Design and Decor Fairs Out and about

Savoir Faire at Maison et Objet and Paris Design Week January 2023.

savoir faire at PintoI’ve discovered the term “Savoir-faire” at this year’s Maison et Objet and Paris Design week, and I like it.

Savoir quite simply is ‘knowing’, and faire is ‘how to do’. Essentially, in the Design world context, it’s about the preserved generational craftsmanship and artisanal skills.

It was so amazing to see some of the creations, not always opened to the public, during Paris Design Week with Maison et Objet.

Above, are some pretty Oriental inspired plates from Pinto in Paris. Pinto have been creating one of a kind limited edition furniture, tableware and accessory collections using rare materials since 2009.

As you can see from above, their tableware, a tribute to traditional skills, feel opulent and certainly special.savoir faire at PrelleNot far from Pinto, we got to visit Prelle . They are a family business since 1752, spanning 5 generations in the Textiles and weaving business.

They still make their fabrics on hand looms.

As you can see above, there are swathes of cloths hanging in their Paris showroom.

The fabrics from flock velvets, to silks and brocades were simply divine. I can imagine them  on furniture or curtains in grand stately homes or even at Versailles Palace.

Unsurprisingly, the price point was dear, but wholly expected with that level of master craftsmanship.For this year’s Paris Design Week, Prelle have formed a collaboration with Uchronia, an architectural interiors collective.

Above is one of the designers from Uchronia and the side table they designed called Pompom,  made of wood, yellow and green resin. The trimmings are by Passementerie Verrier.savoir faire at Le19We saw more Design savoir-faire out and about in Paris.

I was particularly excited to visit the Maisons d’Art Ateliers at le19M in Paris, owned by Chanel.

Chanel have dedicated this venue to savoir-faire. Inside we got to see some of the amazing ateliers they have curated. There were embroiderers, shoemakers, milliners, artisans who work with metal, sequins, feathers and more.

savoir faire GoossensSome of the big names include Goossens, a goldsmith since 1950.

In 1954, Robert Goossens recreated Byzantine Jewellery with Gabrielle Chanel and later designed some of the furniture for her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon.

The above image is a piece Goossens have created at the atelier.The leopard above is made out of sequins, beads and embroidery with no actual animal skin, by Le Sage interieurs. Looks so real doesn’t it?savoir faire Josep SafontAnyway, now back to the Maison et Objet, the trade fair. I have selected the pieces that have caught my eye.

This amazing art made out of Onion skins is by textile artist Josep Safont, this year’s winner of the Rising Talent Awards for Craft. A brilliant example of sustainable design.

I’ve noticed that interior designers/ architects of late are starting to design their own furniture.

It makes sense, as when they are on interiors projects, they may sometimes need bespoke solutions for spaces.

The armchair above is by Charlotte BiltgenCharlotte BiltgenThis side table, also designed by Charlotte is called Monceau. I love the texture of the table stand and the beautiful thin marble top.This gorgeous marble lamp that is portable and rechargeable is by Design by UsThese wood carved furniture from a piece of wood is by the talented Atelier Cedric Breisacher. I do love the minimalist aesthetic of his work.

During the press tour at the fair, we got to meet Jean-Charles de Castelbajac who is renowned for his colourful designs in art, fashion and homewares.

I love his whimsical drawing and use of colour. The plate above is one of his pieces.

This yellow lamp by Martinelli Luce brings happy retro vibes.This beautiful pink and mustard rug is by Color therapis .Last but not least, are these multifunctional side tables / shelving by Tornasol studio in the configuration of the Chinese character that means ‘sky’.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post looking into Savoir Faire in Design in Paris. If you fancy reading more about design in Paris, then do check out my other Maison et Objet post .

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