Steve Leung, a visionary architect and interior designer, has made a name for himself by skillfully blending Eastern and Western design philosophies. His latest collaboration with Baccarat, the renowned French luxury brand, showcases this approach through the stunning Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier.
Leung shares insights into his journey, creative process, and the profound impact of cultural exchange on his work. His fascination with design began at a young age, deeply influenced by his uncle who was an architect. Observing him meticulously sketching late into the night ignited a passion in Leung that would shape his future.
By the age of 10, he was determined to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. The early exposure to design, coupled with his admiration for the iconic architect Le Corbusier, profoundly influenced his career. He credits Le Corbusier’s emphasis on space, proportion, and functionality for shaping his own design philosophy.
Leung’s ability to harmonise Eastern and Western aesthetics is evident in the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier that the collaboration with Baccarat brought to life. As the first Asian designer entrusted with this project, he sought to blend the brand’s refined French crystal craftsmanship with the intricate artistry of Chinese Qinghua Ci, or Blue and White Porcelain.
The chandelier embodies the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, where opposing elements complement each other to create balance. Leung’s design is a celebration of this harmony, with a deliberate choice to keep the exterior of the lampshades white, thus allowing the intricate patterns on the inner surface to subtly emerge when illuminated. This design choice reflects the reserved and modest nature of Chinese culture.
Leung’s approach is deeply rooted in history, yet he manages to infuse it with modern relevance. During his research, he discovered Baccarat’s archive of Chinese patterns – some even dating back to the 19th century! “We were particularly drawn to motifs featuring swallows, butterflies, and floral designs, which are timeless and carry significant meaning,” he notes. These historical patterns became the perfect choice for the design of the Printemps Bleu, by adding layers of symbolism on top of celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship.
Creating the porcelain elements for the chandelier was a groundbreaking endeavour, and marks the first time porcelain was integrated into a Baccarat chandelier. The process involved around 175 hours of dedicated work and over 30 operations to ensure that the porcelain elements complemented the crystal components perfectly. Achieving the desired transparency in the porcelain lampshades while maintaining their delicate aesthetic was one of the biggest challenges. Leung and his team employed a precise two-step firing process – enhancing the porcelain’s whiteness, durability, and translucency – resulting in a chandelier where the intricate designs subtly emerge. This adds a velvety texture and elevates its overall artistry.
Despite the geographical distance, Leung’s collaboration with Baccarat was marked by close communication and mutual respect for craftsmanship. “We maintained close communication throughout, with Baccarat sending us prototypes for review,” Leung shares. Prototypes were reviewed meticulously, allowing for adjustments in thickness, transparency, and colour to meet the high standards set for the final product. Leung also visited Baccarat’s workshop to work directly with their R&D team, to ensure that the design was executed to perfection.
For Leung, this collaboration represents more than just a professional achievement; it’s a testament to the power of cultural exchange in design. As the first Asian designer to work with Baccarat, Leung feels honoured to represent Chinese and Asian design aesthetics on a global stage. He hopes that this collaboration will inspire more cross-cultural partnerships, showcasing the richness of Chinese design and pushing the boundaries of global design.
“This collaborative process allowed us to bring out the best in both worlds, ultimately leading to a stunning final product,” shares Leung. Essentially, the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier exemplifies how design can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This is on top of serving as a celebration of history, a testament to innovation, plus a beacon for the future of global design collaboration.
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Images: Baccarat