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D esign couple François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne are having something of a record moment in the auction world. Last month, Sotheby's in New York sold a collection of 15 mirrors, originally designed by Claude for Yves Saint Laurent, for £33.5 million—setting a new auction record for the artist. Late last year, François-Xavier's Hippopatame bar sold for $31.4 million—setting a new auction record for him.
The Lalannes, or Les Lalannes as they are often known, actively produced elegant, often whimsical pieces from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Working primarily in bronze, they designed everything from jewelry and tableware to carpets and objets d'art that were almost always functional. Often, the objets are life-sized, like François-Xavier's popular sheep, or Claude's flora-inspired jewelry. Husband and wife were prolific, resulting in a rich and diverse market that has something for everyone.
Their range also means that there is a Lalanne for almost any budget. Claude's jewelry tends to be the most accessible, while their design objects can fetch (as we've seen above) many many millions. Ahead of our Important Design Sale in Paris next week—which features several excellent Lalanne pieces—we've curated a Shortlist of 5 pieces for any budget you should register to bid on now.
This Gingko-leaf shaped brooch is made of gilt-bronze and measures 3 x 2 ½ in. It's so realistic, you could be forgiven for believing it's literally a leaf that has been simply dipped in gold. This is one of Claude Lalanne's hallmarks: creating pieces inspired by flora that look incredibly real and delightfully tactile. Her jewelry is an ideal starting point for a budding collector, as it is often modestly priced but still bears all of the exquisite marks of craftsmanship as the larger pieces.
We are very used to seeing bronze pieces from Les Lalannes—less common is ceramic. This set of Canard salt and pepper shakers, paired with Poule egg cups is therefore a joy to behold. They are made from white porcelain biscuit, an un-glazed, matte form of the medium that feels smooth to the touch and resembles marble. The set conjures a scene from a bucolic farm house, and a fanciful summer breakfast eaten en plein air. Whipped out for weekend guests, they will likely serve as any host's or hostess's star attraction.
Les Lalannes consistently produced functional pieces of art—for which they were roundly criticized when they first debuted. But the art and design world soon came around to their creations, with collectors like Anne Schlumberger and Pauline Karpidas filling their homes with their beautiful utilitarian pieces. This lamp—dubbed Petit Echassier, modeled after a wading bird and formed of gilt-bronze, patinated copper and opaline glass—is a conversation piece that will light up any room.
These flock of sheep rugs by François-Xavier are exceedingly rare—only eight were ever made, plus an artist's proof. Though sheep are a recurring theme in his work, they are most commonly found in the form of life-sized statues. This wool (of course) and cotton-bordered rug is expansive, measuring 85 ⅞ x 117 ⅜ in, having originally been made for the Mobilier National, a French cultural institution administered by the government.
Last, but not least, François-Xavier's Singe Attentif I, the little monkey who is hanging on your every word. Unlike the other pieces in this list, the monkey has no job to do other than sit, prettily, on the end of a table, with his long tail hanging down behind him. But this monkey is a wonderful example of what Les Lalannes did best: craft visually appealing, often cheeky pieces that would draw every eye and bring joy to the collector. From the monkey's spindly little fingers to the bright eyes, this piece is an encapsulation of the covetable qualities of Lalanne.
