French connections
Maison & Objet 2017 explores comfort and top global trends, and honours Tristan Auer, Designer of the Year 2017
September’s Maison Objet 2017 explores the elusive luxury of comfort and top global trends, and honours Tristan Auer, Designer of the Year 2017.
Once again, the world’s top design aficionados will soon head to Paris; between 8 and 12 September they will explore the City of Light’s internationally renowned show to discover hundreds of the latest products, accessories and projects from top global designers, manufacturers and artists.
Coinciding with Paris Design Week (8-16 September), this year’s show has the theme of ‘Comfort Zone’, and is in dialogue with trends developed from Northern European concepts that have gained a broader audience in recent years, such as hygge. Members of Maison’s ‘Observatory’ collective (founded in 2002) decided upon the theme, and François Bernard will take over the Inspirations Space to present a selection of objects by exhibiting brands; the Bookshop-Café with a variety of sources will illustrate the theme; and the Conference Space will provide an opportunity to further explore the notion of ‘comfort’, with a five-day programme of debates on current related trends.
Marie-Jo Malait, Coordinator for the Maison & Object Observatory and Editor-in-Chief of the Inspirations Book, says: “Join us on this journey away from the discomfort zones of an unstable and insecure world. It is about time we shifted to a new paradigm of well-being at home… Innovative technology is being used to foster well-being. Both warm and casual, contemporary comfort meets comforting design. 100% feel good lifestyle.”
The show will also feature Maison et Objet’s Designer of the Year, interior architect and designer Tristan Auer. After training with the greatest names in interior and product design (including Christian Liaigre and Philippe Starck), Auer has developed his own style: bespoke creations featuring a bold combination of classical references and avant-garde design.
In 2002, Auer established his own firm – Izeu. He has transformed and renovated exclusive hotels, including Les Bains and the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris; he has designed private villas and apartments in Paris, New York, London, on the island of Mustique and in Oman; he has imagined showrooms and stands for prestigious brands such as Cartier; and he has collaborated with design brands Pouenat, Contardi, Holly Hunt, Taillardat, Christophe Delcourt, Ozone and many others.
Up-and-coming talent will also be given a priceless platform. All graduates of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle (ENSCI) – Les Ateliers, the ‘rising talents’ at the show will be: Claire Lavabre, Alexandre Échasseriau, Julien Phedyaeff & Christopher Santerre, Luce Couillet, Lysandre Graebling, Samy Rio, Raphaël Pluvinage & Marion Pinaffo, and Jean-Baptiste Fastrez.