A Storm’s Delicate Aftermath
Following a storm, surfaces are momentarily adorned with glistening droplets that evaporate too soon. Parisian designer Quentin Vuong has masterfully recreated this fleeting beauty in his latest series, After the Rain. Through a meticulous process of hand-applying black epoxy resin onto blackened oak furniture, Vuong has achieved an astonishingly realistic depiction of scattered raindrops. Now on display at Galerie Gastou, the collection is a testament to his signature approach—delicate, detailed, and deeply immersive.
The Journey of a Visionary Designer
Vuong’s journey into design began at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, where he studied product design. His passion led him to a residency at Fabrica, the Benetton-supported institute in Veneto, Italy, under the mentorship of Sam Baron.
Returning to Paris in 2018, Vuong immersed himself in the fashion world, contributing to catwalk scenography while forging connections with designers, suppliers, and clients. Slowly, he built a repertoire of tools and eventually established his own workshop in Villa Belleville, a hub for emerging creatives.
From Gilded Mirrors to Liquid-Like Surfaces
Vuong first gained recognition through his mirror designs, notably his 2021 collaboration with Rimowa, where he applied a liquid-like substance to a grooved aluminum sheet, mimicking the brand’s iconic suitcase texture. This piece traveled internationally with the As Seen By exhibition.
A recurring motif in his work is gilding, using gold and silver leaf to embellish furniture surfaces, handles, and feet. Vuong describes this meticulous technique as “a meditative process requiring deep focus, as even the slightest breath can send the delicate leaf flying.”
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Mastering the Art of Resin Droplets
For After the Rain, Vuong evolved his appliqué technique, replacing metallic gilding with epoxy resin droplets to mimic the look of real water. Using a pipette, he carefully releases and spreads the resin to achieve an organic, natural effect.
“What I like about the black collection is how I can play with reflection and light,” Vuong explains. “There are so many gradients of silver and black, creating a subtle richness.” He takes this a step further by applying droplets not just on horizontal surfaces, but on vertical ones as well—maximizing the way the light interacts with his designs.
Minimal Forms, Maximum Impact
Vuong’s After the Rain collection consists of:
- An armchair
- Side and coffee tables
- A screen
- A floor lamp
- Several mirrors
Each piece is constructed using traditional joinery techniques, without glue or screws, emphasizing craftsmanship and purity of form.
A Must-See Exhibition at Galerie Gastou
Unveiled during Maison & Objet in January, After the Rain will remain on display at Galerie Gastou through March. Now that months of meticulous work have culminated in this striking exhibition, Vuong is set to embark on a journey to Vietnam—both as a personal exploration of his heritage and a source of inspiration for future collections.
Stay tuned for what’s next from this visionary designer.
