Subscribe to our newsletter and discover why with us, Love Happens
25 Iconic Christopher Guy Designs in Honor of Legend’s Passing
In August 2020 the design world lost legend Christopher Guy Harrison, undoubtedly one of the most influential furniture designers. A master at fusing classical and contemporary design to create his own distinctive style defined by elegance, Christopher leaves behind a truly iconic collection through his brand Christopher Guy.
Read on to learn more about Christopher Guy and discover some of our favorite iconic CG designs!
How It All Began
First inspired by the world of decorative style while growing up in the 1970s along the shoreline of the French Riviera, Christopher became fascinated with the elegance intrinsic to French design. A fascination which he turned into a legend over the course of his life.
After numerous early career ventures, in 1993, Christopher traveled to Java, Indonesia with his then-girlfriend and business partner, Marta Gil, where the two set up a small factory called Harrison & Gil. Initially renowned for its wide range of decorative mirrors, Harrison & Gil quickly expanded into upholstery.
Marta left Harrison & Gil in 1997 although the two stayed lifelong friends. Christopher stayed on in Indonesia and in 1999 set out to design and build a one million square foot factory and atelier in Java. He wanted to design a place in which it would be a pleasure to work. A serene and tranquil atmosphere to accommodate the carvers, woodcarvers, and specialist finishers that craft his designs.
The Christopher Guy Brand
In 2007, after growing the Harrison & Gil into a complete lifestyle and luxury furniture collection, Christopher rebranded the company as Christopher Guy. In the years since then, the brand took a place at the forefront of the world’s luxury furnishings market. And while Christopher’s unique eye and ability to create pure elegance will no longer be at the helm of the brand the timelessness of each of his designs will forever live on.
Hollywood loved Christopher Guy landing his pieces in many films and television shows, further adding to the brand’s iconic nature! Movies include top names such as The Hangover, Casino Royale, The Devil Wears Prada, Stardust, Sleuth, Ocean’s Thirteen, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Mummy, The Thomas Crown Affair, Charlie’s Angels, Rocket Man, and many others.
25 of Our Favorite Iconic Christopher Guy Designs
“An international lifestyle allowed Christopher to view the world through a critically constructive eye that drew inspiration from everything he admired, translating into design elements that form the bedrock of today’s CG vast collection. Above all else, Christopher’s unique work is characterized by elegance, which forms the DNA of each design and is central to the philosophy of the brand.”
VERSAILLES
Since 1993, Christopher Guy has been designing the world’s finest mirror frames crafted by master carvers from within their ateliers in solid mahogany.
CAMILLA
One of the legendary designs by Christopher Guy, launched to commemorate the chapeau worn by Camilla Parker Bowles at her royal wedding.
DIOR
Exceptional design, underlining what makes Christopher Guy the world’s most sought after mirror frame collection.
LE PREMIER #1
Le Premier #1, the first chair designed by CG in mid-90s
Christopher Guy’s Signature “Chris-Cross” Leg
It was in Harrison & Gil’s first year of business in 1993 that Christopher’s most iconic silhouette, the “Chris-Cross” leg, was born. First debuted on the Eureka chair, like many of Christopher’s designs, the Chris-X leg was inspired by the feminine form (and of course one of the many reasons we LOVE CG!)—in this case, the corseted waist of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. Today the patented Chris-X leg can be seen throughout the collection and has come to be synonymous with the Christopher Guy name.
EUREKA
This patented “Chris-Cross” leg first made its début on this Christopher Guy chair. Today it has become a hugely celebrated and timeless masterpiece.
LUCIA DROITE
An outstanding fan-back palatial chair designed by Christopher to create the grandest of visual statements.
LE JARDIN
As an emblem of longevity and purity, Coco Chanel was captivated by the allure of the Fleur de Camélia. Carved from solid mahogany, Christopher designed this magnificent high-back bench to pay homage to the Mademoiselle legacy.
VENUS
With a beauty worth of Venus herself, this metal finish tipped legs and shell-backed Chris-Cross boudoir chair is the ultimate accent piece for a classic interior.A custom-made life-size, hand-beaten copper Georgian Lady statue greets visitors at the entrance of The Georgian at Harrods In London designed by Christopher Guy
CHEZ HARRODS
The intricately carved reeded frontage design of this stunning cabinet was discovered by Christopher on a disused staircase wall in London’s Harrods. He added his signature carved knot design to the handles.
COUBRE
A sumptuous curved settee with sweeping asymmetrical lines, complemented by a beautifully carved scalloped apron.
SARINA
Displaying a clean and elegant silhouette, this sumptuous sofa combines upholstered arms, a single seat and a delightful hand-carved feature detail crowning the wide back.
JULIUS
An intricately scrolled grand banquette perfect to be positioned along a wall with a CG tall mirror above it, or maybe at the foot of a King size bed…
VUITTON
Delicate and refined, this exceptional hand-carved ottoman makes a delightful accompaniment to a room.
SOFIA
Christopher’s choice; this chaise lounge marvel draws instant attention with contemporary flowing lines and timeless appeal.
LE MEURICE
Sensationally elegant, this chaise lounge exudes style with Christopher’s signature “Chris-Cross” legs and rich mahogany scrolled frame.
TATE
A revival of classic style is evident in this Christopher Guy confidante, unique in design yet uncompromising in comfort and detail.
UNE FONTAINE
Sheer elegance and luxury define this magnificent looking mahogany and veneer dining table, adorned with delicate marquetry.
DOLCE
This mahogany dining table is at home in any grand setting and with its magnificent appeal and fine workmanship.
ROBUCHON
Add a touch of grandeur to a dining space with this round dining table, symbolic of fine craftsmanship and refined splendor.
METROPOLITAN
A sublime bistro/side table with a hand-carved sculptured centerpiece and veneer top.
LE CARLTON
A charming curvaceous high console, with Chris-cross signature and elegantly tall cabriole legs.
HARPER
A truly gorgeous coffee table design, with classic Christopher Guy carved detailing, elegantly crafted from solid and veneered mahogany.
AMOUREUX
The beauty and exquisite lines of these unique hand-carved wall panels exude a timeless appeal, created to make a glorious statement in any residence.
NURTURE
Limited Edition – The power of love features in this life-sized sculpture crafted in hand-beaten aluminum finished in lacquer. Its seamless joint lines are masterly crafted into shrouded folds making this an exceptional piece of artwork.
SOHNE
A handsomely arranged mélange of forged metal lengths, in an abstract cross-layered silhouette form this striking wall-light sconce.
CONSTELLATION
A brass wall lamp with glittering panache, telling a story that evokes romance and love. Part of the beautiful Constellation series.
COSMOPOLITAN
Celebrated as a truly spectacular achievement in carving, sure to create a stir anywhere. A radiant design, richly carved, that represents a sunburst of monumental proportions.
CARREE
Comprised of one hundred and sixty hand-carved squares, this is, without doubt, a visually stunning upholstered centerpiece for the home.
NARBONNE
An exquisite cabinet available in two forms, as a larger sideboard or petit nightstand with curvaceous cabriole legs, featuring two generous drawers and the carved signature Silk Cut.
VANITY FAIR
Sophisticated and elegant mahogany dressing table, featuring the signature Chris-cross legs.
Words by Anna Beck Bimba All Images via Christopher Guy
SUBSCRIBE
