Perfect Paris Penthouse
by habituallychic
03 . 17 . 09All the buzz about Valentino: The Last Emperor had me going back to look at the Paris Penthouse of Giancarlo Giammetti, the business brains counterpart to Valentino’s creative genius. There is luxury and then there is the luxurious and lavish lifestyle of Giancarlo and Valentino. It’s beyond perfection and so is this duplex penthouse a top a 1930’s building on the Left Bank’s Quoi d’Orsay that was created by combining three apartments that were first gutted and carefully crafted by architect Peter Marino. I hear Marino is working on a book right now and I hope this apartment is front and center since it’s one of my all time favorites.

Giammetti did not just give Marino free reign to do as he pleased and was very involved in the decoration. “All my homes are about my style and taste, which I have developed over the years,” he stated. “This apartment is from the 1930’s, a very good period for contemporary art. It’s also very good for old furniture. I like the idea of clean architecture and eclectic decoration.”


The furniture also to die floor and includes pieces by Jean-Michel Frank, Lalanne, Eileen Gray, and Adnet in addition to a 17th-century Japanese lacquer chest and pair of tables inspired by Eugene Printz in the dining room that are surrounded by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann chairs. The colors in the apartment are mostly black, silver and grey with touches of red in the artwork.



Marino said that the apartment proves his theory that, ” you can mix good contemporary architecture with antiques, modern paintings and modern textiles and still be comfortable.” He also calls it a standout and one that people remember. I know I certainly did! But what I love about the apartment was even though it was completed in 1997, it doesn’t look dated at all. Giammetti also hasn’t left it as a shrine to Marino. He moves paintings and objects and so it continues to look fresh and new even more than 10 years later. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the sumptuous lifestyle of Giammetti and Valentino in the documentary. It’s just perfection!
Photos by Fernando Bengoechea
15 Comments
beautiful!
I agree – sheer perfection. The style is the epitome of everything I believe is good in “contemporary classic” interior design. Coincidentally my favourite objets are silver, black and coral.
Habitually Chic, you’ve done it again. Another breathtaking post… I fear The Antiques Diva might be becoming a bit of a modernista as it’s the modern details in this apartment that have me drooling. The pair of Warhol Lenin images play off each other perfectly. You could swim in those black lacquered floors and the scribbled art behind Giammetti in the first photo is both childish reminding me of writing on the chalkboard as an elementary school student and so chic at the same time. I’m in love. It’s definite.
hold crap that view…really?
Fabulous post….I will have to travel 4 hours to Toronto or Chicago to see it, but you have me thinking I better! Isn’t it wonderful that he is sharing this peek into his world?
Another great post. I hope the film comes to New Orleans!
xo xo
They certainly could teach us all a thing or two about how to live! It is people like this who should have money…they really know how to spend it well. The same most certainly cannot be said of every wealthy couple!
that chair is terrifying and mesmerizing all at the same time. no wonder this house has been written about so many times, it has aspects of a museum in it!
FLAWLESS….truly flawless.
HC –
The staircase is breathtaking!!
my heart is aching
I have loved this apartment for years…it’s equal parts City Gentleman and European Superhero!!
As far as I know, Peter Marino also did Mr. Giametti appartment in Rome some years ago (his bedroom is one of my top 5 rooms) and Valentino’s yacht. Another designer of their preference is Jacques Grange, who did G. G. amazing house in London. Peter Marino & Jacques Grange… oh yes, this italian couple surely has great taste.
Very modern, masculine and chic. I love his use of orange, black and what looks like cream.
Thank you so much for posting this! Fist off, the movie was FANTASTIC, and I highly recommend that everyone go out and see is asap… Secondly, during Giancarlo’s interviews throughout the film I was totally distracted by his breath taking space. That stair case, the artwork over the bookcase, the floors, its just so beautifully put together! Thanks again!
What a combination! Masculine, elegant and chic. I am forwarding this to someone who might have hire him.