News: ‘French Chic’ Author Explores the Essential Elements of French Design During Las Vegas Design Center’s First Friday Event

01.19.11

(LAS VEGAS)— Interior designer, furniture historian and author Florence de Dampierre will share that certain je ne sais quoi that distinguishes French design during her discussion, “French Chic Demystified: How to Do It,” February 4, at Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas as part of the monthly First Friday design series.

During the discussion, de Dampierre will share the distinct characteristics of French Chic design, discuss why it has been celebrated for centuries and share tips on how to create French Chic highlights in your own home. She describes French Chic as “the equivalent in design of having a Chanel jacket with jeans—sexy with a twist, and a lot of wit and whimsy.”

De Dampierre was raised in Paris, and although she now divides her residences between Manhattan and Litchfield County, Connecticut, her French upbringing continues to influence her work. In 1985, she opened de Dampierre Antiques in New York City, which was the first American antiques shop devoted solely to 18^th and 19^th century painted furniture. The business became a multimillion-dollar enterprise, earning de Dampierre exposure worldwide. 

Now, de Dampierre works as an interior designer and helps her clients integrate French Chic into their own homes. “What my [American] clients love is to be able to create their own Chic home, and I give them the tools and knowledge to do it,” says de Dampierre. “It is all about building your knowledge and developing your own style. It is a lifestyle that is fun, gracious and helps you enjoy life as much as possible. It is about a certain joie de vivre, the je ne sais quoi of knowing how to mix high and low.”

In addition to her interior design work, de Dampierre has penned a number of books, including The Best of Painted Furniture; The Decorators; Chairs: A History; French Chic: The Art of Decorating Houses and Walls: Fresco, Wood Paneling, Stenciling, Wallpaper. She also lectures on design topics and has curated period furniture and wall decoration exhibits at a number of museums.

The First Friday discussion will take place 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 4 in C-176 at World Market Center Las Vegas, 495 South Grand Central Parkway. To R.S.V.P. please e-mail RSVP@LVDesignCenter.com or call (702) 599-3093.

To learn more about Florence de Dampierre visit www.florencededampierre.com.

 About Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas

Sitting at the epicenter of the world’s fastest growing home furnishings complex, Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas is a year-round resource for design-seeking consumers and designers showcasing top names in fine furniture, decorative accessories, wall décor, lighting, floor coverings, fabrics and trim. Now open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., LVDC boasts hundreds of leading manufacturers’ lines. An important source of education for the industry, Las Vegas Design Center also attracts many of the industry’s most prominent thought leaders to its comprehensive slate of seminars, networking receptions and other sought-after events. Las Vegas Design Center is home to the upscale Mexican restaurant Mundo, A Culinary Haute Spot. For more information, visit www.lvdesigncenter.com.

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