Meet Our Maison Panel!

One of the most vital aspects to a brand's success is that of partnerships, specifically in the global marketplace. These partnerships can bring significant growth by way of distribution, licensing, or product representation. At Maison&Objet Paris, Ligné Group Founder Meredith Xavier will moderate a panel that speaks to this topic featuring some of the biggest names in the industry- Jonathan Browning, Nicolas Topiol (of Christian Lacroix), and Timothy Corrigan. Each offers a unique view into how the strategic partnerships have helped shape their brands into internationally recognized leaders in the design industry. Below, learn more about our esteemed panelists and moderator before the big event!

Jonathan Browning is the Principal and Creative Director of Jonathan Browning Studios, one of the industry’s most respected and highly awarded firms for investment cast bronze lighting and specialty furniture pieces. Browning was educated at the University of California at Berkeley and went on to earn his Master of Architecture degree at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) where he was the recipient of the prestigious A.I.A. Scholarship.

Jonathan Browning has been a prominent figure in the design industry for 25 years, culminating his career as Executive Vice President of Design for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. He is responsible for numerous St.Regis, Luxury Collection, W, Westin, and Sheraton projects around the globe. He has also designed flagship stores for fashion brands on Rodeo Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Broadway.

Throughout his career, Nicolas Topiol has developed international expertise in acquisitions and direct investments in private companies. He has further complemented his expertise with hands on operational work in the US and Europe, including worldwide business development. Topiol began his career as a bond trader and treasurer for the French subsidiary of the Standard Chartered Bank. He joined the Falic brothers in 2002 and their relationship expanded to the establishment of subsidiary duty free retail and distribution operations in both Central and South America, the acquisition of Hard Candy and Urban Decay Cosmetics from LVMH, and the subsequent restructuring of both companies.

In early 2005, Topiol negotiated the purchase of the House of Christian Lacroix from LVMH and became Company President. Under his leadership, the company established infrastructures previously integrated within an LVMH subsidiary. Additionally, a complete brand and product overhaul was implemented to position the company as a pure play luxury brand closer to its haute couture roots.

Timothy Corrigan's career began in advertising, where he headed up Saatchi and Saatchi's Bates Worldwide's international operations. In 1998, Corrigan formed his eponymous design firm. Hailed by Architectural Digest as "Today's Tastemaker," Corrigan has been named to most of the design industry's best designer lists. An additional accolade of his includes being the first American designer honored by the French Heritage Society for his restoration of several national French landmarks.

Panel Moderator Meredith Xavier is the Principal and Founder of The Ligné Group, located in the heart of Houston. With a long list of A-list clients including The Ritz Carlton and Harry Winston, Meredith (along with her husband Yuri Xavier) is at the helm of a growing multi-million dollar luxury brand. The Ligné Group, a luxury design industry group, is focused on building, promoting, and growing global brands by way of public relations, marketing, business development, and beyond. The Ligné Group consists of four divisions - Ligné Agency, Ligné International, Ligné Magazine, and Ligné Atelier- and has become a driving force behind the market expansion of leading industry brands, continuing to develop their portfolio throughout Europe and the Americas.

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