A FASHIONABLE LIFE

Heritage &The sprawling Belgian estate of ALEX FLAMANT

provides the perfect retreat for family life

Words by PRATYUSH SARUP

HARMONY

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FashionableLIFE

e lives a life surrounded by patina. “Why not?” says Alex

Flamant, rhetorically. “It gives the world a softer, warmer glow.” He should know. As the CEO of Flamant Home Interiors, he elevated his father’s antique business into a global furniture brand in just three decades, capturing the charm of Flamant’s heritage; the long forgotten treasure brought back from some distant adventure.

His grand country estate in native Belgium clearly shows that Alex has invested just as much love in his residence. “There is nothing in my stores I wouldn’t happily have in my home,” he says of the beautiful period home in Geraardsbergen, that he shares with his children, Noémie and Thibaud. “It’s good to consult a designer if you can’t envision things, but at the end, it’s the family, their laughter and collective memories that make a house your own.”

For someone who oversees furniture production in Shanghai, sources glassware from Romania, ceramics from Portugal and manages logistics from Poland, Alex spends much of his time traversing the globe. “I learnt that in order to grow, I need to invest in people I feel are better than me,” he says of his stellar management team that is expanding the Flamant Empire across the globe, Dubai being their most recent conquest. “I am happy being the brand ambassador. I get to travel the world, learn about different cultures and then take it all back home to share with my children.”

He also cites his work family, with whom he shares a close bond. “I remember my grandfather waiting by the door of his workshop, saying ‘good night’ to every worker as they closed for the day. I cherish the relationship I have with those people I work with.”

His home carries the spirit of the Flamant stores – country styles from both sides of the English channel are cleverly combined; a touch of baroque opulence happily coexisting with Swedish restraint. “It’s

harmony,” he says. “My home is a tableau of my life, the places and memories close to my heart. Every culture has its version of ‘harmony’ and they all come together beautifully.” Maybe he should tell that to the world powers that be, but he’d rather talk about the state of Europe. “I feel we have lost our sense of optimism,” he muses, carefully choosing his words. “We’ve so gotten used to the idea of ‘Leave it to the State to correct’ – both of personal and public issues – that now we feel let down by the same system.” Which is why a break in Dubai is just what he recommends. “I love taking the sunshine back with me!”

Lifestyle is a lofty word for the corporate sage. “Coming home from a party or a reception, my wife Bianca would often go to the stables still wearing an evening gown from Valentino or Armani. That is my defi nition of lifestyle.” Bianca passed away in 2006 but her effortless style and grace continues to inform the Flamant home and the brand’s collections. Fashion continues to be an inspiration for Alex but as he puts it, ‘fashion dogmas no longer exist’. “My grandmother was always altering her clothes to follow the latest trends,” he recalls. “But today a t-shirt, cool shoes and the It-bag are all you really need. It’s pretty much the same with interiors. Everything is possible. The only rule is that your home interiors should make you feel good and work for where you are in your life today!”

It helps that his children keep him young at heart. “I think they have classic taste,” he says of the youngsters who as children loved to play with his antiques just as he and his brothers did with their father’s. “They see the world differently and through them I see it too.” His newfound respect for plastic is a giant leap as the company plans to reveal a new line of very contemporary chairs. “But with classic designs and comforts,” he adds.

Alex’s home is dotted with furniture he brought as a young man; the Louis Quinze chairs, a Willie Rizzo dining table from his fi rst apartment, dressers from his father’s antique shop occupying pride of place in his home.

“I never liked the word ‘house’,” he says. “I have seen a lot of houses fi lled with the best of art and furniture but they still lack something.” It’s the ‘feel good’ factor he says. “It makes a house a home. See, even the word ‘home’ has a rounder, mellower feel to it. I like a home.” fl amant.com

FashionableLIFEThe family

kitchen is a harmonious mix of old and new

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My home is a tableau of my life, the places and MEMORIES

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It’s the feel good factor, it makes a HOUSE a home

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Lifestyle is all about EFFORTLESS chic

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MY

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Detail pieces from Flamant’s archives add to

the soothing tones of this

period bedroom

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