Grandson of the founder of Lacoste polo shirts, Jacques Lacoste was born into a life of comfort. But at age 20, he was drawn to the world of antiques.

With a real passion for the 1950s design and furniture, Lacoste discovered the work of Jean Royère (1902-81) and became the expert on this Parisian whose handiwork is renown throughout the world – Beirut, Cairo, the palace of the Shah of Iran.

Since Royère only worked on commission, pieces are rare and much sought after: two “Polar Bear” armchairs from the late 40s were sold for 200,000 euros in June.

Nowadays, collected like works of art, furniture design is a buoyant but healthy market, according to Lacoste, who plans an exhibit of 20th century master glassworker Max Ingrand for 2008.