A new collection of innovative products curated by François Leblanc Di Cicilia for Adorno demonstrates that French design isn’t only concerned with heritage and classicism.
Curtain I by Bigtime Studio
Words by Hugh Metcalf
An Undertaken Eclecticism, a new international design collaboration curated for Adorno, not only pulls together some of the most exciting talent in France, but offers outsiders a glimpse inside the French design scene.
Curator François Leblanc Di Cicilia, a design consultant, who currently advises Studio KO, Maison et Objet and Boon Gallery and is known for scouting future talent, suggests that the perspective of French design may be too strongly tied to ideas of its heritage and tradition, but that the true scene is made up of a diverse spectrum of designers.
Maat-candle-holder by Samuel Accocebery
“For many, French design continues to call back to its glorious heritage of decoration – however, that would deny the potential of the out-of-the-box thinking that Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Paulin, or the Bouroullec brothers show,” he explains.
“A strong link to studies of social behaviours, a deep respect for artisans’ know-how, and a diversity of influences are the best path to define the scene today.”
“A Flanc de Falaise – Portrait” Lamp by Maxime Bellaunay
An Undertaken Eclecticism has featured the work of six designers, with the aim of expressing the diversity of experience that each has to contribute to French design, something that is reflected in the new takes on traditional forms and exploration of innovative materials.
However, while the designers included cover a breadth of styles and mediums, diversity is perhaps an unfortunate turn of phrase in this curation, playing into a wider conversation about representation in the design industry for BAME people.
Fire stained glass by Bigtime Studio
You can see the full range of design featured in An Undertaken Eclecticism via the Adorno online gallery.
