L’Escalier de cristal

L’Escalier de Christal was a renowned store that, from the Palais-Royal to the Opéra, maintained its presence from the Empire until 1923. It is part of a family history, of which one of the authors of this book is the heir.

The story begins with Mrs. Désarnaud. By originally and spectacularly combining cut crystal and gilded bronze, she quickly gained great renown. During the First Empire, she had a surprising and enchanting staircase installed, the name of which alone could excite the curiosity of the public and chroniclers. Under the July Monarchy, Émile Pannier brilliantly took over the store. His two sons, Georges and Henry, equipped with solid training, became trendsetters and creators of fashion. They managed to maintain a tradition of high quality in the field of decoration while simultaneously trying to adapt to contemporary styles.

We hope that this very documented book will help to better understand the history of luxury trade, and more broadly that of the bourgeoisie, its rise, its behaviors, its practices, and its tastes.