LUXURIA MIHI IUS EST
Stéphane Houy-Towner is a binational curator, consultant, and lecturer based in New York City.
About
As curator, consultant, and lecturer, Stéphane Houy-Towner has collaborated with leading cultural institutions on innovative projects alongside fashion labels, filmmakers, and museums.
A Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum/Parsons graduate, he served 14 years as special projects researcher at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's The Costume Institute. There, he liaised with external researchers, writers, scholars, auction houses, and curators, including American and European fashion houses on ready-to-wear and haute couture research. His expertise established him as departmental specialist in menswear and the French luxury goods sector, from the eighteenth century to present.
He notably curated Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection.
Services
Creative Consulting & Design Research Coordination
Historically informed turn-key research and strategic trend analyses of intellectual, creative, and practical dimensions in the global luxury goods sector.
Brand Identity
Houy-Towner uncovers and leverages brand history to define distinguishing core values. These shape resonant identities, unique intellectual property (IP), and content narratives that propel brands forward.
Curatorial Consulting and Design Education
Concept and vision consulting for museums and institutions: developing exhibitions, catalogues, and related educational programs.
Clients
Christian Dior Couture - Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture - The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Saga Furs of Scandinavia - The Andy Warhol Museum - Parsons The New School for Design - Badgley Mischka China - Georg Jensen - FurInsider - Alyce Paris - Dervis-Hoffman Historical Resources - Brooklyn College - Studio Repetto
