Baccarat celebrates its 260th anniversary—its CEO reveals the secrets to the house’s success

Baccarat’s success comes from the way it infuses its designs with a global perspective while maintaining the essence of its heritage, says Henriquez. “By offering experiences like Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic and collaborating with well-known designers, Baccarat aims to create something special that resonates with local tastes, while still honouring its French roots.” 

This year, Baccarat partnered with the renowned Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung for a reimagining of the house’s iconic Zénith chandelier. Named Printemps Bleu, or “blue spring”, the piece retains the Zénith chandelier’s distinctive cascading design and dramatic, waterfall-like effect—but with one-of-a-kind details masterminded by Leung, who took inspiration from Baccarat’s historical archives as well as from Chinese blue and white qinghua ci pottery. It features motifs of swallows, symbolising eternity and luck in Chinese culture, and butterflies, as well as floral patterns in cobalt blue; most of these were originally designed for the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris.

Don’t miss: Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung reimagines Baccarat’s iconic Zénith chandelier

Of the collaboration, Henriquez says: “It seemed only natural to invite Steve Leung to reinterpret the Zénith chandelier, Baccarat’s iconic symbol of light, which has graced palaces and stunning homes since its creation in the mid-19th century.” Leung is renowned for fusing eastern and western aesthetics in his designs, she adds; the collaboration is testament to Baccarat’s commitment to continue embracing diverse cultures, blending its heritage with contemporary design influences, particularly from Asia.

“Both our countries have a longstanding appreciation for art and literature,” says Leung. “I believe this design collaboration is the perfect way to celebrate our mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage and creativity.”

It is not the first time Baccarat has worked with the designer: its boutique at Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li in Chengdu featured an impressive façade designed by Leung, crafted in the style of the maison’s crystal collections, with a 9.5-metre-tall red glass arch inspired by traditional Chinese doors. It is also not the first time the house has worked with a heavyweight in the design world. Also unveiled in celebration of Baccarat’s 260th anniversary has been the New Antique collection by Marcel Wanders, the famed Dutch designer who has collaborated with the maison for 15 years.

The New Antique consists of vases, bowls and chandeliers with what the brand describes as fresh, seductive lines that refract a dazzling light; it also
fuses the purity of crystal with the sophistication of white Carrara marble. It “beautifully embodies the boldness and visionary spirit that have always defined the house”, says Henriquez. “Alongside the designer, the manufacture’s artisans have pushed the boundaries of their craft to create masterpieces that defy the imagination.”

Wanders, who lives by the motto “live with passion, fulfil the wildest dreams and transform everyday life into a world imbued with beauty and wonder,” says Baccarat’s artisans have given him “the opportunity to be an ambassador for their world”.

Baccarat has always been a source of inspiration for the greatest artists and designers, says Henriquez—and “an absolute complicity between artists and craftsmen results in extraordinary creations rich in imagination.” Blurring the boundaries between art, architecture and design, the collaborations have opened up new perspectives, enriching Baccarat’s aesthetic repertoire over time.

The diversity of Baccarat’s projects and its dedication to excellence have allowed the maison to continuously evolve. Each of its creations embodies the spirit of French joie de vivre and the art of celebration, she adds. “Baccarat has been transforming moments of sharing into celebrations of life, bringing to life a captivating world of light, joy and radiance.”

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