Elegant and retro, energetic and modern, following Western design language but also featuring the Oriental aesthetics, the new furniture collection by Hanoia – the premium handicraft brand tells a contemporary Indochine story via lacquer expression.

In recent years, the Indochine style has made a come back in interior design. This style was created by the French in the early decades of the 20th century, based on French architecture and Vietnamese culture and geographical condition. Or to put it in another way, the French adapted their architecture style to Oriental culture. Thus, Indochine style has both French romantic vibe and nostalgia of old South East Asia.

A prominent feature of Indochine style is the manipulation of natural material such as wood, lacquer, rattan, bamboo and baked bricks. During French colony, these were popular materials in Vietnam and the French incorporated these materials into their design. Color wise, neutral colors such as light yellow, brown and white were the main color tones. Baked brick walls in altar rooms were kept in its bare color to create an earnest and sacred atmosphere. The most favorable decorations included Ky Ha patterns (a playful design of triangle, rhombus, curve and circle, with or without rule), rectangle pattern or still lifes. These were used to decorate walls, bulkhead, other home decors such as reliefs, wind screen, chair, table, cabinet, shelf which were made delicately by hand.

This Oriental elegant and retro style can be found in the new furniture collection of Hanoia by Richard Le Sand, a talented French designer who has lived and worked in Asia for many years. His design focuses on delicate elements, graceful forms using wood and lacquer, smooth curves and dark colors to inspire timeless elegance. A unique combination of the East and the West philosophies has created a new glamourous, graceful, poetic and passionate style.

But Richard Le Sand did not stop there as he added a touch of youth, freshness to create a contemporary interpretation of traditional aesthetics. This unique fusion forms the design language of Richard Le Sand. He did not follow Indochine style entirely but incorporated his Western romanticism, knowledge and fascination during 10 years living in Asia to create a unique design style that is both nostalgic and contemporary in this collection. He called it the freedom in design, a Vietnamese philosophy for Vietnamese people through the eyes of a Western designer.

Thus, Hanoia furniture line suits many living spaces, from classical to modern, traditional to contemporary, simple to complex. Such as the elegant Lanky table inspired by the Oriental fan and the glamorous Classy sofa with smooth curved back forming the H letter bring a luxurious and subtle beauty to any living room. And the Sunny lamp looks like a contemporary sculpture in any bedroom.

Whether it is contemporary Indochine style with retro vibe or Vietnamese philosophy through the eyes of a foreign designer, Hanoia has taken Vietnamese lacquer to a new height with this new furniture line.