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My recent trip to MAISON&OBJET can’t possibly be summarised in one word – but if I had to say it in a few? Impressive, surprising…. and slightly daunting!
Impressive for the diverse array of designers who have one thing in common – their design is new. Like, really new! There wasn’t one moment I thought, ‘that’s like that thing from…’ Everything was fresh and unique.
Surprising for the range and calibre of exhibiting designers. At one stall you would find someone who still worked out of their spare-room-studio, positioned right alongside a BIG designer with an entire empire to their name!
Slightly daunting due to the scale of this mammoth fair, which I honestly didn’t prepare myself for. With 2,910 brands (!!) presenting their latest and greatest to almost 85,000 people making their way through eight halls was a mildly terrifying (but welcomed) challenge! When GoogleMaps pictures the INSIDE of a building, you know it’s BIG.
Needless to say, I got lost. I got tired. But mostly, I was really inspired.
C-C Tapis
I’ve seen this brand circulate the Australian magazines and blogs before (they’re stocked at Loom Rugs) but seeing them in real life totally blew my socks off. To me, these rugs are not made for the floor, but seem more like art pieces to hang on the wall. The texture and detail in each of the designs is incredible! And don’t even get me started on the colour palette! Oh boy… what a dream.
The brand prides itself on being ‘born in France, designed in Milan and handmade in Nepal’. The collection on display is their strongest yet! They’re definitely on my wishlist for my future home… one day!
Tom Dixon
Tom Dixon is no stranger to Australians (he’s stocked all over the place), but his new marble collection sure was news to me! I approached the generous and well-lit stall in a mesmerized state, drawn to a rotating turntable which stacked with these beautiful marble objects.
Swirl is a series of geometric forms stacked upon one another to create multidimensional, functional sculptures. A family of candleholders, bookends and vases, each with their own distinct silhouette, colouration, and personality.
LRNCE
I am a longtime lover of this brand! I have my very own LRNCE rug in my home, as well as a new ceramic addition which Lucy got me for Christmas (thanks Lucy!). This would have to be my favourite homewares brand ever (big call, but true fact).
This was the one and only stall which I specifically staked out. LRNCE is a Marrakesh-based lifestyle brand which delves into the world of interior decoration and accessories. I was lucky enough to meet the extremely talented and fully devoted founder, Laurence Leenaert, at Maison&Objet! She told me that she hand paints each and every one of her ceramics before they make their way around the world. A true artist!
Giobagnara
When I built up the courage to approach this HUGE stall, I felt the visual fatigue start to creep in – until I was greeted by two friendly smiles and a suede-covered USB stick (fancy), containing the entire collection and all of its information. It’s like they were reading my mind! One particular collection caught my eye – the ‘Giobagnara x Stephane Parmentier’ range. It’s equally timeless and gorgeous!
The collection was filled with tubular pieces and geometric forms which almost seemed 2D from the front, but contained so much depth upon further inspection, in a palette inspired by the Italian Countryside.
HAOS
As an Australian working for an Australian Design Blog, most of the brands at this international design fair were totally new (on so many levels) to me!
I came across so many objects which I couldn’t even visualise having in my home, but despite this, I still had a great urge to own them!
I did a triple-take when walking past the HAOS stall in hall 6. It was kind of tucked away right at the edge of a group, but something about those pew-like chairs had me curious. I learned that this brand is designed by a French couple who love to embrace raw materials and solid forms – I love their entire collection!
