Diptyque x Lucy Sparrow: A Magical Collaboration

Few brands are as committed to working with artisans as Diptyque, known mostly perhaps for its luxury fragrances and unique quality candles. The brand was founded in 1961 in Paris by three multidisciplinary artists: the British painter Desmond Knox-Leet, who graduated from the École des Beaux-Arts (the Paris School of Fine Arts), French artist Christiane Montadre-Gautrot, an interior architect trained at the French National School of Decorative Arts (the Arts décoratifs), and the theatre director and set designer Yves Coueslant.

Their love of nature and of everything beautiful, as well as their innate curiosity, resulted in a solid friendship. In 1961 they founded their own boutique, making their dream come true, and earned the name “marchands de rien”, or “purveyors of trifles” amongst their Parisian circle. Diptyque (a made-up word) was a space that was part artist’s studio and part cabinet of curiosities; one could say they were pioneers in offering what was possibly the first-ever concept store. It opened in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, a bohemian area that merges tradition with modernity. The store, a stylish bazaar, was located on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain and was decorated with curiosities and works of art that they came across on their travels. Scented candles were introduced in 1963, specifically Aubépine, Cannelle and Thé.

Artist Collaborations Are On The Rise

Ever since Marc Jacobs introduced collaborations at Louis Vuitton, they have been on the increase amongst luxury brands. According to Luxury Daily, collaborations are now a requisite for any luxury brand looking to offer new moments of discovery, interest and intrigue to its existing customer base, while also strategically expanding into new audience verticals.

Given their heritage, it’s unsurprising that the Diptyque flagship Maison stores in London and Paris have made way for a conceptual exhibition space, called the Ephemeral Space, within the premises. The galleries are curated by Sarah Andelman, founder of the French cult store Colette. Each season, an artist is invited to transform the space, and collaborations have included a Café Verlet pop-up and an art gallery exhibition displaying the works of the French digital artist Cyril Lancelin.

During this festive period, The Ephemeral Space welcomed contemporary British artist Lucy Sparrow to create their Holiday Collection: a Festive Felt Delicatessen that explores the fairytale fantasy-filled festive season.

These pieces, made of a soft felt material, are exclusively available in Maison Diptyque Paris and Maison Diptyque London, with slight cultural variations; for example, a felt brandy butter is available in London but not in Paris, and a felt foie gras replica is only available at the Parisian Maison. As explained by the brand, Lucy Sparrow’s favourite medium works wonders in capturing a childlike quality and the magic of Christmas, and her felt forms are the beating heart of this end-of-year collection.

There are over 2,000 felt creations in the range, handcrafted by Lucy for Diptyque, each one unique. The pieces include Christmas tree decorations and fun objects such as an old-fashioned till, savoury petits fours platters, brandy butter, and fig chutney, all made in Lucy’s signature felt technique.

I went to see the exhibition at the London Maison in Bond Street, where I also arranged to meet Lucy via Zoom. When you see the pieces in the flesh, they are indeed a feast for the eyes: colourful and bright, influenced by Pop art, and the attention to detail is phenomenal. I asked Lucy how she would describe her art, and she told me that it’s mainly about escapism and creating an alternative reality, reinvigorating childlike wonder in people. Lucy started working with felt when she was a child at school, and she told me that whilst other people grew out of it, she just carried on. Her huge following has recently experienced a shift in her customer base, reflecting a broader audience.

The inspiration for Diptyque x Lucy Sparrow was Christmas, but Lucy also delved into the Diptyque archives. She noticed a parallel between the three founders, the “purveyors of trifles”, in the way they lived and breathed every aspect of their work, and how it wasn’t just an occupation but almost a lifestyle that took them on a journey of discovery—a passion that is also transmitted by Lucy when she describes her own creations.

I asked her if she had any favourite pieces: she told me that she loved the green beans wrapped in bacon and the tin caviar with beaded work on top. The pieces seem so realistic at first sight that, at a distance, they look like the genuine article. She smiled at my comment and explained that she sometimes posts her work on Instagram under the hashtag “find the felt” to see if viewers can spot her creations photographed amongst other goods on a supermarket shelf.

Lucy has also designed the packaging for Diptyque’s Christmas scent collection. Their seasonal candles include Sapin (pine tree), Friandise (sweet treat) and Étoile (star) and can be identified from the characteristic dancing letters in gold type. The collection is currently available until January 3, 2025 at the flagship Maisons located on 107 New Bond Street, London, and 7 rue Duphot, Paris.

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