Dior's Hedi Slimane Creates Homeware

Christian Dior menswear director Hedi Slimane is more than just a fashion designer. After renovating the label's Paris atelier, he set about designing new Dior Homme stores in Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai - all the while wowing boys with his catwalk collections. His architectural ambitions then extended to the home, for which he created 'Archaism- a ten piece modular system in black epoxy-coated stainless steel and ebony intended for use as desks, seating or storage.

Each module is handmade and engraved, and inspired by furniture from Hedi's favourite epochs - to its most minimal form. He compares creating the smooth, streamlines pieces to 'making a made-to-measure tuxedo. In both, you are dealing with volume, proportions and materials, and both have a strong relationship with the body and posture.' For him, the essence of the furniture was to encourage sociability: 'You can sit and talk tête-à-tête about politics or gossip, just like people did in 18th century salons du the'.

But no matter how popular his furniture becomes, Hedi will never give up his day job. 'The furniture is a hobby. Not working in fashion? I couldn't imagine it!' The 'Archaism' range is priced from £2,900 to £4,600, from Dover Street Market, W1 London (020 7518 0680).