A Homage To French Panache

The flagship gallery on Rue de la Paix is a two-story sanctum of craftsmanship and culture, a breathtaking fusion of neo-classical grandeur and futuristic elegance envisioned as a tribute to Empire Style. 

“Being French and passionate about the Napoleonic era, it was inevitable that we’d approach this period of history from a cultural standpoint,” says JMM founder and creative director Jérôme Mage. “While our galleries in Los Angeles and Milan represent our love for the American West, for Paris we shift our focus to another one of the main pillars of our engagement with global heritage—the Premier Empire Français.”

Looking for a modern approach to traditional design and a sense of old-world grandeur, JMM once again employed the talents of legendary French interior designer Jacques Garcia to bring both authenticity and originality to the project. 

“Above all, the primary inspiration is the address,” says Garcia. “The Paris Gallery is undeniably very ‘Cocorico,’ as we are next to Place Vendôme—a most prestigious place which, for the world, reflects French spirit and elegance. And for good reason: in this former royal locale there is the grandeur of the Grand Siècle of Louis XIV, as well as the indomitable spirit of Napoleon’s conquests.”

Each element of the Paix-Paris Gallery has been thoughtfully chosen to create an atmosphere of opulence and nostalgia. Even before entering the gallery, you’ll notice the store's facade, which is constructed from molded wood juxtaposed with deep red marble that gleams in the light, crowned by our heraldic ‘wolf’ coat of arms—a symbol of strength and heritage. 

Step through the doors, and you are transported into a world where history and contemporary design harmoniously coexist. The space effuses our signature Bordeaux Empire motif: deep burgundy marbles and ornate colonnades lead into richly appointed rooms, all with bespoke furnishings produced by our longtime partners Hervet Manufacturier. Handcrafted from exotic mahogany, their warm geometry elegantly contrasts with an exquisite collection of vintage pieces from the early 19th century, each one hand-selected by JMM’s small team of connoisseurs.

Rare Napoleonic artifacts, carefully curated to celebrate this pivotal era in French history, are complemented by luxurious cheetah-patterned rugs and textiles that evoke the bold uniforms of the legendary hussard officers of that time. 

In fact, the gallery is inspired in large part by the greatest hussard in history—General Comte de Lassale, the quintessential French cavalryman. 

Known for his blend of bravery and audacity, Lassale’s actions are legendary. His spirit, as unyielding as a steel blade, was matched only by his love for life's pleasures, embodying a joie de vivre that made him a favorite among his peers. Dressed in his awe-inspiring uniform, sporting a finely curled mustache and distinctive pipe, Lassale exuded the very essence of a certain old-world style. 

“The Paris Gallery is in many ways a homage to French panache,” explains Mage, “to the idea of doing something with a certain amount of finesse and flair, as well as respect and prestige.” 

Fittingly, the centerpiece of the front room is anchored by Le Général Lassale à la Bataille de Iéna, le 14 Octobre 1806, a large historical oil painting by Alphonse LaLauze  (1872-1936) depicting the storied general charging with the relentless prowess that earned his regiments the moniker La Brigade Infernale ("The Brigade of Hell"). The extraordinary painting is flanked by authentic Premier Empire sabers, creating a dramatic tableau of martial nobility.

Beyond this dramatic entrance, as you wander down the long corridor adorned with gracefully arched ceilings and retro-futuristic columns, you’ll discover a hidden gem: our Wyoming Room, featuring the iconic works of Thomas C. Molesworth (1890–1977) —a renowned Western Design pioneer whose workshop, the Shoshone Furniture Company, was located in Cody, Wyoming—accompanied by a cabinet of curiosities with a carefully curated selection of vintage American collectibles that tell their own stories. 

At the heart of the gallery lies another striking exhibition, this one showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of our new jewelry collection. This lacquered, Bordeaux Empire jewel-box radiates with sophistication, inviting you to appreciate each handcrafted piece amid a setting that feels both timeless and avant-garde.

A rich tapestry of French culture balanced with other significant expressions of our global heritage, every corner of the Paix-Paris Gallery is designed to engage the senses—creating an immersive experience that invites you to explore the intricate threads of history, art, and style that defines the ethos of Jacques Marie Mage.