Contemporary Art

At Home with The Socialite Family

By Sotheby's

Founded four years ago by Constance Gennari, The Socialite Family is the go-to website for the interior decoration of contemporary families. An intimate look into the universe of a new generation of urban, connected parents from Paris to New York, via London or Milan. The Socialite Family interprets the new codes of decoration and furniture, and brings together a broad community of devotees all over the world. 

CONSTANCE GENNARI AT HOME IN PARIS. © CONSTANCE GENNARI FOR THE SOCIALITE FAMILY 

Constance Gennari, in a few words, who are you?

As a child I dreamed of being an auctioneer but ended up following a different path inspired by the people I met along the way. Four years ago, I founded the Socialite Family, a website focused on the interior design of a new generation. My editorial team, my associate and I attempt to feature the latest, freshest trends in terms of interior design and lifestyle.

Where does your passion for design, art and interior decoration come from?

This passion for design, art and interior decoration was passed on to me by my mother. My brothers, my sister and I lived in a very theatrical setting with baroque music in the background. A universe that was rich in history, in which the apartment was swathed in materials and fabrics. From an old 18th-century carpet to heavy silk curtains, from a harpsichord to a 1970s record player, via a collection of Sèvres vases, my eye has become more and more refined with the passing of time. 

POUL KJAERHOLM'S CHAISE PK22  ALONGSIDE OTHER ITEMS FROM THE NOW! SALE. © CONSTANCE GENNARI FOR THE SOCIALITE FAMILY 

What inspired TSF?

The Socialite Family was inspired from the world around me. The contemporary woman and her lifestyle is at the heart our editorial line: balancing personal and professional lives in addition to taking the time to create an authentic and personal space. This subject sparked a variety of questions surrounding a generation focused on both their careers and their families. The blog takes its name from socialites, people who successfully divide their time between their professional careers, traveling schedules and families.

FRANCIS BACON,  SELFPORTRAIT N°2 , 1976. ESTIMATE €3,000—5,000.

Who could we exepect to find in the TSF community?

We are looking for different families and their unique ways of life. We reveal their inspirations, their discoveries and their ideas for living in an inspiring and audacious setting. Whether it is from an image of a living room or a bathroom, our viewers can find new ideas to embellish their own homes. Moreover, we are also in search of different personalities to showcase in our editorial platform – a inspiring chef, the opening of a new hotel, an amazing exhibition… We find our inspiration everywhere. 

FLORENCE KNOLL,  CANAPÉ 2557 , 1954. ESTIMATE: €1,500—2,000. 

What drew you to the concept of the Now! sale?

The Now! sale offers an eclectic choice of collectible works - contemporary art, design and photographs. It is the perfect platform to find the missing piece that will transform an interior. This rich and interesting sale offers lots that will appeal to a variety of tastes, stories, and personalities. 

What are your top picks in the sale?

The Francis Bacon lithograph Selfportrait No.2, David Hockney's photograph John St. Clair Swimming; the André Villers photograph of Picasso painting in his studio, the Frattini no. 597 table lamp and the Poul Koerholm armchair

DAVID HOCKNEY,  JOHN ST. CLAIR SWIMMING, (TWENTY PHOTOGRAPHIC PICTURES) , 1972. ESTIMATE: €1,500—2,000.

A favourite artist, designer, photographer?

There are lots. The Italians most of all, like Gino Sarfatti, Tobia Scarpa and the brilliant Carlo Mollino to mention only three.

The object you're proudest of?

A sculpture by Jean-Claude Cartier, in stoneware, it's magnificent. 

Your dream object/painting?

I have recently discovered the work of Guy de Chaunac-Lanzac aka Dom Robert and I dream of acquiring one of his works – hopefully one day!

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