House of high
decoration

A house,
a family,
a legacy.

The succession of historical episodes, the creations of spaces and furniture, have revealed for more than a century, the most elaborate inventiveness that has founded the excellence of the House of LELEU until today.

Member of the Colbert Committee, which gathers the most beautiful French Luxury Houses, the House of LELEU knows an international influence and is quickly solicited by the greatest: from the Emperor of Japan to the Shah of Iran…

The LELEU style, sought after, became a signature, one of the most singular on the art market.

For more than a century, the creations of Maison LELEU have attracted art lovers and collectors from all over the world.

Alexia LELEU, great-granddaughter of its founder Jules, who continues the family work and opens a dialogue between heritage and modernity.

  • Alexia LELEU

    Artistic Director

    A graduate of the École Boule with a Master’s degree in the History of Art and Furniture, Alexia LELEU, the founder’s great-granddaughter, is opening a new chapter in the history of the House of LELEU.

    Faithful to the excellence and the spirit of purity that characterize LELEU, Alexia LELEU brings the vision of the new generation.

    Weaving links between the past and the present, Alexia LELEU claims an uncompromising artistic vision based on the essence synonymous with LELEU.

    From custom-made editions of the House’s historical designs to new creations signed Alexia LELEU, Alexia opens the dialogue between heritage and modernity. Her concern for detail and harmony, the fluidity of her lines and her new look allow her to establish the durability of the work of one of the most important houses of high decoration.

  • 1910-1930

    A dazzling start

    Jules LELEU founded the House of LELEU and quickly distinguished himself by his collections of furniture in precious woods, characterized by their elegance and pure lines.

    Having become a household name, Maison LELEU immediately took its place in the world of French luxury and moved into the beautiful mansion at 65 avenue Franklin Roosevelt in Paris.

    In 1925, Jules’ talent was recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts for his buffet n° 586.

  • 1930-1940

    The advent of the textile department

    Jules LELEU entrusts his daughter Paule with the creation and management of a textile department and henceforth offers carpets and wallpapers.

    he company became a true “ensemblier”, where the furniture designed by Jules was enhanced by the patterns imagined by his daughter.

    The success of the textile department marked the beginning of the LELEU Saga. Personalities from all over the world, from political, artistic, aristocratic or financial circles, flocked to the famous boutique.

  • Post-war period

    International recognition

    The decoration of legendary ocean liners such as le France and le Normandie is entrusted to the House of LELEU.

    The success of these projects established the House’s international reputation as a benchmark for French luxury and the art of living.

    In 1947, the House joined forces with Baccarat and Porthauld to meet the demand across the Atlantic and now offers their creations in New York, in the highly sought-after Upper East Side.

  • 50s-60s

    A prestigious clientele

    Success was achieved in the United States and La Maison Leleu designed Eisenhower’s mansion.

    Then in France, President Vincent Auriol called upon LELEU to design the dining room of the Elysée Palace.

    In Geneva, LELEU also designed the UN lounge, which remains intact to this day. Public commissions followed, including the creation of benches for the renowned Louvre Museum.

  • After 1970

    Continuation of the LELEU saga

    The Shah of Iran entrusts Maison LELEU and Maison Jansen – bought by LELEU at the request of the French government – with the transformation of Persepolis, 64 hectares of ruins, into a festive place to celebrate the 2500 years of the Persian Empire.

    Two years of work for the realization and the decoration of his “Camp of the Golden Cloth” – Fifty tents on the theme of the “five parts of the World”. LELEU enters definitively into legend.

    Unfortunately, this project will never be paid for and will lead to the closing of the House in 1973.

  • 2017

    The new generation

    Having grown up among the creations signed by her family, Alexia LELEU, great-granddaughter of Jules decided to revive her artistic heritage.

    Mixing tradition and modernity, Alexia wishes to revive the unique creations of the House and proposes exclusive collections of LELEU rugs designed by Paule with the possibility of a custom reinterpretation, wallpapers, fabrics and lighting.

