Laetitia Contat Desfontaines | Head of Strategy and Business Development at Silverlining Furniture

andrea tagliaferro
Sep 1
2 min read

Laetitia Contat Desfontaines is Head of Strategy and Business Development at Silverlining Furniture, a UK-based studio and workshop celebrated for creating bespoke furniture for the world’s most exceptional residences and luxury yachts. With a distinguished career in the international art and collectible design world, Laetitia brings a rare combination of creativity, strategic insight, and market understanding to the yachting sector. Her path into the industry began naturally, as nearly half of Silverlining’s projects involve yachts, and her lifelong connection to the sea—having grown up in the Caribbean and spent much of her life sailing—makes this work feel deeply personal as well as professional.

At Silverlining, Laetitia is responsible for developing the company’s presence in new markets, cultivating meaningful relationships with clients, shipyards, and designers, and driving high-profile initiatives, including the launch of the company’s first limited edition collection scheduled for October 2025. This launch will coincide with Silverlining’s 40th anniversary, marking both a celebration of the studio’s rich heritage and the beginning of a bold new chapter in its evolution. Her role encompasses not just business strategy but also ensuring that Silverlining’s work continues to set standards in craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence.

Laetitia emphasizes the value of trust, patience, and long-term relationship building in the closely-knit yachting industry. Coming from the collectible design world, she quickly realized that success in yachting relies as much on discretion and personal connections as it does on technical skill and creative vision. She is passionate about introducing fresh perspectives to the sector—through collaborations with the art and design world, championing sustainable materials and practices, and advocating for greater visibility and opportunities for women in leadership roles.

Her personal philosophy is rooted in bridging worlds: connecting luxury, creativity, and legacy, and inspiring clients, collaborators, and colleagues to think beyond traditional boundaries. By combining strategic foresight, design expertise, and a profound understanding of the yachting lifestyle, Laetitia ensures that every project is not only a reflection of aesthetic excellence but also a lasting contribution to the world of bespoke craftsmanship. Through her work, she seeks to demonstrate that innovation, artistry, and business acumen can coexist, elevating both the client experience and the creative possibilities within the yachting industry.

Short Bio:

Laetitia Contat Desfontaines is Head of Strategy and Business Development at Silverlining Furniture, specializing in bespoke projects for yachts and luxury residences. With a background in collectible design and a lifelong passion for the sea, she drives global growth, builds industry relationships, and leads Silverlining’s first limited edition collection.

Get in touch with Laetitia: