The French art of living at India Design ID

French and Indian creatives converge at India Design ID 2026 to shape the next chapter of Art de Vivre

18 Feb 2026

The second edition of Art de Vivre à la française (quite literally, the French art of living) arrives at India Design ID 2026 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, from February 18 to 22. Set against the larger canvas of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, Business France and the Embassy of France in India present France as the Country of Honour, bringing with it a 350m2 scenographic space that feels less like a cultural immersion.

The presentation foregrounds the ease with which French and Indian makers translate ancestral savoir-faire into contemporary relevance, proving that craft, when nurtured, is anything but nostalgic. It is collaborative, experimental and future-facing. At its core, this edition is about dialogue: between materials and makers, between nations, and between tradition and tomorrow. Seventeen leading French houses and creators will be spotlighted, spanning tableware, crystal, contemporary objects, lighting, furniture, textiles, sound, fashion, gastronomy and leather goods — a spectrum that mirrors the expansiveness of the French lifestyle itself. Among the attendees is H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, who notes, “I am delighted to witness the remarkable success of the latest edition of the Art de Vivre à la française exhibition, showcasing the finest of French excellence in design, creativity and craftsmanship. Held under the India-France Year of Innovation banner, this event combines the excellence of the French lifestyle industry with innovation to build ambitious and inspiring collaborations between our two countries.”

Assouline, an exhibitor at the French Art de Vivre pavilion at India Design ID 2026 in Delhi

Celebrating France

Seventeen leading French Houses anchor this year’s showcase, tracing what feels like an invisible thread between French and Indian creatives, a shared instinct for material poetry, detail and devotion to craft. Among the highlights is Assouline, the world’s leading luxury publishing house, whose exquisitely produced volumes blur the line between book and collectible object. Baccarat, shaped since 1764, brings its storied crystal legacy, while Casamance Group (with Misia) offers richly layered fabrics and wallcoverings that feel tailored for the discerning eye. The family-run atelier Cristal Benito presents hand-finished crystal pieces rooted in traditional French artistry. Innovation enters the frame with HomeByMe, developed by Dassault Systèmes, which reimagines interior planning through immersive 3D solutions. The iconic Daum showcases its mastery of pâte de verre through collectable glass sculptures created in collaboration with leading artists.

Sound, too, becomes sculpture. Devialet, celebrated for its Phantom speakers and formidable patent portfolio, demonstrates how acoustic precision can feel architectural. From Paris, Galeries Lafayette marks its India debut through a strategic alliance with the Aditya Birla Group, signalling a significant retail moment. Craft excellence extends to Lac-Humidors, known for cigar humidors and watch winders fashioned from rare materials; Le Creuset, the chef-favourite for enamelled cast iron; and Lux Temporis, whose kinetic, bioinspired lighting merges robotics with artisanal savoir-faire.

Galeries Lafayette, an exhibitor at the French Art de Vivre pavilion at India Design ID 2026 in Delhi

Le Creuset, an exhibitor at the French Art de Vivre pavilion at India Design ID 2026 in Delhi

French glass artist Nathalie Borderie brings expressive fused-glass sculptures alive with colour and light, while Nattiot focuses on sustainable children’s rugs that marry playfulness with responsibility. The iconic S.T. Dupont underscores its legacy in fine writing instruments, lighters and leather goods. From Provence, Waterfall Audio presents handcrafted glass loudspeakers that blend haute couture aesthetics with advanced acoustic engineering. And for those who understand that gastronomy is design too, L’Opéra celebrates the refinement and emotion of French pastry. This edition also places India firmly within the narrative. New Delhi-based Klove, known for its hand-blown glass lighting and sculptural installations, joins as the Indian guest designer — a gesture that moves beyond representation towards meaningful exchange.

Extending the programme, India Design ID will host the Indo-French Design Dialogues on February 19, co-organised by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business France, in partnership with Atout France. The conversations will convene senior representatives from Mobilier National, Galeries Lafayette, and leading Indian designers and architects, including Vikram Goyal, Ashiesh Shah and India Mahdavi, alongside the French luxury Houses.

All this and more awaits at the NSIC Grounds in Okhla from 19th to 22nd February. Mark your calendars, and grab your tickets now!