The Côte d’Azur isn’t just a postcard setting for wealthy vacationers. It’s also an effervescent scene of artistic creation and design, where world-renowned talents flourish. Inspired by the Mediterranean light and the local cultural heritage, interior designers, contemporary artists, jewelers and watchmakers all contribute to shaping a unique aesthetic, prized by Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNW).
1. Furniture and Interior Designers
Philippe Starck – The icon of French design
Philippe Starck has left his mark on the international design scene, but it’s also on the Côte d’Azur that he deploys his audacity. From villa interiors to futuristic yacht designs, Starck combines luxury, comfort and visual storytelling. His creations are not just aesthetically pleasing, they always tell a story – the story of the place, the owner and the times.
Humbert & Poyet – Elegance and minimalism
Monaco-based duo Humbert & Poyet embody contemporary elegance. Their signature? Sophisticated, uncluttered interior design, combining noble materials, harmonious lines and an eye for detail. Their work, particularly in luxury hotels and private residences, reflects a perfect balance between modernity and Mediterranean warmth.
Pierre Yovanovitch – Haute couture design
A true “couturier of interior architecture”, Pierre Yovanovitch works on each project as a unique piece. His residence in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat illustrates his ability to fuse architectural rigor with the sensuality of materials, in a tailor-made approach that appeals to customers in search of absolute refinement.
2. Unmissable Contemporary Artists
Ben Vautier – Conceptual art made in Nice
Based in Nice, France, Ben Vautier – better known as Ben – is one of the pioneers of conceptual art. His language-focused work challenges conventions and challenges the viewer. His installations, often interactive, can be seen in international galleries as well as in public spaces across the Côte d’Azur.
Sacha Sosno – The fusion of sculpture and architecture
Sacha Sosno left his mark on the Nice landscape with his monumental sculptures. The most famous example is the “Tête Carrée”, housing the offices of the Louis Nucéra library. This work perfectly illustrates his desire to partially erase forms, an approach he described as “obliterating sculpture”, at the crossroads of art and architecture.
Laurence Jenkell – The art of iconic sweets
Based in Vallauris, Laurence Jenkell has gained worldwide recognition for her candy sculptures in Plexiglas and aluminum. These colorful, gourmand works have become symbols of pop luxury, regularly exhibited at international events such as the Cannes Film Festival.
3. Jewelry and Fine Watchmaking: Azurean Excellence
Lorenz Bäumer – The master jeweller of the Riviera
Between Paris and Monaco, Lorenz Bäumer creates made-to-measure jewelry for an ultra-demanding clientele. Inspired by nature, art and science, his audacious style combines high technology and craftsmanship. It’s not unusual for his customers to actively participate in the creative process, making each piece deeply personal.
Maison Fabergé – The art of jewellery revisited
Rooted in Russia’s imperial heritage, the House of Fabergé embodies elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Its Monaco showroom offers contemporary creations that reinterpret the classic codes of haute joaillerie with constantly renewed creativity.
Franck Muller – Exceptional watchmaking
Based in Monaco, Franck Muller is a master watchmaker known for his watches with complications and bold designs. His pieces, coveted by UHNW collectors, combine sophisticated mechanics and assertive aesthetics, making each watch a symbol of prestige.
4. Exclusive access and personalized support with Prestige Villa Rental
At Prestige Villa Rental, we go beyond luxury villa rentals. We offer our customers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Côte d’Azur art and design:
- Private meetings with artists, designers and craftsmen, to discover their studios and their worlds in total intimacy.
- Acquisition of commissioned works through our network of gallery owners and art publishers.
- Personalized advice on integrating exceptional art and design into leased or acquired properties.
We cultivate the art of living and a taste for the exceptional, with a sensitive and human approach, true to our vision of luxury: confidential, authentic and resolutely creative.
Conclusion
The Côte d’Azur is much more than a seaside destination. It’s a breeding ground for inspiration and talent, a land of expression where art, design and creativity meet the sun and the sea. Thanks to its unique network, Prestige Villa Rental opens the doors to this world apart, offering you exclusive, enriching and unforgettable experiences.
