Savoir-Faire
Behind the scenes of the creation
of La DÉESSE DRAPÉE
(the draped Goddess)
The new sculpture La DÉESSE DRAPÉE pays tribute to the 70 years of the DS, presented in 1955. This work is a co-creation of the artist Frédéric GIRARD, artisan-boilermaker, and DS DESIGN STUDIO. The draped effect is inspired by the visual created to reveal the SM TRIBUTE concept. This hand-crafted aluminum sculpture was first presented at Rétromobile 2025.
“Frédéric GIRARD gave life to this Draped Goddess, inspired by a visual created by DS DESIGN STUDIO. This sculpture illustrates the alliance between know-how and technology, dear to the Brand.”
Thierry METROZ – Director of DS DESIGN STUDIO
The artist: Frédéric Girard, boilermaker, art craftsman and sculptor
The artist made his first car sculptures in 2019. Passionate about speed, fascinated by the aesthetics of motor sports, he creates Speedforms in aluminum at a scale of 1/10th representing models with clean lines, with a visual effect of levitation.
Frédéric Girard was a motorcycle racing driver for 10 years, during which he raced in the Bol d'Or and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After training as a boilermaker and then as a self-taught sheet metal forger, he specialized in 2017 in the manufacture of custom aluminum tanks for racing motorcycles.
“La DÉESSE DRAPÉE” is a tribute to the 70 years of the 1955 DS. I wanted to create a sculpture that would be up to this icon, with a different theme from my usual creations. Trained as a boilermaker, I have always been passionate about the automobile. I like to put my expertise at the service of art.
Frédéric GIRARD
The Inspiration: a visual created by DS DESIGN STUDIO
Frédéric GIRARD was inspired by the «teaser» visual revealed by DS Automobiles for the Concours d'Élégance de Chantilly in September 2024.
This 3D picture shows a veil over the SM TRIBUTE concept car, as if lifted by the wind, which suggests the shape of the hood, windscreen and part of the roof. The effect obtained reflects lightness, elegance and efficiency, without revealing the final silhouette of the concept.
“To create the draped visual effect, I was inspired by haute couture fashion shows, but also by fashion photographs of dresses floating in the wind. I was also influenced by sculptures from the Louvre, or the Flying Lady, an emblem of a famous car brand.”
Laurent NIVALLE – VIRTUAL LAB DS Manager.
The creation: meetings and know-how
At the Epoqu’ auto show in early November 2024, Frédéric GIRARD, who was exhibiting his sculptures for the first time, heard about the famous «teaser» image. He immediately contacted the DS DESIGN STUDIO teams to present his project : GODDESS DRAPE was born.
La DÉESSE DRAPÉE was exhibited at Rétromobile, from February 5 to 9, 2025. It could give birth to a series of sculptures adopting the same philosophy. Website : fredericgirard.art
“To achieve this aerial draped effect, with enough finesse and reflections, without visible welds, I worked every fold of aluminum. It took almost 200 hours of work.”
“To achieve this aerial draped effect, with enough finesse and reflections, without visible welds, I worked every fold of aluminum. It took almost 200 hours of work.”
Frédéric GIRARD, artist
