Maison&Objet is like a large laboratory where visitors are invited to take on the role (not always an easy one) of those who codify a style. Decorative objects, designer furniture, accessories, textiles, perfumes, ceramics, rugs and carpets, tableware can be found at the Parisian fair… For first-time visitors, the effect is often one of bewilderment. But it is a mixture that can be very fruitful.
Ferroluce
First of all, the fair is very active on the stylistic research front: each edition has a theme (this January’s is Sur/Reality!), which is developed in numerous themed displays curated by renowned style bureaux using products available at the fair itself. In addition, there is a full programme of talks (45 this year) on design and retail, with topics related to current events. These are all potential keys to the event and experiences that visitors will take home with them.
Maru rug by Illulian, design Naoto Fukasawa
Maru rug by Illulian, design Naoto Fukasawa
The figures: 2,400 brands (of which 600 are new entries) from 147 countries, spread over fourteen sections (seven pavilions). Of these exhibitors, about a third (27%) choose Maison&Objet as the only industry event they attend.
Nalu sofa by Talenti Outdoor Living, design Ludovica + Roberto Palomba
The theme Sur/Reality! (a reference to the major Surrealism exhibition at the Centre Pompidou, one of the season’s must-sees) is interpreted by Elizabeth Leriche, the Peclers trend agency and creatives such as Julien Sebban and the Uchronia design collective. Their ideas will be presented in trend spaces related to décor, hospitality and retail.
Table e Ducale wallcoverings by Cimento, design Elisa Ossino
Formelle, Table e Ducale wallcoverings by Cimento, design Elisa Ossino
M&O’s research also includes scouting for niche brands: these are the ones in the Curatio section, new for this edition, curated by Thomas Haarmann, art director and interior designer. Meanwhile, a separate space is dedicated to the merchandising of clothing stores: a different and particular perspective on the relationship between design and fashion. Finally, there are the new talents from a different part of the world in each edition: for this edition, the spotlight is on South Korea.
Buddy Oasi seating system by Pedrali, design Busetti Garuti Redaelli
The special guest of this edition is the designer Faye Toogood, Designer of the Year, with her installation WOMANIFESTO! Another surprise of the season is the collaboration with Tomorrowland, the Belgian electronic music festival that celebrates its 20th anniversary by announcing a new line of furniture born from the visionary imagination that animates the event.
Sur/Reality: Mon Ooh sideboard, Circulus table and Myth chairs by Malabar
Among the Italians participating in this edition (in alphabetical order) Acquario Due, Cantori, Cimento (making its Paris debut), Ethimo, Ferroluce, Giobagnara (which, among the new entries, presents a collaboration with ELIE SAAB Maison), Il Fanale, Illulian (with a rug designed by Naoto Fukasawa), Iris Ceramica Group (with a focus on “reengineered” ceramics: Moonlight, backlit slabs and DYS, hi-tech custom printing solutions), Lea Ceramiche, Masiero, Origins, Pedrali, Simas and Talenti Outdoor Living.
Iris Ceramica Group – Moonlight
Iris Ceramica Group – DYS (Design Your Slabs)
