Paris Design Week & Maison Objet Autumn/Winter 2013/14

Last week saw the end to this years Paris Design Week where I was reporting on behalf the new e-commerce design brand, The Longest Stay. Maison et Objet signified the beginning of the busiest time of year for the Interiors industry. With more and more exhibitions and International design fairs each year, we are overwhelmed with opportunities to discover new brands, and unique pieces of furniture and accessories. With one main trade show, and a variety of design events throughout the city I was just in town for the weekend.

Maison et Objet, held on the outskirts of Paris is a bi-annual trade event for the design community, to present their new collections ready for sale. This is where we go, along with retailers, buyers and journalists, to snap up the best gift ideas, lighting and furniture. With 8 halls, each the size of a football pitch we had a plenty to cover in 48 hours. It must be nearly my 8-9th time to Maison, and every year it’s pretty similar. Many brands hire the same exhibition space, so it’s easy for us to navigate our way to who we need to see. Every time I attend i’m always armed with a specific task, whether i’m on a buying trip, or looking to specify, source or just research, you’re never short of information to take away with you.

LWSY Maison Objet

Each hall is categorised by style of design, which goes some way in aiding our schedule of appointments, yet every year we still find ourselves lost in the Christmas section with no idea how to get out, the place is a maze I tell you.

LWSY Paris

The September event (Maison Objet is also held in January) presents the Autumn-Winter 2013/214 Home Collections. With dedicated exhibitions within the halls providing capsule trend forecasting, we were keen to keep on target. I was on the hunt for some inspiring ideas for The Longest Stay Christmas gift guide, as well as hoping uncover some unique pieces of furniture and lighting. The fair was also an opportunity to meet with current brands and designers that The Longest Stay is working with, such as new Portuguese based Brand Ginger & Jagger, Boca do Lobo and Claudio Barbari, who by the way has the most beautiful cashmere throws and cushions which i’d not seen before.

Michael Verheyden

The Knize pendant by Woka

One of our favourite areas at Maison is in the ‘Now! Design á Vivre’ hall. One of the more contemporary spaces, the hall encompasses the big players in the European design market such as Muuto, &Tradition, Delightfull Lighting, Lampes Gras and Tom Dixon. At the back of the hall there is an area dedicated to new designers. Full of gems for us! Gorgeous throws, unusual candlesticks and tabletop accessories.