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Desmalter: The Art of the Aristocrat

Desmalter: The Art of the Aristocrat

Shopping
November 1, 2024
Written By
La Peninsula Staff
Photography
Desmalter
For almost 300 years, Desmalter has had a unique identity. Over the centuries, it served five kings and one emperor. What was once the royal furniture maker for King Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte is now a specialty handbag brand that to this day honors its centuries-old French heritage—symbolically and literally. 

With a Paris boutique on Rue de l'Arcade, Desmalter continues its chair-making roots with “The Art of Living,” its furniture line. The replicas of Bonaparte’s Spinx Armchair and “Emperor” Folding Chair are made-to-order and available for clients furnishing their homes with historical haute couture. 

A throwback to Desmalter’s archives, the Sphinx Armchair is inspired by its Napoleonic Era roots. A limited edition, the piece’s wood is bird’s eye maple, an elegant staple of France’s lush forests. Hand-carved sphinxes add a touch of the exotic to its Euro decadence. The Emperor Folding Chair, meanwhile, is made from stainless steel for convenience. Easy to fold and transport from room to room, Desmalter originally designed this chair for Napoleon’s army as it marched across Europe, packing and unpacking its furniture and munitions. Hand-carved with mahogany wood and plated with delicate gold leaf, the Imperial Throne Armchair is covered in silk velvet. Winged lions optimize its opulence, transporting any room into a time capsule of Napoleonic splendor. 

If anyone were to stroll into the glass doors of the Paris boutique, however, it’s undeniable that Desmalter’s 21st-century identity is handbags. Napoleonic symbols like the bee and the imperial star are printed everywhere, on bags, belts, wallets, and more. Aristocratic vibes pamper these distinctly French accessories, perfect for elevated gift-giving. 

Branded across black, moss-green, and maroon leather, the imperial star makes a bold statement in the Essential Bag. The piece flaunts Desmalter’s all-new silver, gold, or matte-black hardware in the form of an 8-pointed star buckle and chain shoulder strap. The Griffon Pouch, Tote, and Shoulder Bag also feature the lion paw handle, another traditionally French symbol of power and leadership.

Woven in Jacquard fabric on the Spinx Tote is the official Desmalter Imperial Star. Lined with emerald green, the Spinx Tote evokes Desmalter’s royal heritage through dramatic color and bold pattern. 

An array of wallets, a passport holder, and belts complete Desmalter’s accessories line, all with dark, royal colors and imperial symbolism. 

Each bag, wallet, or belt is made-to-order. Custom initial painting on the leather is also available, as well as a range of leather, lining material, and hardware options to play with. If you’re not in Paris, make a Desmalter original yours by sending a request online. A unique bespoke designer, Desmalter allows the wearer to flaunt something truly inimitable, cultivating a holiday season of high-quality, leather luxury. 

Give the gift of Desmalter’s French craftsmanship on desmalter.fr. 

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