Elie Bleu precious boxes

What connects the gift presented to proud Falcon owners, cigars gifted by Nicolas Sarkozy to President Lula, and the Versailles honey offered to Michelle Obama by L’Oréal? These distinguished diplomatic gifts all came enclosed in boxes crafted by Elie Bleu’s artisans. «Our clients are among the most powerful men and women in the world,» confirms Laurent Fuchs, President of the brand recognized as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company). Since 1976, Elie Bleu has applied its cabinetry artistry—blending woodturning, marquetry, and cabinet-making expertise—to the service of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. The treasures housed in their creations range from cigars in luxurious humidors to watches, games boxes, spirits, pen boxes, and jewelry boxes.

Over fifty years, Elie Bleu has established itself as a benchmark in the refined sphere of French luxury. This is particularly evident through collections such as Casa Cubana, launching a new series in 2024 named El Carrousel. This line draws inspiration from the vintage Havana aesthetic and its iconic «carros,» the classic automobiles. Paying tribute to childhood and nostalgia, El Carrousel encapsulates the harmonious blend of artisanal skills perfected by a house that leaves nothing to chance.

It all starts with meticulously chosen timber, carefully planed, adjusted, sanded, decorated, lacquered, polished, and lined. But the journey begins much earlier, sourcing rare local and exotic woods worldwide, prized for their extraordinary grains and veining. From these exceptionally fine veneers, individual motifs for El Carrousel are delicately cut, assembled, and carefully glued piece by piece, gradually revealing the intricate design. Each box, a true jewel of craftsmanship, is delicately embellished with luxurious materials such as mother-of-pearl and gold leaf, enhancing the brilliance of their patterns.

These art pieces are meticulously adjusted and smoothed over several days, observing the wood’s transformations, before undergoing lacquer, sanding, and polishing. Through the meticulous work of around forty craftsmen, many trained at the prestigious École Boulle, the technical mastery gradually gives way to aesthetic perfection. Leather lining and the placement of accessories complete the piece, culminating in the fitting of clasps that transform each opening into a near-sensory experience. Excellence down to the smallest detail.

Article from Magazine Esprit de France

Cover - ©Elie Bleu