Bienvenue à La Maison de la Chapelle

Kim at the time was a luxury marketing expert developing products and global campaigns for the #1 beauty company in the world. Meanwhile, Garen was deeply immersed in large productions – from hip-hop videos with artists like Nas to multi-country shoots in the automotive world with brands like Mercedes Benz. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of adrenaline-driven creativity, an epiphany dawned— we both yearned for deeper connections, more rewarding experiences, and the need to focus on self-expression and artistry with like-minded creatives.

In 2020, nestled in the heart of Provence, the idea of La Maison de la Chapelle was born – a fusion of ancient tradition and a contemporary pulse. Envisioned as a crossroads where history meets the modern world, our residency is a testament to the harmony of contrasts. Here, the timeless allure of an 11th-century monastery seamlessly blends with the ease of connection to global art hubs like Paris, Milan, London, and New York. At La Maison de la Chapelle, we celebrate the unexpected, marrying tradition with modernity, creating a vibrant space for artists to craft original and daring pairings.

We are committed to enriching culture through the preservation of the creative process – in a world where it seems that we are losing touch with authentic means of expression meant to stand the test of time.​The ancient structure and its evergreen Provence gardens, enable us to deeply connect to creative pursuits.​

Here, every endeavor is an opportunity for experimentation. It’s in this nurturing space that playfulness and innovation thrive. We firmly believe that without this freedom, creative growth stagnates.  Everything we do here is iterative and pushes the team to find new boundaries for all involved.

At the same time, the creative studio needed to be highly accessible and steeped in a heritage of creative craftsmanship. The dream was one where both isolation and community would be possible – as we began long lists of brilliant thoughtful minds we wanted to bring together. A quick direct flight from NY or London – a fast-speed train from Paris – we are connected and able to dream up dinners, events, ephemeral exhibitions, and playful shoots on a whim. Experimentation also means being able to bring together resources at the right place, right time, for the right reason – and we have mastered this. The vision was truly one of connection & La Maison de la Chapelle has become a network of constant creative exchange well beyond its ancient walls.

Finally, our dream for to step into the mentorship that allows us to give back fifteen years of production and global brand experiences, resources, and access to our network to uplift creative minds. This was the dream – and though it took more time than our NYC minds could fathom – our dream is now a reality as we enter our second official season at La Maison de la Chapelle Spring 2024.

Perhaps this explains our dream of fostering a creative studio in an evergreen paradise. At La Maison de la Chapelle, our collaborators, partners, and resident artists create to the rhythm of life – we change locations as the sun and the shade shift; we savor locally grown seasonal ingredients at the table; we spend most of our time outside – and learn to find comfort in the elements. Each shoot, each process of creation has its own flavors & unique pace as a result.

Here, every endeavor is an opportunity for experimentation. It’s in this space that playfulness and innovation thrive. We firmly believe that without this freedom, creative growth stagnates.  Everything we do here is iterative and pushes the team to find new boundaries for all involved.

At the same time, the creative studio needed to be highly accessible and steeped in a heritage of creative craftsmanship. The dream was one where both isolation and community would be possible – as we began long lists of brilliant thoughtful minds we wanted to bring together. A quick direct flight from NY or London – a fast-speed train from Paris – we are connected and able to dream up dinners, events, ephemeral exhibitions, and playful shoots on a whim. Experimentation also means being able to bring together resources at the right place, right time, for the right reason – and we have mastered this. The vision was truly one of connection & La Maison de la Chapelle has become a network of constant creative exchange well beyond its ancient walls.

Finally, our dream to step into the mentorship that allows us to give back fifteen years of production and global brand experiences, resources, and access to our network to uplift creative minds. This was the dream – and though it took more time than our NYC minds could fathom – our dream is now a reality as we enter our second official season at La Maison de la Chapelle Spring 2024.

Our mentorship focused on deepening their skills and encouraging the exploration of new artistic paths. Their work is a testament to personal growth and the impactful role of art in inspiring change.

As we embrace 2024, La Maison de la Chapelle is poised to delve deeper into the essence of creativity and collaboration. We look forward to exploring the raw beauty of local materials – stone, ceramic, terracotta, wood – and repurposing ancient elements from nearby abandoned structures. Imagining the fusion of sound and architecture, the synergy between chefs and ceramicists, and the melody of nature – the river, the wind, the fauna – as integral parts of our creative canvas.

This year, we’re excited to foster larger collaborative teams for unified projects, blurring the lines between individual disciplines to create something truly groundbreaking. Beyond our Provencal haven, we’re gearing up to host special events in our key cities: Paris, New York, London, and Milan during our monthly visits, bringing a piece of La Maison de la Chapelle to the world.

Join us on this journey of artistic innovation, community building, and sensory exploration – a celebration of art in its most authentic and collaborative form, as together we remember what it is to be human on this earth.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone following and supporting our journey !