July 7, 2025 | VOL 16
P U R E:
SCULPTING SILENCE in WHITE
words Onur Basturk
photos of Products & Exhibition Antoine Bootz
This summer, the renowned New York-based design house RALPH PUCCI brings its distinctive vision to the serene landscapes of Provence. The exhibition, titled PURE, is set within the architectural masterpiece of Oscar Niemeyer's Pavilion at Château La Coste. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the brand and 50 years under Ralph Pucci's leadership, this marks only the fourth contemporary design showcase at the esteemed art destination.
At the heart of PURE lies a curated collection of sculptural works crafted from RALPH PUCCI's proprietary Plasterglass material. This unique medium, resembling plaster yet known for its durability, captures the artists' original touch. The exhibition features an all-white palette—tables, lighting, and seating—each piece handcrafted with clean lines and textured nuances, inviting contemplation on form and material.
Complementing the visual experience, the exhibition is accompanied by a jazz soundtrack, echoing the innovative spirit of the 1950s—the era when the Pucci legacy began. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to witness live sculpting sessions by RALPH PUCCI's Master Sculptor, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative process that defines the brand's ethos.
DURING A VISIT TO CHÂTEAU LA COSTE WİTH MY SON MICHAEL, WE HAPPENED YO SHARE A RIDE FROM THE AIRPORT WITH PADDY MCKILLEN. THAT UNEXPECTED MEETING SPARKED A SEVEN-YEAR JOURNEY OF SHARED IDEAS, CULMINATING IN THE PURE EXHIBITION
The genesis of the PURE exhibition at Château La Coste began with a serendipitous meeting between you and Paddy McKillen, the visionary behind Château La Coste. Could you share how this encounter evolved into the current collaboration?
My son Michael and I travelled to Château La Coste to see the Paul Mathieu show, and we happened to share a ride from the airport with Paddy McKillen. We didn’t know each other then personally but we discovered we had a lot in common and shared a passion for art in all its forms. There was a mutual respect for each other’s work and a desire to collaborate. This show is the culmination of seven years of sharing ideas.
PURE also commemorates significant milestones for your brand. How has RALPH PUCCI evolved over the decades, and what is your vision moving forward?
My parents founded the business in the middle of the last century as a mannequin repair business. I joined in my early 20s and brought with me the buzzing creative scene of New York in the 70s. We repositioned the mannequin as a medium for art that could be reinterpreted creatively and exhibited as a sculptural form in its own right. We collaborated with leading fashion designers as well as artists – it was experimental and empowering.
The next pivotal moment happened when I met Andrée Putman in the early 80s. She was excited by our world and asked me to represent her work in the US. While I wasn’t immersed in furniture design then, I understood her brilliance and knew the pieces should be sold as collectible. We had a gallery space below the studio where we started selling her pieces and our furniture business grew from there. We created the first collectible design gallery, and while this concept has been more widely adopted we are still the only one to have a sculpture studio and factory on site too.
During covid, demand for mannequins fell away so since then we have focussed on furniture, lighting and art, and the craftsmen who created the mannequins previously now create the furniture. As we enter our eighth decade, my children are continuing to push RALPH PUCCI forward. Michael and Nicole are very involved in the business and have helped discover new artists as well as drive the business into new realms. This is our first show on mainland Europe and we’re looking forward to more milestones.
I WANTED ALL THE WORKS TO BE PURE AND COMPLEMENT THE ARCHITECTURAL SETTING RATHER THAN DISTRACTING FROM IT
All the works in PURE are rendered in white. What was the intention behind this choice, and what can visitors expect from the exhibition?
Yes they are all white and they have all been sculpted by each artist at our New York sculpture studio. They’re made in our proprietary Plasterglass material which is unique – it can be manipulated by the artist but is incredibly strong and can even be used outdoors.
I wanted all the works to be PURE and complement the architectural setting rather than distracting from it. Each one shows the hand of its maker and celebrates the imperfection of the handmade.
Did the unique setting of Château La Coste influence the creation of the pieces? Were any works designed specifically for this location?
When I first saw the Oscar Niemeyer building I immediately knew it was the right space for the show, and exactly how the show would be. They are all white to allow the visitor to explore the variations between the works and how the forms interact with the architecture and nature at Château La Coste.
Jazz has been a consistent element in your galleries. Will it feature in this exhibition as well?
Jazz is always the soundtrack for us and there is a curated playlist for the show that will enhance it, reflecting the innovative spirit of the 50s when my parents founded the business as well as enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere of the show.
Lastly, do you have any favorite spots on the French Riviera you'd recommend?
La Colombe D’Or is a classic spot filled with legendary art in St Paul De Vence. And another great hotel is Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, in Vence.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The exhibition, which opened on June 23, will be on view until September 25.
