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[dropcap size=small]E[/dropcap]legance radiates through the fine craftsmanship of Christian Liaigre. The wood and nature motifs are apparent upon entering the spacious studio, where a tall wooden structure greets visitors. The showroom sits at the heart of Singapore’s historic district, not far from the iconic Raffles Hotel, with its ground floor space redesigned by Liaigre in a double-unit refurbished shophouse.

The brand employs only the best French craftsmen and artisans – some of who have earned the elusive “Master of Arts” title. Their ethos? Every single piece has to be made to exact specifications based on their clients’ homes. “It is my firm belief that the work of an interior decorator entails creating a reflection of the project’s environment and local culture,” said Liaigre, the founder of the company.

Each piece speaks of meticulous attention to detail. For instance, a study table may look unassuming from afar. Upon closer inspection, one will appreciate the flawless, single-cut leather hailing from a French tannery that’s a tactile delight. Another table boasts an intense, high gloss finish with the texture of wire brushed wood.

Liaigre is no stranger to the world of furniture and interior design – the Frenchman quickly made a name for himself through his penchant for offering high elegance with a sense of modesty as his namesake brand debuted in 1987. Since then, the Liaigre group went on to extend its presence in London, München, Bangkok, Saint Barthelemy, New York, Miami and Singapore.

He eventually gained a reputation for his distinguished sense of light and space as he revealed his deep knowledge of culture and tradition through his bespoke pieces. The designer believes that “decoration must not be a fashion”, emphasizing that the natural flow of space would be severely obstructed by superficial, ‘trendy’ elements.

Of Liaigre’s many projects, yacht interiors have proved to be a truly fascinating medium. The sea’s unpredictable and often aggressive nature demands that the interior of the yacht be collision-proofed with rounded edges, so as to minimize the possibility of accidents. Such principles were handily applied in the interior of the 197-foot Seahawk, or the multi-award-winning Vertigo, where the Liaigre yachting department brought to life the belly of a boat. For example, the large and rounded sofas fulfilled the safety requirements, provided more than adequate comfort, and better allowed for a flow of conversation within the hold.

To note: there is no walk-in purchase with Liaigre. Every piece is personalised and mapped out according to individual expectations. A Liaigre piece will take at least a few months to design, craft and ship, but homeowners will find it well worth the wait.

The surroundings play a significant role in how each piece will turn out – it could even define the form factor of the resultant furniture, which is supposed to offer a  complementary touch to the existing space. This is one of the true benchmarks of art and fine craftsmanship.

The Liaigre Showroom in Singapore is located at 9 Purvis St, 188588.

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A version of this article first appeared on Luxury-Insider.com.