Caroline Price for Montespan

Designer Caroline Price’s collection for Vervain, The Montespan Collection, is imbued with both history and modern flair. The fabrics, wallcoverings and trimmings tell the story of Caroline’s vivacious muse, Madame de Montespan, long term mistress of King Louis XIV of France and mother of seven of his children.

Passion, wit — and above all — style, exude from this curated collection of sensuous textures and remarkably unique patterns interpreted through prints, embroideries, wovens and appliques. The textiles burst with color, elegance and fun, bringing together an unmistakably contemporary look with design concepts that are centuries old.

Caroline Price’s signature blend effortlessly strikes a balance that can be used in both laid back and formal interiors. The collection’s unexpected high-low pairings juxtapose luxury with casual for rooms that delight.

While reading about the historical evolution of interior design, Caroline discovered Madame de Montespan. The longterm mistress of Louis XIV of France and mother of most of his children, Athénaïs was alongside the King at the time when the structure, interiors and gardens of Versailles were being built, and had significant influence with him.

A woman famous in her century for her wit, conversation and beauty, Athénaïs was at the forefront of style and captured the King’ s heart. Having installed many gardens to please her at Versailles, Louis XIV built the Château de Clagny and the Porcelain Trianon for her, and created the infamous pink marble bathtub for just the two of them. The King also gave Athénaïs the Hope Diamond.

Caroline created this highly textural and luxurious line of fabric, wallpaper and trim with each item telling the story of this romance, both the ups and the downs. The Montespan collection gives a decidedly modern point of view of design with its unique take on the historical, while reflecting the wit and style of her muse, Athénaïs de Montespan.