Designer Thierry Gaugain began his career in Toulon, France, at age 17 — starting from the moment he became aware of his calling and his gifts. The seascape and umbrella pines of this Mediterranean city, the ships in the bay and the demands imposed by any journey undoubtedly influenced him.
He soon left for Paris to realize his dreams, enrolling in a renowned design school where he saw that his first intuitions had been right. There he learned to express his intentions and see through — past the clutter that jumps out and keeps the eye from seeing.
Today Gaugain’s primary goal is staying focused on the function of the objects and spaces he creates, without ever losing sight of three vital priorities : life, luxury and light.
From his earliest years as a young designer with Philippe Starck — and even later — movement, journey and every aspect of travel have been favorite themes in his work.
Which is why he has designed motorbikes, luxury watches, running shoes, sailboats and yachts, luxury boutiques for sports-related travel, hotels — and even an airship, now under construction.
“Luxury is essential,” says Thierry Gaugain, “but it is never present in the obvious. Luxury is a state of mind. It’s like light: you can see it on things, but you can never see light itself.”
