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Wool is an animal fibre, most often derived from sheep fleece. Wool was already being spun as early as 5,000 BC. In Roman times, wool, leather and linen were the main materials used to make clothes. With the progressive development of mechanical processes and the evolution of breeding techniques, wool became the economic lung of several countries in the Xth century, and again in the XIIth. Renowned for its thermal and sound insulation properties, wool also offers the advantage of absorbing moisture. It is a noble and timeless material, used from time immemorial for its strength and durability. PINTON uses local wool with shorter carded fibres, which make it fluffier and give it more volume, or a specific type of wool from New-Zealand with long combed fibres that are more resistant to heavy traffic. Both types of wool are spun (carded or combed) and dyed in the spinning plant located in Felletin. Whether they are made in 100% pure virgin wool or blended with other materials like linen, silk, bamboo, leather or many others, PINTON wool rugs and carpets bring comfort and quality.

The hand tufting technique is a process combining centuries-old skills and modern weaving tools. The canvas is perfectly stretched over an upright loom and the craftsperson transfers by hand the future design of the rug with the utmost precision. Threads are inserted manually, one by one, working with a gun on the back of the canvas, following the colours, the drawing and the different tuft heights. PINTON was one of the first manufactories to use the gun tufting technique to produce some of its rugs and carpets and is the only French workshop offering very high quality tufted rugs. With this technique, production times are reduced compared to the knotted stitch weave or point noué. Finally, hand tufting offers a large range of possible depths. Carving is the technique that consists in sculpting the wool and creating textures within the woven rug. Since the early 1990s, PINTON has been specialising in the production of hand tufted rugs for which it also collaborates with famous designers and artists.

Since we’re going to talk about space and materials, let’s start with human matter! This is the story of a friendly encounter on the benches of École Bleue. The two presumed opposites actually share a few things in common: a passion, first and foremost, for designing living spaces and shaping noble materials, which they work on all day long. But they are also two strong-willed blondes, with a leader’s character, determined to shake off stereotypes!

Their early years in the field certainly reflect their temperament: after a great experience at the 5-cinq architect firm, Anastasia launched her first agency, Madame architecte, in 2016, while Mélanie continued her studies at the École Spéciale d’Architecture and founded ALT-C Archi in 2014. A few years later, during the renovation of a project for mutual friends, the two work-addicts meet again and give birth to Le Studio Gazelles, specializing in interior architecture, in 2017. Why the «Gazelles»? Because it takes breath and elegance to establish a feminine architecture studio focused on sustainability, virtuous cycles, and respect for craftsmanship. Success is immediate, orders keep coming in: numerous renovated apartments, bar concepts, furnished and green flex offices, redesigned large spaces like the legendary Rex Club in Paris or the 4-star Hotel Le Relais Saint Jean. The existing volume of the property matters a lot; they analyze its potential while retaining its structure. They take on the project and give it a twist. Their signature is reflected in ergonomic, functional, and tailor-made design. Poetic and contemporary at the same time. Their trademark: enhancing spaces through an almost plastic manipulation of light.
With a strong reputation and always hungry for new adventures, Studio Gazelles launches its first furniture collection this year with Studio Gazelles editions. Design objects. Creations that they design and have produced in France by local artisans. Another daring and delightful leap for Studio Gazelles.