The Brilliance of Baccarat

The glassblower's mouth, a master of breath, gives birth to the shape.  The elegant branches or arms encase the wires bringing light to the hands of the fixture that lyrically dances off the cut crystal.

Under King Louis XV in 1764 in a silica rich forest in Baccarat France, a glasswork factory and a brand was born.  Baccarat :  The alchemy of fire, air, love, and audacity are some of the philosophical ideas the company uses to describe their process, their mission, their passion.

"The eye is the link between movement and material, between imagination and light"

The ruby red drop has become its signature.

This 250 year old company (next year) is movin' on up.  Tony Ingrao, the designer of the concept rooms in the residences along with Kemper Hyers, the design director of Starwood Resorts, walked us thru the plans of the soon be opened Skidmore,Owings & Merrill designed building.  The Baccarat Hotel and Residences is planning to open next October.  Giles & Boissier, the Parisian architectural firm was not in attendance, but the beauty of what they created was certainly felt.  A sky high jewel in Manhattan across from MOMA, with its private residences and a hotel, will be the epitome of glamour!  It's sure to be a total luxury experience with unique materials, those gorgeous chandeliers, and some surprises no one was yet willing to divulge.  One glimpse into the imaginative minds of this dream team will be 10,000 glasses lined up against a wall with an LED light panel behind it. "It's as if you crawled into a chandelier." Art and antiques were culled from the world over.  Natural materials were used in a modern way.  No expense was spared!

 From the palaces of kings to the homes of commoners, Baccarat seduces and excites.  It is more than a fixture or a beautifully polished vase.  It's a tale of light, a talisman, a paradox.

Dolmabahce Palace, Turkey

Ally Coulter 

Baccarat is cosmopolitan and contemporary while still being true to it's traditional French roots.  The company continues to innovate while cultivating a world wide presence.  Seeing is believing.  I must see the building in NY for myself.  It will no doubt be a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.