Creative talk

Lucilia Chenel

Saturday 12 May 2018

We met Lucillia Chenel, co-founder of the Ultra Moderne gallery, specialized in vintage furniture, accessories and lighting that marked the 20th century.

Photography : Clément Jolin

Who are you ? Tell us about how you got to where you are now.
I’m originally from Nice, but I’ve been living in Paris for 6 years. I did a degree in psychology when I was living in Nice, but then I decided to go into fashion. I moved to New York where I did a series of internships and then went back to Paris and worked in several different jobs in the fashion industry. After a while I wanted to do something more artistic, and to have a space where I could reconcile my two passions art and fashion, so I co-created Ultra Modern with my best friend.
Tell us about your gallery, Ultra Modern, what’s the story behind it ?
My best friend and I shared an interest in design and decided that we wanted to open a gallery. We both knew exactly what we wanted, and Ultra Modern came into being very quickly. But after working together for two years we decided to go our separate ways. I’m now running the gallery on my own and have several new projects underway.
What type of design pieces do you exhibit ?
Design furniture from the 70’s and 80’s.
What is your favourite design piece ?
The Ruspa lamp by Gae Aulenti.
What’s your typical day like ?
When I wake up I have a huge breakfast. Then I answer my emails, look for inspirations on Instagram and look for furniture for sale online. In the afternoon, I often walk my dog and go to exhibitions or events.In the evenings, I have a drink or go out for dinner.
If you were a piece of clothing, what would you be ?
A bathing suit! I wish I could live in a one-piece swimsuit all year round and wear either just a big shirt on top or a skirt.
What does Sessùn mean to you ?
It makes me think of the south of France ! And summer !
Your favourite piece of clothing or accessory from the current collection ?
The white corduroy jumpsuit. It’s super practical and really comfortable. I can't wait for it to get a bit cooler so I can wear it.
The film that made you cry the most ?
I'm usually extremely sensitive, but strangely enough I don't cry easily in front of films.
Your favourite track to dance to ?
I love dancing, I can't name just one song, but in general it tends to be music from the 80’s that really gets me going.
A superpower you would like to have ?
The best super power would be eternal youth or immortality (provided that everyone had it too of course).
Thank you Lucilia !

Découvrez sa sélection de meubles et accessoires vintage sur sa galerie en ligne : www.ultramoderne.fr

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