So much of our time in autumn and winter is spent inside—doesn’t it make sense to spend it together? Perhaps that is why so many of our end-of-year holidays center around the dining table. Little is as enjoyable as a celebratory meal shared with friends and family… especially if the laughter is in good supply! For Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli, hosting requires only a little joy and effort. Within the walls of their small, Parisian atelier, they create striking, ultra-collectible ceramics that make every meal served feel like a five-course feast.
A blend of antique references and artisanal craft, the Astier de Villatte aesthetic holds lived-in imperfections in reverence–such as a plate with an irregular hand-pressed edge or the milky finish thinner near a handle to imply wear. Each piece, no matter how small, possesses the curio-like quality of a beloved family heirloom or a found treasure at the flea market.
This is a collection best suited for mixing and matching—the Astier table prefers a sundry presentation. This look develops over time, as one style or another piques interest. Add a bowl here, a serving platter there…. a fluted Marguerite plate for summer, a simple Colbert vase for an anniversary… and watch your collection flourish into something as unique as your guests.
We moved our Astier de Villatte work to the front of Santa Fe Dry Goods back in April–not only to make room for Daniela Gregis’ arrival in Wild Life, but also because of the brand’s close ties to the larger world of fashion. They’ve collaborated with Chitose Abe of Sacai, illustrator John Derian and former Vogue creative director Grace Coddington to create unique, sculptural additions for their collections.
