Wanna Meet My Cicatrices de Luxe?
I know, y’all are looking at the title and thinking: Huh?
Background: About 15 years ago, on eBay, I scored a Cicatrices de Luxe 5 by FLOS, designed by Philippe Starck. It retails for $4,500. I think I paid $150.
.
I scored, in part, because the ceiling mount had been damaged. I figured I could have that repaired but never figured out how to the get the mount off.
So, I put the fixture in storage, gathering dust. Fifteen years ago! Recently though, I woke from a nap and thought: You can’t keep beauty hidden away. That just ain’t right. That just ain’t right.
Well, how could I argue with the quiet voices in my head?
So, while I could not resell it, I could use it, right?
But where?
The answer, after much ado…
…is the “servant’s hall” in the Cross House, which I will use as a breakfast room.
Oh. My.
There is something quite surreal about such an exquisite thing juxtaposed against such a mess. And I also enjoy that while I greatly endeavored to find period-correct lighting for the kitchen, it amuses and delights me that the Cicatrices de Luxe is so the exact opposite: hip, cool, and modern. But this is a theme I have been consistent about. I do not want a house embalmed in time, but rather a house reflecting its 130 years. I also had ZERO evidence of where lighting existed in the servant’s hall in 1894, as all the gas pipes had been previously removed.
And, down the road, I will get hip, cool, and modern table/chairs, after the room is restored.
But I get to enjoy Cicatrices de Luxe 5 in the meantime.
Ross happy.
Oh…
…and Godsend Eric helped.
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When I saw the title of this post, I was afraid that you had been cut up in a knife fight, fallen through a patio door or had extensive surgery. I am delighted that instead, your breakfast room is lighted.
I thought for a moment that M. Starck might have named the piece out of an odd humor, but there’s a reason for the name:
“This range of lighting fixtures for Flos is called Cicatrices de Luxe – Scars of Luxury – a kind of highly technological glass shelves, with electrically conductive prints, which invisibly transmit current to the small light bulbs hidden under different layers of crystal, inside vases that just seem to be placed there, in a nonchalant way.
“Through the collection name I wanted to recall that luxury only exists because of the income gap between people, the fact that there are people who can be rich because others are not, because others work, there are slaves, our whole system lives on slavery, and slavery leaves scars. That’s why it’s called Scars of Luxury.”
Philippe Starck
You could to refer to the fixture as Cicatrices de l’épargne – Scars of Thrift.
The lights on their own are splendid.
Thank you for the lighting’s story, David Franks. The originally $4,500 lights are the best light to be in the servant’s hall. As David quoted from Monsieur Stark: our whole system lives on slavery. Slavery… servant’s hall… how illuminating!
THAT is exquisite!!!!
Gorgeous light but I can’t help but think the vessels look like bug graveyards waiting to happen!
Isnt every fixture a bug graveyard in its own right? I discovered some cobwebs in favorite mini crystal pendant that hangs near my bed the other day… It’s about to be spooky season so I’m leaving it. Some bugs only have a day lifespan so at least they get to live in LUXURY!
Sorry, not a fan. I think you should repair it and sell it.
Well, of course you don’t like it, Michael. You’re allergic to everything post-1900!
Not exactly. I love Edwardian and Art Nouveau designs. I have a lesser appreciation for Art Deco design. As a numismatist- I find the last real silver dollar- the Peace Dollar- iconic. I remember it well when I was a child in the 1960’s.
I forgot to add that the Peace Dollar was considered inspired by the Art Deco movement that was all the rage at the time (1921).
I agree with you, not a fan, I find that juxtaposition” , “modern twist/take” and “pop of color” are usually crimes against the original style of the house, however it is his house and he can decorate in any way that brings him joy.
As Mary said below, it’s not my taste, but it’s Ross’s house and he can do whatever he pleases. In his defense, it’s a bit like the unorthodox decor in the front parlor (especially the ceiling)–it’s definitely unusual, but having had the privilege of seeing it in person, I can confirm that, amazingly, it somehow works! I suspect this will work, too.
Respectfully requesting a photo of the fixture from outside at night? I can only imagine driving by and seeing a gorgeous glass shelf of crystal lit from within. Magic.
I love the symbolism. This fixture is glorious!
That is so cool!
Well, it’s not my cup of tea, but it is interesting. And you love it, which is all that matters.
I’m wondering, can you secure some window screen to the lid of each jar to prevent bugs from entering? It’s going to be a royal pain to clean.
I was not thinking about bugs. Cleaning came to my mind first as well… some sort of screen/filter would really help. if anyone can figure a way to make it be invisible, it will be Ross.
Depending on the heat coming from the bulbs, I would make a wire frame the size of the mouth of the glass and then glue some fine tulle over it, trim it and shouldn’t be that noticeable.
Great job Eric for such a delicate installation & providing a sense of scale – I thought it looked much too small on its own.
Ha – I like “Scars of Thrift” for such a glamorous work of art. It’s interesting – a bit of avant-garde in the breakfast nook. An 1890s house might be just the place for it.
Perfect
The light is SUPER interesting and looks perfect in your breakfast room,,, Love it !!!
That is quite beautiful. And such a deal. Not for everyone but it is very you. And why shouldn’t you keep it and enjoy it in your house? You deserve some beautiful special things too. To me it is reminiscent of American Brilliant (1876-1917) which is very much period to the house. A modern twist on it, simplified but elegant. I think the servants breakfast nook is the perfect place for it. You can enjoy it every time you are in the kitchen.
Hello everybody!
Yes, this is not a sensible light fixture.
But sensible isn’t something I care much about. For, if I did, I would not have purchased the Cross House!
I just about spit my drink out just reading that…. such an understatement Ross!
At first glance I thought it was hideous, sorry. I tend to like the antique light fixtures. But after it was hung it did grow on me. And at second glance, it is quite beautiful.
I love it. Once that area has walls that is gonna be brilliant.
Oh! That IS a fun light fixture!
What a gorgeous light! Love it…