French Connection
At first glance, you might think Jan Showers simply pulled all of these glamorous pieces from her showroom on Slocum Street. Not at all. In fact, Showers’ concept for the shoot, a French designer’s salon in Paris, was inspired by a 1960s tufted sofa from East & Orient Company. “I loved that sofa immediately. It was like all sofas I remember from Vogue during the ‘60s when they photographed people like Nan Kempner and Babe Paley at home,” says Showers, whose signature design look is influenced by the ultra-chic French moderne movement from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Paler, mid-century modern furnishings, including French moderne, are becoming more popular in Dallas, as the lower scale of mid-century furnishings works beautifully with period antiques, which are often smaller. And in the case of the French pieces, the shapely lines echo those of the older period antiques. Here, a paid of 19th century bergeres from the Mews, left in their simple muslin upholstery, is ideal when placed next to the low sofa. “I love a mixed-up look,” Showers says. “Otherwise, it’s boring.”