Art & Culture
In the Mood for Love: Sandra Benhamou's Cinematic Design Takes Center Stage at Invisible Collection London

At Invisible Collection's London gallery, a captivating scene unfolds - one that feels less like an exhibition and more like stepping into a Wong Kar-Wai film. French interior architect and designer Sandra Benhamou presents "In the Mood for Love," her first solo show in the UK, transforming the space into an immersive experience inspired by the iconic cinematic masterpiece

Celebrating 25 years since the film's release, Sandra Benhamou's exhibition is a masterful exercise in atmosphere. The gallery at 2-4 Huntsworth Mews, NW1 6DD, becomes a meticulously crafted set, where every element - from the carefully chosen color palettes to the art selections - resonates with the film's dreamy, nostalgic ambiance. Benhamou's lush designs are complemented by vintage finds and a curated selection of furniture and objects from Invisible Collection, creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new.

With this exhibition, Sandra Benhamou seeks to recapture that dreamy, nostalgic feeling. “The memory of a pattern, a journey, a meeting, a scent, a reflection. The delicacy of a curve. Nape, shoulder, profile. In the dim light, she captures a fleeting light, a troubled sweetness, a warmth from elsewhere, a silence, a few notes.” This poetic vision translates into a landscape of gentle hues and bold lines, where textiles, wood, and metals engage in a respectful and harmonious exchange.

French interior architect and designer Sandra Benhamou

Drawing inspiration from a Gideon Rubin painting and her deep impressions of Wong Kar-Wai's film, Benhamou has created distinct atmospheres throughout the gallery's ground floor. Visitors journey from an elegant dining room to cozy nooks and a sultry living room, each space imbued with a sense of soft nostalgia and warm vibes. Highlights include the glamorous Dolly armchairs, sofa, and ottomans, a sophisticated liquor cabinet, and an elegant dining table - all designed by Benhamou and available exclusively through Invisible Collection.

A Parisian with Italo-Tunisian roots and years spent in the United States, Benhamou's work is deeply intuitive and reflects her diverse influences. A collector of modern and contemporary art, a film enthusiast, and an admirer of Italian architectural masters, she favors natural materials and avoids the obvious in her design choices. Her approach is decidedly personal, eschewing one-size-fits-all solutions in favor of an eclectic mix of objects.

Benhamou's passion for blending vintage flea market finds, rare auction house pieces, and contemporary ceramics from specialist galleries ensures each project feels unique. While she has always designed custom furniture for her projects, 2021 marked the launch of her own collections, each showcased in meticulously crafted settings. Though a graduate of ESSEC, Benhamou is self-taught in interior design, having honed her skills by building her own country home in The Hamptons. In 2010, she opened her studio near Place du Palais Bourbon in Paris. Her hands-on approach and obsession with detail are evident in every aspect of her work.

"In the Mood for Love" by Sandra Benhamou premiered on March 20th at Invisible Collection London and remains open for visitation until the end of June. 

Words: Sphere Editorial
Photos: Courtesy of Rodrigo Rize and Invisible Collection
Published on April 22, 2025