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The visionary creative director of Dior Maison, shares her expert tips on how to entertain like French royalty, blending timeless elegance with a sense of joy and refinement to create unforgettable gatherings
From the moment she could hold a pencil, Cordelia de Castellane was immersed in a world of beauty and creativity. Now the creative director of Dior Maison, her designs reflect a deeply ingrained appreciation for fine living—a legacy of her extraordinary lineage. Born into one of France’s most distinguished aristocratic families whose roots date back to the ninth century, her upbringing was a mosaic of artistic and cultural influences.
Her mother, Atalanta de Castellane, is an acclaimed interior decorator. Her great-great-uncle, the renowned French architect and artist Emilio Terry, left an indelible mark on her aesthetic through his signature style of blending classical elegance with modernity, which continues to echo in her creations at Dior Maison. It’s fair to say that the French art of mixing styles has always been in de Castellane’s blood.
Read more: 6 Things to about the French art of fine dining at Alliance Française's exhibition
Above Cordelia de Castellane welcoming the festive season into her home
Cordelia de Castellane welcoming the festive season into her home
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De Castellane's immersion into design began precociously. At just 15, she interned at Chanel under her uncle, Gilles Dufour, Karl Lagerfeld’s close collaborator. This formative experience in a highly refined creative environments ignited a lifelong passion for design, further cultivated through roles at Emanuel Ungaro, and culminating in her positions at Baby Dior and Dior Maison in 2017.
As 2024 draws to a close, and with the festive Le Noël de Monsieur collection recently launched, de Castellane reflects on the art of entertaining à la française and her enduring passion for creating classic, joyful designs.
Above Cordelia de Castellane’s simply yet elegantly adorned Christmas trees
Cordelia de Castellane’s simply yet elegantly adorned Christmas trees
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Can you share your philosophy on the art of entertaining “à la Française” and how it influences your designs at Dior Maison?
My philosophy on the art of entertaining at home is to do things from the heart, and as naturally as possible. I never overwork my tables; I like spontaneity and naturalness. At Dior Maison, I also put a lot of heart into my work. I let my creativity flow, and I never force things.
In what ways do you incorporate traditional French elegance into modern home accessories?
In my opinion, beautiful things go with any decor, whether modern or antique. The art of mixing styles is very French. Total looks are often too smooth. French elegance is about everything coming together naturally in a harmonious way.
Above Living flora and patterns across different scales and materials in harmonious colours make for a festive table
Living flora and patterns across different scales and materials in harmonious colours make for a festive table
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How is your personal style and aesthetic reflected in your own private spaces?
Monsieur Dior used to say that people’s interiors reflect their soul. My style reflects my interior, and vice versa: a mix of cultures, styles and eras, cheerful and warm, without too many messages, and with objects that have a strong history.
How do you select materials for Dior Maison collections, and what role do they play in enhancing the overall experience of entertaining?
I always try to match the colours of our collections to create prints that can go with different styles and atmospheres, so everything can be mixed together and create a beautiful harmony. I love embroidered white tablecloths, they are always chic and elegant.
In case you missed it: Hosting the next gathering? Here’s how to transform your outdoor spaces for alfresco entertaining
Above This close-up of Le Noël de Monsieur tableware showcases its woven-cane motif
This close-up of Le Noël de Monsieur tableware showcases its woven-cane motif
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How do you balance innovation with the rich heritage of Dior in your designs?
Innovation is the future; it’s today. Heritage is yesterday. The most important thing is to translate yesterday into tomorrow, and innovation is the key. The biggest challenge is to get the best quality for our objects. For example, when we work on straw marquetry trays with such fine and meticulous patterns… But the craftsmen are the most essential for making extraordinary things happen at Dior Maison.
What elements do you believe are essential for creating a memorable dining experience in one’s home?
For me, lighting is the key; it creates an atmosphere of intimacy during dinner. That’s why candles are essential on a dining table.
Above A close-up detail of the elegant green blown-glass Salento candleholder
A close-up detail of the elegant green blown-glass Salento candleholder
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What advice would you give to someone looking to elevate their home-entertaining style?
To be confident and to make it personal, always do things from the heart. It’s also very important to have good basics, like a woman in her wardrobe; beautiful glasses, good napkins and tablecloths, and high-quality cutlery that can be mixed together.
Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of home entertaining and design?
I never look at trends because they always come and go. For Dior Maison, I like to take inspiration from different styles and eras to create things that are timeless.
Above The Le Noël de Monsieur collection’s crystal whiskey decanter and glasses
Above The Le Noël de Monsieur whiskey decanter is engraved with a chevron motif that catches the light
The Le Noël de Monsieur collection’s crystal whiskey decanter and glasses
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Credits
Photography: Laora Queyras
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
