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Paris Design Week: Where Luxury Meets Innovation

ASMALLWORLD

From 5th to 14th of September 2024, the City of Light will transform into a showcase of innovative design, immersive art installations and exclusive collaborations for the 14th edition of Paris Design Week, which was created in 2010 by industry fair Maison&Objet. Here are the highlights from our editors – and of course, where to stay.

A City-Wide Celebration

Paris will become a melting pot of creative activity in September, as the city welcomes more than 200,000 visitors during the ten days of Paris Design Week, organised in parallel with Maison&Objet.

More than 350 prestigious venues across four Parisian districts – styled as Rive Gauche, Marais–Bastille–République, Opéra–Concorde–Étoile and Palais-Royal–Place des Victoires–Pigalle – will open their doors. From museums, cultural institutions and galleries to artists’ studios, restaurants and shops, these exceptional spaces will invite you to delve into the world of design.

Wander the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Rive Gauche, perusing galleries curated by collectors, artisans and interior designers. Opéra–Concorde–Étoile on the exuberant Right Bank encapsulates French elegance and international luxury. The artistic heart of the capital, Marais–Bastille–République, nurtures emerging designers, contemporary collectible design galleries and skilled artisans. And the new epicentre of cutting-edge creativity, Palais-Royal–Place des Victoires–Pigalle, is home to fabric and carpet designers clustered around Rue du Mail.

Open-air Exhibitions

‘Design sur cours’ invites designers to transform the courtyards and gardens of some of the world's most remarkable monuments, creating a unique dialogue between classical architecture and contemporary design.

At the Musée des Archives Nationales, step into the 18th-century courtyard of Hôtel de Soubise and discover ‘Eau Fraîche,’ a poetic installation by designer Lucas Huillet and perfumer Alexandre Helwani. The collaboration has resulted in a ceramic fountain with fragrant scented water and invites visitors to contemplate innovative solutions to global warming.

In the Orangerie and gardens of Hôtel de Sully, Place des Vosges, London-based designer Paul Cocksedge explores the concept of reflection. Known for his spectacular installations and unexpected use of materials, Cocksedge presents large, compressed balloons, creating an optical illusion. The Louis XIII architecture, sky and gardens all become part of this captivating setting, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

[Paul Cocksedge, Courtesy of Maison&Objet]

Unmissable Addresses

For this edition of Paris Design Week, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées invites visitors to explore an exhibition focused on materiality. Polish designer Katarzyna Cichy, known for her exquisite jewellery and sculptures, joins forces with Eve George and Laurent Fichot of Atelier George, renowned designers and glassblowers. Together, they have curated an exhibition of objects in shimmering silver and glass.

Another must-visit destination is the newly opened Maison Diptyque at 7 Rue Duphot. A cross between a boutique and a cultural hub, the space allows visitors to discover the artists and craftspeople who have contributed their expertise to the renowned perfumer over the years. Contemporary art installations and workshops are curated by Sarah Andelman, the former creator of the chic Colette concept store. The interior has been meticulously crafted by renowned artisans and artists, creating a serene environment where you can explore the perfume library and a room of curiosities. 

[Courtesy of Maison&Objet]

Rising Talent

A key highlight of Paris Design Week is the Maison&Objet Rising Talent Awards, which spotlights emerging designers from across the globe. The Nordic Countries edition will honour talented individuals whose creations embody the region's design heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

“The Nordic Countries on the whole are extremely dynamic and are underpinned by a rich history, world-renowned talent, and considerable expertise,” says Dereen O'Sullivan, head of the Rising Talents Awards at Maison&Objet. “The younger generation is asserting its new language, often close to those of Craft and Collectible Design.” Previous winners have gone on to achieve international acclaim, making this a coveted platform for up-and-coming talents to showcase their work.

Celebrate by visiting Lokal Gallery at 60, Rue des Écoles, which has been invited by The Institut Finlandais to present a selection of artworks and objects by nine cutting-edge creatives.

[Courtesy of Maison&Objet]

The Best Hotel Options for Visitors

The iconic Ritz Paris presented its redesigned suites by renowned interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud at the last Paris Design Week in January, offering guests a chance to experience the epitome of Parisian luxury and sophistication. Known for her refined aesthetic, Champalimaud has created suites with a fresh Parisian elegance.

If you’re seeking a hotel with an established art collection, The Four Seasons Hotel George V houses an impressive curation, with works by celebrated artists like Zao Wou-Ki and George Mathieu.

Or stay at Le Bristol Paris – their collection features works by Delaunay and Matisse, enhancing the creative ambience. Preserving the hotel's timeless elegance, designer Olivier Grebille has incorporated modern touches like the Turkish bath area, illustrating Le Bristol’s commitment to innovative design.

Of course, you can book these and other Paris hotels with the ASMALLWORLD Collection.

[Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris]

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