A striking glass home in Johannesburg, has found new purpose as the studio and heart of Lezanne Viviers’s fashion brand.
A lack of space at her previous studio meant that it was time for Lezanne Viviers, the fashion designer and founder of creative brand VIVIERS, to up-size and look for a new working space. What she found was a striking studio aptly called the ‘Glasshouse’.
Entering the sloped property, the first view as you make your way down a steel staircase is of a vivid yet carefully curated garden. Black anthracite frames the circular pond and an unusual mix of hardy succulents, tropical lotus, and pansies.
An industrial tower-like structure, made from recycled shipping containers, stands proudly across from the studio’s main entrance. It’s a sharp contrast to the surrounding stone walls and green foliage. The three containers act as storage space and an additional guest bathroom for clients.
In contrast, the building is all hard lines, metal, and glass glistening like a jewel in the warm Johannesburg light.
The interior of the shipping container is brought to life through an injection of colour and pattern. This includes a splash of salmon pink paint, the rippled texture of the corrugated iron structure, and reflective surfaces. A pair of ink black basins sit atop smooth concrete stormwater pipes.
The artwork uKhahlamba- Drakensberg by James Barry and three garments are displayed in a doorway. Much like the studio’s large glass windows, the dresses allow sunlight to filter through their translucent fabric. Lezanne is not afraid to utilise deadstock synthetic or plastic-based textiles, but unlike in fast-fashion, where they are used to make fake silks and other replica fabrics, she believes they must be celebrated and shown for what they are.
“I wanted the palette to be a little softer and more neutral, to simplify what you saw around you, both inside and in the garden,” says Lezanne.
“I really try to get the best quality raw materials. I love textural things, reflective surfaces and fabric that is handmade,” says Lezanne.
A small collection of ferns and leafy plants hangs in the studio window, bringing nature and colour indoors. Beside them a sculptural dress mimics their organic shapes and green hues. The silhouettes and architectural lines of clothes are an integral part of Lezanne’s work. “The shape of a garment is important and can conceal or reveal a body shape. I am personally more interested in transforming because I love sculpture,” she explains.
Through the heart of the building, the magic of the VIVIERS studio comes to life. Dappled sunlight filters through the glass windows and reflects off the ebony floor, as the brand’s latest collection, MOTHERBOARD, fills the area. Lezanne cuts a fine figure in cobalt blue as she moves through her workspace.
Resene Sakura
Resene Rice Paper
Resene Bastille
Lezanne believes, “Clothes must make you feel good and comfortable and happy and ultimately last. I love the way clothes transform someone, their personality and the way that they act – even if it’s just on that day.”
Resene Shark
Resene Galliano
Resene Shuttle
Organic shapes and luxurious textures create a welcoming environment for VIVIERS clients. A soft white boucle lounge suite offers a great spot for clients to relax. A gold curtain demarcates the changing room with its flamingo pink armchair and vintage art deco glass light fitting.
Lezanne is interested in glass blowing and so chose said light because of its beautiful, encrusted glass. Cebo acts as model, while Lezanne makes final alterations to a metallic design.
Much of the studio’s retro furniture was sourced from antique shops around South Africa. Case in point, the vintage glass dining room table, which reflects the surrounding meeting room. The garden and a glimpse of Johannesburg are visible beyond.
The scale and beauty of the Glasshouse is obvious from the lower terrace of the garden. The metal and glass structure sits contentedly between the succulent garden and Johannesburg sky. Colour and detail are brought to the luminous box of a structure by dashes of colourful vinyl. Blue and gold vinyl cast their shadows across the glossy black floors.
Words — Jo Buitendach
Photographs — Elsa Young
