RHYTHM (Hammock) – Limited Edition

PROJECT (de la gratitude): De L’Orient Penthouse

Location: Building x9 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

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Concept of Pattern –  inspired by the Lilac flower 

• 4-petal flower: The 4 petals symbolize: Happiness, Luck, Wisdom, and Purity. Flower stamen – harmonious circle: Representing the gentle and pure scent of Lilacs.
• Seamless kikko pattern: A Japanese pattern (originating from China), featuring hexagonal shapes that symbolize turtle shells, representing longevity and good fortune.
• Color scheme: Rouge De Noix D’arec and Twilight Blue

Symbolizing the intersection of contemporary Asian-European cultural influences, as well as the historical journey of the Lilac flower.

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Pattern story – loin de chez moi

This afternoon, the sky darkens early, perhaps it’s transitioning seasons. Understandably so, as it is already November, the autumn is gradually replaced by the winter season.

The red sunlight at the horizon lazily drifts away, meandering in the sky.

I closed my sketchbook, the bamboo-smelling pages still wafting in the wind.

Leisurely sipping a glass of French white wine De Chevalier, it carries that delightful tang and refreshing. I always love the aftertaste, the scent of white flowers combined with a hint of sweet black vanilla incense of dried cherry blossom, gentle and enticing.

Taking a trip to the past, for the first time I fell in love with that elegant straw-colored wine in the late afternoon, but the sky was still blue and the clouds were still pure. Back then in autumn, when I was in Narusawa, near the Saiko lake. There was nothing much outside that day, or rather, nothing fancy. Just a plaid blanket, a bottle of white wine from Domaine De Chevalier. There were also cherries, muscat grapes, and a little bit of fresh Japanese cheese made by Chef Kyo in the morning. Those amazing cheese cubes were mixed with the sweetest strawberries, melted-in-your-mouth tenderness and juiciness. 

Over the past decade, Kyo has consistently visited the garden every early morning, harvesting bright fruits and making a special dish of the day.

And the last most beautiful part has been my besties, indeed.

Diving into the fragrant grass and gazing into the distance, where the sparkling dappled sunlight lined along the Saiko Lake. I decided to get there alone as others were still lying lazily, enjoying the gentle breeze and warm sunlight.

It took me about twenty minutes to get to the lakeshore. How beautiful it was!

Beautiful and touching.

As I admired it, I knew it was the Lilac flower.

The flower has four petals, blooming in clusters, swaying gracefully like willow branches.

It is white, with slightly curved petals, delicate and carrying a hint of melancholy.

Unfamiliar familiarity.

There was only one tree of its kind.

Many years ago, I happened to hear about the legend of the Lilac flower – an Eastern flower. The story revolves around the journey of a mother and her child but it is truly beautiful when the story focuses on the devotion and sacrifice of the child. For that reason, they were described as the flowers of filial piety.

That evening, before bathing in the onsen. I talked with Chef Kyo for a while. He didn’t say much about the Lilac, as this flower wasn’t here. They were only grown in the far north of the Land of Rising Sun. However, that day, I met one here and only one.

Reflecting on it, immersing myself in the hot mineral spring, savoring the aged sake… and later on, that scene got lost in my memories. Like scattered puzzle pieces,

Waiting to be put together,

Waiting to be longed for,

Waiting for enlightenment… 

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The inspiration still comes from those simple and pure moments, that memories and Lilac flower somehow became a meaningful connection.

This time, Lilac flowers were chosen as the pattern for the Limited-Edition product. Besides its symbolic meaning, I also intended to convey hidden messages through four petals, representing four significant aspects of life: happiness, luck, wisdom, and purity.

The color theme is a blend of traditional and contemporary, transitioning from “rouge de noix d’arec” to twilight blue.

Notably, the materials designed for the product are filled with emotions and subtleties. One is “Hue painted enamel” which is executed skilfully and delicately.

It is truly an honor for À la Maison to collaborate on this project with artist Do Huu Triet and the “Hue painted enamels” artisan team.

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The product is a serendipitous creation that we intentionally made this year. 

It precisely marks the 7th anniversary of À la Maison’s establishment, which is also a milestone for us to deepen our understanding and always remain sincere.