Design
Maison&Objet 2024: 5 reasons to book your tickets to Paris right away!
DEC 26, 2023 | By Namrata Dewanjee
On the banks of the Seine, the City of Lights has always existed in an enthralling space between possibility and discovery with time itself plays catch up. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Pompidou Centre to the curious Art Nouveau metro signage, the streets of Paris are filled with marvels carrying the spirit of the future past. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the bi-annual Maison&Objet’s design fair (Maison for short) is an ode to this inimitable essence of a city that is ever a step ahead of its time. The theme of this year is ‘Tech Eden’, with the fair launching right into the pressing conversation about the future of design and technology.
So, mark your calendars and book your flights as one of the world’s most prestigious decoration & design fairs sets up shop at the bucolic Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre from January 18th to 22nd, 2024.
1. Designer of the Year: Mathieu Lahenneur
In their January edition, Maison awards an international personality in the design and decoration landscape. This year Mathieu Lahenneur of France, the visionary mind behind the Olympic torch for the Paris Olympics has been named the “Designer of the Year 2024″. Having been offered a carte blanche to create a scenography reflecting his journey as a designer, Mathieu expresses his desire to go back to the basics with his installation ‘Outonomy’.
2. Rising Talent
For the 30th edition, Maison puts a spin on the Rising Talent Awards, by honouring a selection of young designer-researchers (instead of a single individual) who are working with the “new frontier” of digital technology to bring about significant change in the world around us. Additionally, the Future On Stage programme provides three exceptional young companies space to exhibit their work. Collaborating with French legacy crystal manufacturer Baccarat on its 260th anniversary, Maison&Objet keeps in touch with its heritage despite its eye on the future.
3. Indian brands at Maison
Unveiling their collection this year, a wide array of Indian brands dot the scene. Aadyam Handwoven displays a splendid collection of carpets along with bedroom and living room textiles. Seva Home fills the Paris air with exotic fragrances and decorative objects for the spa, pool, steam room or shower.
From striking fashion accessories by Born 2 Flaaunt, Nayika, Jaipur and Psquare Fashion Jewelry to Christmas decorations by House of Incas, the country puts its best foot forward when it comes to design at Maison. Displaying a dynamic range of artistry, brands like Ramchander Motilal Exim, XYZ Designs, Art Attaichi, Ruggism, Hands & Minds, Shivam and more, imbue the fair with Indian sensibilities.
4. Panel discussion with Aparna Kaushik and Gunjan Gupta moderated by Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Editor, ELLE DECOR India
At Maison, luminaries from the design field gather from around the globe to share their knowledge in enlightening talks and workshops. On Sunday, 21st January 2024 Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Editor of ELLE DECOR India will engage in conversation with two leading Indian designers, Aparna Kaushik and Gunjan Gupta. Aparna, an architect and Founding Principal of her eponymous practice in New Delhi melds European classicism with modernist tropical architecture. Gunjan of Studio Wrap and IKKIS, on the other hand, brings forth Indian materials, techniques and craftsmanship through a deep understanding of artistry and tongue-in-cheek whimsy.
5. Must not miss: Elizabeth Leriche
In Hall 7, WHAT’S NEW? IN DECOR space by Elizabeth Leriche, a visionary mind in trends, scenography and creative direction, delves into what colours and materials will shine in the interiors of tomorrow. Keeping in mind the theme of Tech Eden, Elizabeth places a dreamy primal form of nature at the forefront of the exhibit. Through three themes, the desert, oceans and botanical world, she imagines the natural fusing with the design of the future.
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