia in Paris. The matches symbolize her album titled “Brûler le Feu” (Burn the Fire) and hold sentimental value as I shared a magical moment with a close friend during the concert.

The best book I have read in the past year is “Les gens de Bilbao naissent où ils veulent” (The People of Bilbao are Born Where They Want) by Maria Larrea, a talented French screenwriter. The novel explores a deep family secret through a captivating web of stories, written in a highly cinematic style.

My style icon is the late French interior designer Andrée Putman, whom I had the privilege of working with at the start of my career. She was responsible for designing the Morgan Hotel in New York, where she incorporated her signature black-and-white tiles in the bathroom decor. Putman’s influence extends beyond mere style, as she was truly a visionary.

One of the best gifts I have given recently is a vintage lacquer and gold Cartier lighter to someone close to me. I love the simplicity of the object, the attention to detail, and the nostalgic ritual associated with using a lighter.

Music is something I cannot live without. It plays an integral role in my work, and I curate a six-hour playlist to ensure uninterrupted focus and inspiration. I enjoy a diverse range of music and have vinyl records sent to me monthly. Currently, I am listening to “The Beach” by Miss Kittin, which embodies the spirit of the 2000s and evokes the feeling of being on a dancefloor.

While I do not have a specific collection, I am drawn to the work of Swiss designer Beat Frank, particularly his furniture collection for Le Corbusier’s Convent of La Tourette. The sleek shapes and exploration of the building’s specificities make his designs truly remarkable.

In my fridge, you will always find capers, ricotta salata, tomatoes, and bottles of Château La Martinette Reflets d’Argens rosé. These ingredients offer endless possibilities in the kitchen and create the perfect combination for cooking.

One item I would never part with is a stainless-steel and mesh Caran d’Ache pen that I have used for the past 15 years. It holds sentimental value and is a vital tool for my work, whether it be drawing or writing. To me, it is like a piece of jewelry for my desk.

One app that I find fascinating is Co-Star, an astrology app. Initially, it began as a joke at my studio, but now we all use it to explore compatibility and daily insights. It adds a fun element of connection and discussion among colleagues.

If given the opportunity, I would collect the artwork of Félix González-Torres, a Cuban-born American conceptual artist. His ability to convey powerful emotions with minimalistic objects, such as a curtain of red beads or birds, is truly remarkable. Owning a collection of his work would be a dream.

My grooming staples are perfumes, which I enjoy layering to create unique scents. Some of my favorites include Geranium Pour Monsieur by Frédéric Malle, Helmut Lang Eau de Parfum, Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Beach Walk by Maison Margiela.

The kitchen is undoubtedly my favorite room in my house. I spend most of my time there, whether it’s cooking with friends or enjoying an aperitivo. It is a composite kitchen with stainless steel elements, pink lacquer cupboards, and an original fireplace. Additionally, I have a hidden minibar that adds a touch of magic to the space, resembling a Yayoi Kusama installation.

The works of art that had a significant impact on me are by James Turrell, whom I discovered during my time in art school. His use of space and color left me in awe, blurring the line between art installation and architecture.

One building that stands out to me is the 7132 Thermal Baths in Switzerland, designed by Peter Zumthor. Its massive structure made of Vals Stone appears disconnected from time and immerses visitors in the surrounding landscape. A visit to this hotel and spa is transformative and rejuvenating.

The best advice I have ever received is from Andrée Putman, who said, “To not dare is to have already lost.” It serves as a reminder to seize opportunities, take risks, and avoid the regret of never trying.

Reference

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