Steve Leung On His Unprecedented Collaboration With Baccarat
Light-bulb moment

Steve Leung, a name that needs no introduction, has crossed a major milestone with his latest endeavour. His collaboration with Baccarat has broken new ground as he becomes the first Asian designer to team up with the French luxury house. Created in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and Baccarat’s 260th anniversary, the Printemps Bleu Zenith chandelier that was unveiled last July will be launched worldwide this year. We recently sat down with the celebrated architect to learn more about the unprecedented partnership.
How did the collaboration come about?
Baccarat and I have known each other for a long time, as I always use their products in my own projects, at home, and as gifts for friends. When Baccarat proposed a creative collaboration, I immediately accepted. Our journey began with Chinese tea, wine, and dining sets. Subsequently, Baccarat extended an invitation to reimagine their renowned Zénith collection—a task that I consider both a tremendous honour and a significant challenge.
What was your relationship with Baccarat like prior to the collaboration?
My initial relationship with Baccarat was one of respect and admiration. I’ve been a fan of their creations since I was an architecture undergraduate. I was captivated by their exquisite designs, even though I couldn’t afford them back then. Over the years, I started collecting Baccarat pieces, beginning with a glass purchase 40 years ago.
As my design career progressed, I had more opportunities to incorporate Baccarat pieces into my projects, which further deepened our relationship. I also have one of their iconic Zénith chandeliers in my office right across from my desk. Seeing it daily has had a profound impact on my work.
Can you walk us through your design process for the chandelier?
The design phase took two to three months, while the chandelier development process took over eighteen months. We progressed through roughly five design iterations from concept to launching the design. I took this project very seriously, so instead of working on it alone, I decided to get my team involved.
For the first time, our company, Steve Leung Design Group, held an internal design competition where each of our design teams had to create a chandelier design. The winner got to work closely with me on the project and join me on a trip to Paris. Everyone was super excited and we received nearly 20 proposals. We went through two rounds of selection and even held an awards ceremony. This approach was really fun and allowed our designers to showcase their unique ideas and creativity, making it a true team effort.
How did you tailor the design options to Baccarat’s aesthetic preferences?
We gave Baccarat four very different designs to choose from. The design process for the current chandelier design began with the concept of celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. This means we had to blend both Eastern and Western influences, with the goal of creating a harmonious fusion.
Therefore, I took inspiration from Qinghua Ci, one of China’s most cherished and notable artefacts, combining these ancestral skills of Chinese and French porcelain with Baccarat’s mastery of crystal creation in a union of two noble materials. The chandelier employs Zenith’s signature majestic form and cascading effect, and we decided to have a porcelain cupel, baluster, and bowl in its central column and porcelain lampshades.
How did the historical significance of Qinghua Ci inspire you?
I recall my genuine fascination towards classical Chinese architecture and traditional arts and crafts after my business’ expansion into Mainland China in 2000. Among these masterpieces, the exquisite craftsmanship of Qinghua Ci, a blue and white porcelain, has captivated me a lot. The Chinese royalty and European nobles treasured it since the 18th century.
The rich history of Qinghua Ci, to me, is probably one of the best symbolically significant threads that weaves the past and present, the East and the West. Incorporating porcelain in the crystal chandelier evokes the Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy, creating a delicate balance of contrasting elements, such as crystal and porcelain, transparency and opacity, blue and white, as well as Eastern and Western, harmonising the artistic heritage of France and China.
What were some of the initial concepts that managed to influence the final design?
Initially, we also considered designing our own patterns for the porcelain, but during a trip to Baccarat’s Paris Maison, I was introduced to their extensive archives. It was fascinating to discover that the French have a long history with blue and white porcelain, a tradition introduced to them by China at the 1878 Universal Exposition in Paris.
This historical connection between the two cultures greatly influenced the final design. It was amazing to see how our traditional porcelain patterns, such as those of flowers, swallows, and butterflies, had been reinterpreted by the French so early on. Additionally, the swallow, a symbol of good fortune, holds significant meaning in Chinese culture, making it an ideal motif for this collaboration.
What challenges did you face while working on the piece?
One of the biggest challenges was achieving the ideal shade of blue, as the fired porcelain often differed from the sample swatches. This trial-and-error process spanned approximately six months. Another challenge we faced was in crafting the porcelain lampshades. While chandeliers are often admired for their grandeur, the lampshades are frequently overlooked, but I think they are a crucial element.
Unlike most of Baccarat’s chandeliers, which typically feature fabric shades, our choice of delicate porcelain lampshades surprised the French artisans, as they were unaware that was even possible. We focused on achieving a translucent effect, requiring the porcelain to be thin. Besides that, to maintain a refined look, we kept the exterior white and reserved the intricate patterns for the interior, subtly revealing themselves when illuminated.
The transparency of the lampshades and the use of natural motifs inside them create a captivating light effect. Could you describe the emotional or atmospheric impact you wanted to evoke through this feature?
A work of design transcends being just an object, you can always breathe life into it. When it comes to appreciating a chandelier, there are typically two perspectives: one from a distance and the other from below. Our chandelier offers a triple delight.
First, at eye level, its beauty will captivate you with the lampshades appearing like ordinary pleated ones when unlit. And then, when illuminated, enchanting natural motifs in shades of blue dance upon the pristine white surfaces, delicately veiled by the thin porcelain. When seated beneath and gazing upwards, a whole new world of intricate details unfolds, offering a fresh perspective. The chandelier exudes a sense of vitality, beckoning you to admire its unique beauty from various angles.
How do you think this partnership will encourage meaningful conversation about cross-cultural design ventures?
I believe we are in an era of collaboration, where numerous creative ventures are flourishing, sparking new ideas and designs. As the first Asian designer to partner with Baccarat, especially on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship, I feel deeply honoured, both on a personal level and as a representative of Chinese design.
This milestone not only recognises my work but also underscores the recognition of Chinese and Asian design aesthetics, acknowledging the profound impact of Asian culture on a global scale. Through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, we can bring forward Asian design to a global audience. I believe that it is only through collaborative efforts that we can cultivate a dialogue that transcends borders, celebrates the richness of diverse design perspectives, and pushes the boundaries of design without limits.
What’s next for you?
I am incredibly excited to share our upcoming endeavours and collaborations. Firstly, I am excited to announce our new partnership with Italian designer Andrea Bonini. We will be launching this partnership in Milan this year, as we expand our presence in Europe and work together to create innovative and inspiring designs.
Additionally, we have an exciting product collaboration in the works with the esteemed Italian brand Olivari, known for its century-old legacy of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Furthermore, we are actively involved in various projects, including designing Chinese restaurants in Mandarin Oriental hotels across different locations and working on hotel projects in Southeast Asia regions. Stay tuned for more updates on these ventures that promise to bring together creativity, culture, and design excellence.
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