Meet utterly chic home and tableware designer Zoë de Givenchy as she delves into her inspirations

Zoë de Givenchy (niece of the late Hubert de Givenchy) celebrates artisanal craftsmanship, authenticity and heritage through her exquisite tableware and home brand Z.d.G — available exclusively from Faradays in Australasia. Here, the tastemaker gives an insight into her stylish world.

My personal style can be defined as: Classic with a twist.


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The last thing I bought and loved was: The Gunther handbag with passementerie detailing from a friend’s wonderful new brand, Destree.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Monumental Gardens of Valsanzibio, in the Veneto region; specifically, the labyrinth. It is one of four allegorical gardens created by Luigi Bernini in the 17th Century for the Barbarigo family. The four gardens were designed to be a metaphor for the human spiritual journey.

Z.d.G by Zoë de Givenchy available locally at Faradays

An object I would never part with is: My Cartier Baignoire watch. To me, the design is perfect.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: Prime Minister.

I am inspired by: The beauty and mysteries of nature and its seasons.

My favourite cultural or style icon is: The late Debo, Duchess of Devonshire is a favourite for her wit and grit.

The secret to creating a cohesive and impactful table setting is: Start with one idea and build around that. Always use the very best you can afford.

A design characteristic I find myself drawn to is: Restraint and symmetry.

Left: The late Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire. Right: Pierre Yovanovitch’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence.

I’m obsessed with the architecture, furniture, or design work of: Pierre Yovanovitch and Tom Scheerer. Pierre’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence is a dreamy masterpiece; and Tom’s almost puritan American aesthetic is a lesson in restraint.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Dreamscapes by Claire Takacs and Planting the Natural Garden by Piet Oudolf. There is a theme here…

My three dream dinner party guests would be: Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and Mona von Bismarck.

When I return to my home country, Australia, my must-visit store, restaurant, and natural landmark is: Icebergs on Bondi Beach and the 12 Apostles (by helicopter) in Victoria. And a shop at Belinda in Sydney for its excellent edit of luxury fashion labels.

Works by Annie Morris

My favourite artists are: Right now I am buying Annie Morris and Marco Del Re — clearly I am reconnecting with colour!

My favourite film of all time is: A Room with a View made me want to pack my bags and move to Florence, aged 12.

Something I recently discovered is: The joys of weekends spent in Malibu.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Take time to know yourself. When you know who you are, you can be decisive and wise about your goals, your standards, and your choices.

Something coming up for Z.d.G. I am excited about is: Expanding into some new categories and collaborations, including an Objets Trouvé section of our website.

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