Christofle, a luxury pioneer since the 19th century

A manufacturer of fine silver flatware and home accessories, the House of Christofle, possesses an exceptional heritage that retraces a rich history spanning nearly two centuries. Its clients in Hungary include the country's two Michelin star restaurants.

Prestigious commissions from royalty and heads of state, including King Louis-Philippe and Napoleon III, the royal households of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Tsars of Russia, and the supply of silver for grand hotels, ocean liners, trains and airlines bear witness to the house’s success and reputation. “Christofle, I believe, is a symbol of luxury and elegance,” says Monika Feder-Argay, owner of Pavillon Christofle Budapest.

“Whether gracing the tables of emperors, on board the Orient Express, today’s contemporary restaurants, or your home, this brand always makes a great impression,” she adds. “Our store in Budapest opened in 2004 on Andrassy ut and we moved to Lazar utca in 2006, targeting receptive people who are looking for unique, original and timeless pieces. Most of our clients are private people, but we do sell to restaurants and hotels.Our biggest client is restaurant ONYX, one of the two Michelin star awarded restaurants in Hungary. We are constantly looking for new possibilities since it is the biggest pride to be able to represent ourselves in a fine restaurant. In Budapest, restaurant Costes is also equipped with Christofle pieces. From our wide range of products, it is the flatware, holloware and gift items (photo frames and christening gifts) that we sell the most.”

According to Feder-Argay, who got to know the brand through a friend of her family, Christofle has always been at the forefront of decorative arts, constantly perfecting new techniques and renewing its creative sensibility.“It was always very important for the company to reflect the era in which we are living, thus, the constant cooperation with the most renowned designers, who are in the best position to feel the vibration and artistic direction of an epoch. In the past, the firm worked with Christian Lacroix and Christian Dior while today’s contemporary designers include Andree Putman, Martin Szekely, Richard Hutten and Karim Rashid. As Maurizio Borletti once told Forbes, “We want to be the Gucci ... the Hermes of our business.”

Founded in 1830, Christofle remains under the guidance and ownership of the founding family, now represented by Maurizio Borletti. In additon to the manufacturing facilities in Yainville, Normandy-France, Christofle operates its own retail distribution network, featuring more than 900 points of sale around the world, including 75 Pavillon Christofle retail stores and 400 Christofle boutiques. The company’s global turnover was around EUR 75 million in 2010.