Harper`s Bazaar Interiors - July-August 2014

A FASHIONABLE LIFE
Heritage &
HARMONY
The sprawling Belgian estate of ALEX FLAMANT
provides the perfect retreat for family life
Words by PRATYUSH SARUP
LIFE
Fashionable
e lives a life
surrounded by
patina. “Why
not?” says Alex
Flamant, rhetorically. “It gives the
world a softer, warmer glow.” He
should know. As the CEO of Flamant
Home Interiors, he elevated his father’s
antique business into a global furniture
brand in just three decades, capturing
the charm of Flamant’s heritage; the
long forgotten treasure brought back
from some distant adventure.
His grand country estate in native
Belgium clearly shows that Alex has
invested just as much love in his
residence. “There is nothing in my
stores I wouldn’t happily have in my
home,” he says of the beautiful period
home in Geraardsbergen, that he
shares with his children, Noémie and
Thibaud. “It’s good to consult a
designer if you can’t envision things,
but at the end, it’s the family, their
laughter and collective memories that
make a house your own.”
For someone who oversees furniture production in Shanghai,
sources glassware from Romania, ceramics from Portugal and
manages logistics from Poland, Alex spends much of his time
traversing the globe. “I learnt that in order to grow, I need to invest
in people I feel are better than me,” he says of his stellar management
team that is expanding the Flamant Empire across the globe, Dubai
being their most recent conquest. “I am happy being the brand
ambassador. I get to travel the world, learn about different cultures
and then take it all back home to share with my children.”
He also cites his work family, with whom he shares a close bond. “I
remember my grandfather waiting by the door of his workshop,
saying ‘good night’ to every worker as they closed for the day. I
cherish the relationship I have with those people I work with.”
His home carries the spirit of the Flamant stores – country styles
from both sides of the English channel are cleverly combined; a touch
of baroque opulence happily coexisting with Swedish restraint. “It’s
78 | Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS
harmony,” he says. “My home is a tableau of my life, the places and
memories close to my heart. Every culture has its version of ‘harmony’
and they all come together beautifully.” Maybe he should tell that to
the world powers that be, but he’d rather talk about the state of
Europe. “I feel we have lost our sense of optimism,” he muses,
carefully choosing his words. “We’ve so gotten used to the idea of
‘Leave it to the State to correct’ – both of personal and public issues
– that now we feel let down by the same system.” Which is why a
break in Dubai is just what he recommends. “I love taking the
sunshine back with me!”
Lifestyle is a lofty word for the corporate sage. “Coming home
from a party or a reception, my wife Bianca would often go to the
stables still wearing an evening gown from Valentino or Armani. That
is my definition of lifestyle.” Bianca passed away in 2006 but her
effortless style and grace continues to inform the Flamant home and
the brand’s collections. Fashion continues to be an inspiration for
Alex but as he puts it, ‘fashion dogmas no longer exist’. “My
grandmother was always altering her clothes to follow the latest
trends,” he recalls. “But today a t-shirt, cool shoes and the It-bag are
all you really need. It’s pretty much the same with interiors. Everything
is possible. The only rule is that your home interiors should make you
feel good and work for where you are in your life today!”
It helps that his children keep him
young at heart. “I think they have
classic taste,” he says of the youngsters
who as children loved to play with his
antiques just as he and his brothers did
with their father’s. “They see the world
differently and through them I see it
too.” His newfound respect for plastic
is a giant leap as the company plans to
reveal a new line of very contemporary
chairs. “But with classic designs and
comforts,” he adds.
Alex’s home is dotted with furniture
he brought as a young man; the Louis
Quinze chairs, a Willie Rizzo dining
table from his first apartment, dressers
from his father’s antique shop
occupying pride of place in his home.
“I never liked the word ‘house’,” he
says. “I have seen a lot of houses filled
with the best of art and furniture but
they still lack something.” It’s the ‘feel
good’ factor he says. “It makes a house
a home. See, even the word ‘home’ has
a rounder, mellower feel to it. I like a
home.” flamant.com
LIFE
Fashionable
The family
kitchen is a
harmonious mix
of old and new
My home is a tableau of my life, the places and
MEMORIES
Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS |79
LIFE
Fashionable
80 | Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS
LIFE
Fashionable
It’s the feel good factor, it makes a
HOUSE a home
Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS |81
LIFE
Fashionable
Lifestyle is all about
82 | Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS
EFFORTLESS chic
LIFE
Fashionable
DUMMY TEXT
Detail pieces
from Flamant’s
archives add to
the soothing
tones of this
period bedroom
Harper’s BAZAAR INTERIORS |83