In conversation with influential creator Tristan du Plessis
Multi-talented architect, interior designer & Courvoisier brand ambassador Tristan du Plessis chats about his design style, Courvoisier partnership and his favourite local luxury spots.
When it comes to luxury spaces and experiences, international award-winning architect and interior designer, Tristan du Plessis, is one of the first South African creatives who comes to mind.
Tristan’s work and personal style are renowned in the luxury dining, hospitality and bespoke residential spaces. He is also the creative mind behind the lavish interior design of FYN Restaurant where he recently shared the perfect Courvoisier moment with those close to him.
We caught up with the award-winning designer and GQ 2019 Designer of The Year to chat with him about his Courvoisier partnership and his favourite luxury spots to spend time with family and friends in South Africa. Take a look at the Q&A below.
You are the creative mind behind many works of grandeur and luxury, how does Courvoisier fit this aesthetic and lifestyle?
Tristan: Courvoisier is a luxury brand based out of Paris, France and this is something that I really relate to as Paris is my favourite place in the world, I go back there every three months. The way that the French pay attention to detail and really care about quality is something that I look up to and have always looked up to, so to work with a French brand fits in with my ethos.
How do you feel about becoming a Courvoisier ambassador?
Tristan: I was quite excited about the opportunity to link up with a brand like Courvoisier. Being quite well-travelled I have encountered the brand overseas as it’s kind of a standard in France. And to see it now entering into the South African market is quite exciting and it’s definitely something I am honoured to be a part of.
How would you like your followers to see & experience Courvoisier through your creations?
Tristan: I would like people to see how my work lines up to such an established detailed brand like Courvoisier. To have a brand like Courvoisier sit next to my work and to work hand in hand is pretty great. It’s big shoes to fill in terms of where that brand sits internationally and I am hoping that one day I can bring my brand up to that same level as well.
What is it about FYN Restaurant that you love?
Tristan: Most importantly, it’s a project that I designed and I think it was important to end the year off in one of our favourite spaces. And what I love about it most is that it is completely unique. It’s not something that was based on any other international project. It’s a completely unique homegrown interior and culinary experience. That’s what I like about FYN the most, it’s a unique homegrown experience.
What creates the perfect FYN & Courvoisier moment? Can you describe it?
Tristan: I think the perfect moment was when we all finally got to sit down and we thanked each other for the amazing year that we had and looked back at this amazing year of growth. Finally being able to take an evening to reflect on it and relax for the first time in a very busy year.
In your opinion how does FYN fit in with the Courvoisier Lifestyle?
Tristan: FYN fits into the Courvoisier lifestyle because it’s a premium, unique offering and I think that is why it fits in perfectly well with Courvoisier.
How do you enjoy your Courvoisier?
Tristan: Straight up on ice, because I like the flavour of cognac.
How would you describe the Courvoisier aesthetic in terms of interior design?
Tristan: Courvoisier is quite an established brand, it’s definitely premium and luxurious. I don’t think there’s an aesthetic per se, just more a direction of high detail focus and focused around the way people live and how to best extract the joy and luxury out of life. It’s the same attention to detail that goes into how someone will experience a space that Courvoisier pays attention to in terms of flavour profiles and how they process their cognac for the palette. I do the same thing with interior design.
What are some of your favourite South African spots to enjoy with family and friends?
Tristan: There are so many in Joburg, there’s TANG which is really great, there’s KōL which is also amazing and in Cape Town, there are so many. I would say that the whole of Cape town is something that everyone in South Africa should experience, there are just too many to name. But in Joburg definitely, Saint, TANG, KōL and Zioux which just opened recently. There’s quite a lot happening in Joburg at the moment.