    This establishes the durability of the work of one of the most important decoration houses of the 20th century.

A uniqueness

For more than 100 years, LELEU has combined Art, Luxury and Craftsmanship through the rigor of its design and the quality of its know-how in the exploration of precious materials.

As objects of heritage, LELEU’s editions are considered true works of art and are sought after by gallery owners, museums, and clients around the world.

In this logic, the design of the new editions follows closely the achievements of Jules LELEU. An aesthetic that cultivates sobriety, a luxury that asserts itself in the smallest details, a singular design that shines through in all the creations.

  • Art

    Maison LELEU has a privileged relationship with art. Jean de Lurcat, Picard Le doux, Jean Pouvé, so many great names unveiled by the House …

    Mixing art and furniture, LELEU opens the dialogue between art and decoration.

    Its creations, with their sober lines and perfect proportions, and the importance given to all the finishing touches, have been the foundation of the House’s excellence and reputation for over a century.

    Ultimate elegance and iconic designs are magnified by the nobility of the materials and exceptional craftsmanship.

    Listed on the art market, collectors from all over the world affirm the heritage value of LELEU’s works.

  • Heritage Value

    A legendary company, each seat and each carpet tells a story and is inspired by a priceless heritage.

    As a precursor of modernity and quoted on the art market, Maison LELEU offers a solution to secure these works of art thanks to the blockchain.

    Each creation is delivered with a digital authentication certificate. The certificate is dematerialized, unique, unfalsifiable and ultra-secure.

    Like a “real identity document”, the blockchain certificate also provides transparency on the manufacturing, the crafting, and the number of copies. This certificate and the LELEU “seal” affixed at the last moment after the quality and conformity controls are guarantees of the authenticity of LELEU pieces, synonymous with high quality craftsmanship and excellence.

  • Singularity

    Conceived as works of art and charged with a history, each LELEU creation, as rare as it is essential, contributes to the refinement of the most exclusive projects.

    Numbered and limited to a small number of pieces, LELEU designs offer a singular versatility to adapt in perfect harmony to the sensitivity of an international clientele.

    In this logic, LELEU claims a tailor-made creation in order to coordinate its creations with spectacular settings. Each project is a “unique piece” adapted to the place, the personality and the lifestyle of its clients.

Style

LELEU is synonymous with refinement, French taste, and advocates a design that crosses time and eras.

Its unostentatious style of ultimate elegance seduces interiors from the most contemporary to the most classic. Like a work of art, LELEU’s creations stand out as key pieces of the most beautiful interiors.

  • Contemporary creations

    Faithful to the excellence and the spirit of purity that characterize LELEU, Alexia LELEU asserts a refreshing vision by following the footprints left by the great masters, Jules and Jean LELEU, while imposing a modern twist and a touch of femininity. Weaving links between heritage and present, a mix between contemporary design and the taut lines of art deco, a perfect harmony of angles and curves.

    Sobriety of lines, harmony of volumes, bold shapes, new creations that bring together new classics of the House and allow to anchor the durability of the work LELEU.

  • A timeless style

    As a precursor of timeless design, LELEU is one of the great names in furniture history.

    Inspired by art deco, LELEU’s creations claim a sobriety, a simplicity of lines and a style of ultimate elegance.

    A source of inspiration for the greatest contemporary designers, the LELEU style has become iconic. Its creations live on and interact with stylish furniture, contemporary pieces and works of art.

  • Influences

    Geometric and ordered, LELEU’s creations draw their inspiration from multiple, sometimes paradoxical influences.

    A reflection on a return to classical rigor is mixed with an attraction for Inca and tribal art, nourished by travels in time and space.

    Following a project for the Emperor of Japan, Asia also marks the history of LELEU. A refined style, an almost invisible luxury, an affirmed taste for aestheticism and the search for perfection.

  • Stylistic periods

    To the exuberant ornaments of art nouveau, art deco responds with elegance and lightness of line. LELEU, as an avant-garde designer, was one of the great names in this much sought-after style.

