Jade Genin X Khaled Kolsi: a chocolatier, a designer, a collab

When design meets chocolate, the result breaks the codes of the traditional chocolate shop. An architectural boutique where the aromatic score of the chocolate is played out as naturally as on a perfume organ.

How did you meet?

JG: It was a friendly meeting. I was quickly impressed by Khaled's always pertinent opinions, his alternative proposals and his imagination. His creative capacity is fascinating. The multitude of questions I asked him led to the desire to work together to design my boutique.

KK: We met a few years ago. When Jade decided to settle down, she asked me to design her boutique. I'm primarily an object designer, not an interior architect. This approach appealed to her.

How did you go on to work together?

JG: I had a fairly precise idea of what I wanted: a dreamlike, fairy-tale universe that would break away from the framework of white and gold to create a refined, organic atmosphere. We exchanged a lot of ideas, and then it all clicked when I saw a design by Khaled that went way beyond what I had in mind. In his proposal, I found this duality between opulence and minimalism, this impression of movement given by the shapes he had imagined. I was initially skeptical about 3D modeling, fearing that the result wouldn't live up to the image. On the contrary, Khaled was able to bring a dynamic, architectural feel and a distinct, out-of-the-box personality to my store. Since that first collaboration, I continue to ask his opinion on the shapes I create or the packaging he models in 3D. What I love about design is the little twist that designers bring in that changes everything!

KK: For a collaboration, it's necessary to immerse oneself in the other's universe. I was seduced by Jade's universe. It's refined and bold, and I had to find the right balance between luxury and simplicity. An accessible showcase that highlights her creations. We worked on the scenography together, aiming for something sculptural, organic and luxurious, while retaining a certain sobriety. For the materials, we chose wood, Corian and glass. I translated his request by working each piece of furniture as an object in its own right. The legs of the table are inspired by the aquatic world, hand-sculpted and then painted, contrasting with the strict vertical slats on the walls.

For Christmas, I'm working on a 3D model of her pyramidions for a unique, realistic creation. Jade works on hand-painted color and taste.

Collaboration: freedom or constraint?

JG: For me, the only constraint in a collaboration is that of producing a creation that pleases. Everything else is freedom. With Khaled, the exchanges came naturally because we're the only ones in charge, and we exchange freely, sharing all our creative ideas.

KK: Total freedom. I'm working on my own collection and I'm finding that it's much more difficult than a collaboration. There's something neurotic about working for yourself: you're moving slowly, in infinite chaos. By comparison, working in a collaborative environment is soothing. The constraints imposed by the other's world are free. The lines of work become clearer, the obvious becomes apparent, and the project moves forward.

What have you gained from this collaboration?

JG: I'll always remember the importance of opening up to worlds other than your own. There's a connection that's created, it's a bit like inspiration. The world of savory cuisine inspires me, as does that of jewelry and perfume. Fashion is also a source of inspiration, and I'd love to collaborate one day with Burc Akyol, whose sleek, geometric shapes fascinate me, or with Ian Padgham for his overflowing, playful creativity.

KK: I'll always remember the Genin family's human side and their willingness to listen. The collaboration was fluid and friendly. We have the same deep respect for each other, the same attention to detail, the same high standards. Something to look forward to...

• Jade Genin, 33 Av. de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris Tél : 09 87 07 17 79
• https://www.jadegenin.fr/