Mr. Sevigny touring TALIM exhibit
The Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM) recently launched an exhibition on the life and creations of internationally acclaimed interior designer and Tangier resident Charles Sevigny. The exhibit will be on display from June 30 to September 8, 2018.
To celebrate his 100th birthday in June, the American Legation has also published a book by the historian Thomas Michael Gunther entitled Charles Sevigny, An American Abroad.
After serving with the U.S. Army in France during World War II, Charles attended Parsons School of Design in New York on the GI Bill, where his talents were quickly recognized. That recognition included a grant from the famous decorator Elsie de Wolfe, which allowed him to return to France to continue his studies at Parsons Paris under the mentorship of Van Day Truex. He developed a style characterized by simplicity and quality, harmoniously bringing contemporary, sleek elements together with the luxurious and historical. These bold juxtapositions were revolutionary.
Florence Leclerc-Dickler presenting honorary doctorate to Mr. Sevigny
With his partner Yves Vidal, he developed a distinct aesthetic and prominent European presence for Knoll, the design firm. He created interiors for Hubert de Givenchy and others in the beau monde of the day. Known for his graciousness and hospitality, he shared his own stunningly designed and storied homes in France and Tangier with the world, both in person and in the pages of the top design and lifestyle magazines. On the occasion of his 100th birthday at a preview of the exhibition, Parsons School of Design and The New School presented Mr. Sevigny with the degree of Doctor of the Fine Arts, honoris causa, on June 29, 2018. Mr Sevigny also received a letter from Defense Secretary Mattis thanking him for his service in World War II.
Lt. Col. Canon presenting letter from Secretary of Defense Mathis to Mr. Sevigny
View more photos from Mr. Sevigny's birthday celebration here.
Read the Architectural Digest write-up of the event here.
TALIM is the research center in Morocco of the American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS).