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Paris-based trade fair and online platform Maison&Objet marked its 30th anniversary by showcasing an intersection of technology and design. The January 2024 edition of the show presented a new format for the Rising Talent Awards, celebrating young designer-researchers responding innovatively to the "new frontier" of digital technology shaping our lives. The event also recognised Future On Stage winners, highlighting young companies making significant strides in the design, decoration, and lifestyle sectors.
Dereen O'Sullivan, head of the Rising Talent Awards at Maison&Object, emphasised the ‘Tech Eden’ theme of the event, stating, "Two words stood out for us: High Tech and Savoir-faire." The transformative impact of emerging processes like artificial intelligence and 3D printing sparked a dialogue about the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation. The awarded talents, however, see this intersection as fertile ground, amplifying creativity rather than replacing the art of the hand.
Here are the awardees.
Tech Talents:
Audrey Large: Chosen by Joseph Grima, Creative Director of the Design Academy Eindhoven. Audrey Large's fantastical spatial works challenge perception with swirling, brutalist shapes created using 3D printing.
WINT Design Lab: Chosen by Athime de Crécy, Designer & Rising Talent France September 2023.
WINT Design Lab, founded by Felix Rasehorn and Robin Hoske, experiments with robotically sculpted paper and innovative materials.
Index Office: Chosen by Ramy Fischler, Interior Architect & Designer, Founder of RF Studio. Index Office, led by Nelson Fossey, integrates 3D printing and modelling technologies into refined and sophisticated products.
Savoir-faire Talents:
Aurélie Hoegy: Chosen by Li Edelkoort, Trendsetter. Aurélie Hoegy was recognised for her shift to rattan, crafting furniture characterised by movement, circular practices, and organic aesthetics.
Jenna Kaës: Chosen by Jean de Loisy, Art Critic & Curator. Jenna Kaës explores the spiritual dimension of objects, showcasing surrealist, iconographic imagery in her collectible designs.
Emma Cogné: Chosen by Lionel Jadot, Founder of Zaventem Ateliers. Emma Cogné redefines industrial plastic tubes through her tapestries, focusing on a circular and sustainable approach.
Rising Talent Craft
Line & Raphaël: Chosen by Stéphane Galerneau, President of Ateliers d'Art de France. Line & Raphaël, a collaboration between Raphaël Cuevas and Line Pierron, works with avant-garde 3D marquetry furniture and ornaments.
Maison&Objet's commitment to fostering young companies came to fruition with the announcement of the Future On Stage winners. Mélanie Leroy, Managing Director of SAFI, expressed excitement about the exceptional response, with the number of applications tripling. The jury selected Anga (France), Bluecycle (Greece), and Tosco Studio (Portugal) for their forward-looking approaches that blend technology, technique, craftsmanship, and eco-design.
Celebrating three decades of influence, Maison&Objet presented a vibrant schedule of events under the overarching theme Tech Eden. With over 2,500 exhibitors, including 600 new brands, and 40 conferences, the event showcased the latest trends in interior decoration, furnishings, and lifestyle. The focal point was the exploration of the harmonious coexistence of technology and nature.
Key features included 'What's New?' curated by trend expert Elizabeth Leriche, focusing on future aesthetics, and 'Supersoft' in retail, an exhibition format supporting retailers with practical workshops. theHospitality Lab featured installations like The Showcase by REV Studio and Inspire me! by Peclers Paris embodying the theme and exploring the future of hospitality with biophilic experiences and hi-tech elements.
Beyond the fair, Maison&Objet expanded into the city with events like Paris Déco Off, Paris Déco Home, and Maison&Objet in the City. The city circuits featured presentations by Molteni&C, Cassina, Fornasetti, Maxalto, Rubelli, and Perennials and Sutherland, creating a design-rich experience across Paris.
Maison&Objet's 30th-anniversary edition was a true showcase of the evolving landscape of design, embracing the symbiosis of technology and tradition. The Rising Talent Awards and Future On Stage winners exemplified the industry's innovative spirit, setting the stage for a dynamic and harmonious future in design. As Maison&Objet continues to be a beacon for creativity, it reinforces its commitment to shaping the design landscape for the next generation.
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