    In the effervescence of the Roaring Twenties, a multitude of stylistic periods followed. From Art Deco, LELEU surprises by signing modernist furniture and lighting. The same absence of superfluous, the same sober and pure lines, combined with a taste for detail adapted to the context and lifestyles.

    LELEU also left its mark on the liner style through the decoration of the legendary transatlantic liners “Le France” and “Le Normandie”, the 50’s to the 70’s without forgetting the numerous creations directly inspired by the classical style.

Know-how

Leleu combines its timeless creativity with the highest standards of craftsmanship and a particular attention to exceptional materials and finishes.

LELEU’s signature luxurious simplicity pushes the taste for detail and excellence to the limit. Based on the work of elite craftsmen, LELEU creations are the result of a precious know-how developed over centuries.

From the reinterpretation of archives to new creations, each LELEU object is rethought for each client for a unique feeling of harmony.

  • Tailor-made design

    Aesthetics, in perfect harmony with the decor of an art-loving clientele, which pushes LELEU to reinvent its designs for a unique feeling of harmony. Each creation is revealed as a “unique piece adapted to the place, the personality and the lifestyle of its customers.

    Whether it is a new creation or the adaptation of an archival design, the integrated design office assimilates and appropriates the history of each client, of each project in order to revisit, magnify and twist, when necessary, the iconic designs of LELEU.

    Sketched by hand and then realized in 3D, the models allow the visualization of volume, proportions and aesthetics before the prototyping which is essential for the control and the follow-up of the development of the piece.

    Choosing the finishes can make all the difference. As the final step, the wide range of LELEU finishes – Saint Laurent marble, precious wood species, exceptional bronze or deep lacquers – animate and compose a new symphony for each project.

  • Exceptional craftsmanship

    Synonymous with high standards and refinement, LELEU chooses the finest materials and craftsmanship that contribute to the prestigious international reputation of LELEU.

    The subtle selection of marble, alabaster, and fine woods embodies the blend of extreme refinement and emotion that is distinctive of LELEU creations.

    The meeting of exceptional know-how – the alliance of a Saint Laurent marble and an exceptional patinated bronze – brings depth and singularity to the House’s designs. Each creation is the fruit of the work of “the most expert hands”. Bronzier and upholsterer, cabinetmaker and lacquerer of exception, the intervention of many “Maitres d’art” are necessary for the realization of these objects of heritage whose luxury is asserted in the least detail.

  • Decorator

    With a pronounced sense of harmony, the multiple associations of shapes and materials, the notion of designer as a whole takes on its full dimension at LELEU from the 1930s. Like an orchestra conductor, the House brings together a symphony composed of furniture, lighting, furnishing fabrics, wallpapers and carpets.

    The furniture permeates the space and structures it. Macassar ebony, mahogany, rosewood, LELEU excels in the use of the most precious woods whose rare and unalterable material ensures the durability of LELEU works.

    The lighting sets the mood of the interior. Venetian glass, alabaster, crystal, these materials help define the atmosphere.

    Finally, the carpet, whether it is adorned with wool or silk, creates this invisible border that appropriates a territory.

  • French manufacturing and a world tour of know-how

    In its approach, the House of LELEU is in permanent search of perfection and specific know-how.

    LELEU favors the art of craftsmanship in the tradition of French furniture. LELEU has built its reputation on the excellence of French manufacturing combined with the uniqueness of its creations. Faithful to its first editions, the made in France and its high quality craftsmanship is an integral part of LELEU’s approach.

    For its specific and most talented talents, Italy also belongs to the vocabulary of the House. Historical glassworks and glassblowers in Murano, quarries of the much sought-after Saint Laurent marble, art tapestry makers on the outskirts of Milan and Lake Como…

    To meet the highest standards of quality and rendering, LELEU carpets are hand-knotted – according to an ancestral know-how and a traditional technique – in India. A country where textile traditions are still alive, the cradle of the famous “Persian knot” dear to the House. More complex and asymmetrical, the pattern is then revealed as indomitable. Like a painting, each LELEU carpet acquires a singularity and a soul of its own.