Outonomy by Mathieu Lehanneur at Maison&Objet 2024. Photography ©Felipe Ribon
Words by Roddy Clarke
Marking its 30th anniversary, Maison&Objet opened its doors once again in January celebrating with an overall theme for the show titled ‘TECH EDEN’. Devised in collaboration with creative agency Peclers Paris, the theme was intended to encourage visitors to reimagine a future where technology and nature exist in harmony. While it is hard to envision such conscious creativity amongst seven halls filled with product from the 2516 brands exhibiting, glimmers of hope and innovation were found within curated showcases featuring new materials, technology, and designers.
The Rising Talents Awards Showcase at Maison&Objet 2024. Photography ©Anne-Emmanuelle Thion
Seeing a 5% increase in the number of visitors compared to its 2023 editions, the show’s highlights included an installation from its Designer of the Year Mathieu Lehanneur, titled ‘Outonomy’, The Maison&Objet Factory which curated a wealth of talent from September’s Paris Design Week Factory, and The Rising Talent Awards which put the spotlight onto seven emerging international designers. Interpreting the show’s overall theme, the awards looked at designers that combine ‘high tech and savoir-faire’, alluding to the importance of finding a balance between technological innovation such as AI while preserving and nurturing age-old traditions and craft.
Here are five emerging designers and studios that caught our attention:
Atelier Senimo
Tables by Senimo on display as part of The Maison&Objet Factory. Photography ©Anne-Emmanuelle Thion
Creating small batches of limited-edition furniture designs, Fabien Colomines is the creative force behind the French atelier Senimo. Displaying a series of high gloss lacquered tables made from meticulously formed MDF offcuts, the designer’s application of colour held a retro-inspired charm. senimo.fr
Emma Terweduwe
Textiles by Emma Terweduwe displayed as part of a curation by Belgium is Design. Photography © Robin Joris Dullers
Showcased as part of a curation of designers by Belgium is Design, the work of Emma Terweduwe possesses a beautiful tactility through the combination of textiles she uses. Adopting a slow and considered approach to her work, each design is handmade to order. The ‘Beyond Bold’ Collection was on display which includes a series of jacquard woven blankets featuring vivid colours and grid-like patterns. emmaterweduwe.com
Raphaël Pontais
The Rooly Seat by Raphaël Pontais, showcased within The Maison&Objet Factory. Photography ©Anne-Emmanuelle Thion
Born in Brittany and now based in Paris, multidisciplinary designer Raphaël Pontais has worked on a variety of interior design projects creating bespoke, site-specific furniture. Now launching his own collection, this showcase featured his Rooly Seat, an upholstered stool set into a curvaceous metal frame. raphaelpontais.com
RUDA Studio
Straw marquetry designs by RUDA Studio. Photography: RUDA Studio
Based in Odesa, Ukraine, RUDA Studio specialises in traditional straw marquetry, conveying its elegance through a contemporary aesthetic. Seeking to connect the past with the future, the timeless beauty of each piece stood out, with a superb level of technique going into their creation. Founded by Oleksandra Rudenko and Yuriy Vovnyanko, the current collection includes statement sideboards, marquetry tables and accessories such as lamps and mirrors. By preserving such valuable skillsets, the studio hopes to connect viewers to its cultural heritage. ruda.com.ua
Alan Louis
Ostentus Table by Alan Louis. Photography ©AlanLouis-studio
A self-taught draughtsman, designer and ceramicist, the French designer now resides in Portugal where he designs and creates sculptural furniture and lighting. Working with clay, his made-to-order pieces combine statement silhouettes with organic materials and hues. His latest collection was on display at the fair, featuring benches, console tables, pendants, and candlesticks. alanlouisparis.com
Further details on this year’s exhibitors can be found online as well as information regarding the next edition of Maison&Objet which takes place 5th-9th September. maison-objet.com
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