In conversation with Christopher Guy
Clive Christian’s valued brand partner, luxury furnishings company Christopher Guy, offers a fresh approach to design, transcending modern, traditional and cultural boundaries. With an uncompromising sense of style, the brand has continued to redefine the aesthetics of design. The result is a place at the forefront of the world’s luxury furnishings market.
Beautifully crafted in the inspiring surroundings of the Christopher Guy workshops and ateliers in Central Java, the pieces are shipped to homes and hotels worldwide.
With a presence in over 42 cities around the world, including throughout Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, the Christopher Guy line is viewed as one of the most elegant and prestigious in the industry. We spoke to Jennifer Yap, the brand’s Assistant Marketing Services Manager, to uncover the ethics and ethos behind the brand.
How does Christopher Guy embody craftsmanship in its work?
Christopher Guy's craftsmanship is rooted in the unique setting and skilled workforce of its workshop in Java because of the skills and availability of natural materials including mahogany. This is a center for master carvers and other craftspeople, whose skills have been passed down through generations – skills that have often been sadly lost in Europe’s traditional centers of craft such as Italy and Spain. The skill and talent of CG craftspeople allows for designs it wouldn’t be possible to produce elsewhere. The carvers and their phenomenal skills are the core philosophy of creating the beautiful, original CG designs.
Some 2000 craftspeople are employed in the workshops, which was designed and built by the late founder, Christopher Guy Harrison, to reflect a vast, centuries-old Spanish Moorish monastery, but with a state-of-the-art working heart. These artisans are in an inspirational environment, with a 600-seater amphitheater, designed in an authentic Roman style complete with two spa pools spouting natural spring water via a myriad of fountains and cascades. The lush grounds are home to exotic trees and plants along with rare species of butterflies, accentuating an idyllic working atmosphere of these unique facilities.
There are several essential elements in CG's design, such as the form of the X-Chris legs and the incorporation of carving in furniture design. These timeless design elements have evolved from age-old designs and are reinterpreted in Christopher Guy's unique style. Despite advancements in modern materials like plastic, Christopher Guy continues to favor traditional materials such as Mahogany. Consequently, CG designs are inspired by, and reflect, elegance in various forms. Our pieces represent a harmonious blend of sensual and sophisticated style, infusing a contemporary twist into timeless forms.
Can you tell us more about the brand’s commitment to sustainability?
Christopher Guy take care to use materials from sustainable sources and are undertaking a number of initiatives to reduce waste, save energy and reuse materials. Christopher Guy pieces are of heirloom quality, with exceptional longevity, which is also an important marker of sustainability.
“The use of fine woods, luxurious fabrics, and elegant finishes highlight the brand's commitment to high-quality materials. Additionally, Christopher Guy offers personalised customization options, allowing unique pieces tailored to individual preferences.”
What does luxury mean at Christopher Guy?
Luxury at Christopher Guy is characterized by a blend of exceptional design, masterful craftsmanship, and premium materials. The brand is celebrated for its elegant, timeless designs that combine classic and contemporary styles, including distinctive features like the Chris-X legs. Each piece showcases meticulous craftsmanship with hand-carving and detailed workmanship, emphasizing both beauty and quality.
The use of fine woods, luxurious fabrics, and elegant finishes highlight the brand's commitment to high-quality materials. Additionally, Christopher Guy offers personalised customization options, allowing unique pieces tailored to individual preferences.
The brand's global influence, seen in its culturally diverse designs, adds to its luxurious appeal, making its furniture not just functional but also a statement of cultural artistry. Christopher Guy is also known for its innovative approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional furniture design.
The prestige and heritage of the Christopher Guy brand, recognised in high-end projects and luxury spaces worldwide, further define its luxury ethos. In essence, Christopher Guy represents a fusion of unique design, quality craftsmanship, material excellence, personalisation, global style, innovation, and prestigious heritage.
How does Christopher Guy’s heritage influence the brand today?
The brand’s founder, Christopher Guy Harrison, was an award-winning British designer who was raised in France and Spain and later lived between LA and Singapore. This international background helped him view the world through a critically constructive eye that drew inspiration from everything he admired. He started his career in design with a clear objective – to make beautiful furniture that appealed to a global audience.
Christopher’s first creations were brought to life in the 1990s, when he acquired a plot of land in Java to produce a line of beautiful mirror frames and build his extraordinary workshops. This business grew steadily to include a range of luxury furnishings and decorative accessories. It was rebranded Christopher Guy in 2007 and now supplies elegant homes and hotels around the world.
Sadly, Christopher died in 2020 of complications from lung cancer, but his commitment to craft and his passion for exceptional design live on in the brand today.