Multi-hyphenate Renaissance man Steve Leung needs little introduction. Be it his super yachts, vacation homes, interior designs, and collaborations, Leung’s prolific portfolio has been featured on Robb Report Hong Kong time and again. Adding one more arrow to his quiver, the famed architect and designer has just unveiled his latest design in collaboration with crystal-maker Baccarat: the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier, a grand lighting fixture.
Baccarat and Leung’s Printemps Bleu—literarily “blue spring” in French—chandelier is a breathtaking and exquisite piece. Featuring crystals cut with precision and chinoiserie artwork meticulously painted on fine porcelain, it’s a nod to the heritage of both East and West. It’s a phenomenal achievement, tying in two disparate cultures united through refined craftsmanship and brave innovation. As the head of design of his eponymous label, Steve Leung Design Group (SLD), Leung is the first Chinese designer to collaborate with Baccarat. One hopes Leung’s collaboration with the famed French luxury house paves the way for more cross-cultural design endeavours, as this first iteration is a piece of art.
For discerning collectors and connoisseurs of luxury décor, the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier intertwines the Limoges porcelain cupel, baluster, and bowl with Baccarat’s cascading clear and cobalt-blue crystals. “I was profoundly impressed by the sheer professionalism and resourcefulness displayed by the R&D team and seasoned artisans at Baccarat,” says Hester Lau, the design director working along Leung. Despite working from different continents, both Leung and Baccarat’s diligent artisans worked in perfect unison.
The grand mélange of Chinese sensibilities and historic French elegance on Printemps Bleu is one for the books. The contrasts between crystal and porcelain, blue and white, and transparency and opacity mirror the duality of Eastern and Western design philosophies that have come together harmoniously to craft this artefact. The swallows, butterflies, and floral motifs are an ode to the awakening of nature come springtime.
“Our collaboration celebrates Baccarat’s 260th anniversary in 2024. Since its establishment in 1764, Baccarat has always been recognised for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless designs,” says Leung. “Today, Baccarat remains a pristine symbol of luxury and elegance. It is our honour to delve into its esteemed history of luxury legacy. Both our countries have a long-standing appreciation for art and literature. I believe this collaboration is the perfect way to celebrate our countries’ mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage and creativity, especially on the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. I am thrilled to embark on a design journey with the talented team at Baccarat during such a milestone historical moment.”
Leung took inspiration from qinghua ci, China’s iconic blue-and-white porcelain, a notable trope that can be traced back to the early 16th century. He also dug into the archives of Baccarat for inspiration to create Printemps Bleu. It’s not the first time the Chinese motif has found its way to Baccarat. Back in 1878, the Chinese imperial authority made its debut at the Exposition Universelle in Paris and presented qinghua ci among other fine crafts. It caught the eye of a certain French luxury brand, which then imbued creations with similar patterns.
Leung is the latest designer who joins a gilded roster of internationally renowned names who have collaborated with Baccarat to reinterpret the Zenith range of chandeliers, including Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Arik Levy, Louise Campbell, and Jaime Hayon.
Steve Leung’s limited edition—60 pieces only—is available for viewing now in Asia and will be launched worldwide in 2025.
All images courtesy of Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) and Baccarat.
