designboom's guide to paris design week 2024: highlights in and out of maison&objet

designboom guide to Paris Design Week 2024

Paris Design Week is set to make a vibrant return, reuniting the city’s dynamic design community for a ten-day celebration. Running from September 5th to 14th, 2024, Paris is set to become a bustling center of design innovation, spotlighting the latest trends and igniting discussions about the future of the industry. Organized by Maison&Objet, the event invites visitors to explore exhibitions and installations spread across 400 locations. With eight full days of activities, visitors can look forward to an expanded program featuring workshops, parties, open houses, private tours, and roundtables, offering numerous opportunities to engage with the design community.

Instead of being limited to a single venue, Paris Design Week unfolds across four distinct districts in the city: Rive Gauche, where attendees can explore the latest collections from renowned design houses and galleries; Marais – Bastille – République, where independent design studios and concept stores await; Opéra – Concorde – Étoile, bustling with flagship stores and established brands along prestigious avenues; and Palais-Royal – Place des Victoires – Pigalle, the artistic heart of Paris, home to emerging talents and hidden gems.

Designboom’s Paris guide reveals a curated selection to help you make the most of this vibrant week. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this year’s Maison&Objet, along with the must-see exhibitions, installations, and cultural events happening during Paris Design Week 2024.

illustration by Hara Nika

Maison&Objet 2024

Building on the world of TECH EDEN, which explored the synergy between technology and nature, Maison&Objet Fall 2024 (find more here) introduces its new and captivating theme: TERRA COSMOS. Running from September 5th to 9th, 2024, in Paris, this edition of the trade fair delves into a cosmic vision where space and earth intersect, weaving a rich tapestry of universal fantasies and terrestrial realities. The theme, crafted by creative strategy consultancy Peclers Paris, reflects sociological insights into consumer and professional trends within the design industry. The fair aims to satisfy consumers’ desires for awe-inspiring experiences while staying rooted in showcasing novelty, creativity, and innovation.

Each year, Maison&Objet names a Designer of the Year, celebrating a key figure in the global design and decoration landscape. This title honors an influential personality whose career, vision, signature style, and distinctiveness set the benchmark for the industry. For this year’s edition, Maison&Objet has selected Lionel Jadot, a Belgian designer, interior designer, and artist, who embodies the spirit of a rapidly evolving era—one in which he has already intuitively mastered the codes of the future. 

The Maison&Objet team has also revealed the winners of the 2024 Rising Talents Awards, turning its focus to the Arctic Circle. In keeping with tradition, the winners are all under 35 and have established their studios within the past five years. This year, the spotlight is on the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as Finland and Iceland. The winners include Christian + Jade, Ali Sha Gallefoss, Lab La Bla, Frederic Gustav, Antrei Hartikainen, Studio Fletta, and Malin Ida Eriksson.

where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, ZAC Paris Nord 2, 93420 Villepinte, France
when: 5-9 September 2024

Molo – Benchwall – designed by Stephanie Forsythe + Todd MacAllen for Molo | image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Talks at Maison&Objet 2024

designboom has the honor of running a selection of talks in the 2024 edition of the Maison&Objet exhibition, covering a wide range of topics, and hosting keynote speakers such as Michael Young, Otto Ng (LAAB); and Yves Salomon among others. 

what: Conscious Design: A Perspective Made In Asia
where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Thursday 5 September — 12:00 – 12:45

what: Hong-Kong City Guide and its emerging design scene
where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Friday 6 September — 12:00 – 12:45

what: Fashion and Home in search of sustainable solutions, when know-how unites for a good cause

where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Saturday 7 September — 12:00 – 12:45

ImperfettoLab – Beetle, MOM | image © DR

Paris Design Factory

Pierre Renart and Studio Uchronia at the Hôtel de la Marine

where: Hôtel de la Marine, 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Paul Cocksedge at the Hôtel de Sully

Each year, Paris Design Week invites a designer to create a unique installation using the Renaissance setting of the Hôtel de Sully (find more here). This year, London-based designer Paul Cocksedge (find more here), known for his spectacular installations and creative use of materials, will transform the Orangerie and garden of the historic private mansion. His installation plays with the concept of reflection, using large balloons framed in a way that creates an optical illusion between flatness and three-dimensional space. The mirrors he incorporates will reflect the architecture, sky, gardens, and visitors, making them an integral part of the experience. Cocksedge hopes to evoke a sense of playfulness, encouraging people to enjoy the moment and connect with one another.

Additionally, Cocksedge plans to open his Instagram account to any creative individual who wants to reach out to him. He invites people to send him a direct message, offering to provide advice and encourage creative exchange. During Paris Design Week, he will be available in the garden of the Hôtel de Sully, seated on a chair with another chair facing him, ready to meet with those who send him a lightbulb emoji along with a brief introduction. He looks forward to these personal interactions, considering it an honor to connect with others.

where: Hôtel de Sully, Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

Design Space AlUla

Design Space AlUla (find more here) is partnering with hall.haus (find more here) for an exhibition and talks at Lafayette Anticipations. The display will showcase furniture pieces by Hall Haus, Leo Orta, and Leen Ajlan, all created as part of AlUla’s artist and designer residency program. The designs, inspired by the heritage and rich landscapes of the AlUla region, will be revisited in collaboration with French craftsmen. The event will also feature discussions with designers, special guests, and design experts, offering insights into the creative process behind the showcased pieces and an opportunity to explore the world of AlUla and its residency programs.

where: Lafayette Anticipations 9, rue du Plâtre 75004, Paris, France
when: 11-13 September 2024

image courtesy of Design Space AlUla

India Mahdavi

Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi (find more here) will present three exhibitions on rue Las Cases: in the Project Room, the Criss Cross collection for cc-tapis; in the Showroom, the latest additions to the furniture collection; a La Romaine Éditions pop-up at the Petits Objets boutique.

where: 29 rue de Bellechasse, 75007 Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

Criss Cross collection – India Mahdavi x cc-tapis | image courtesy of cc-tapis

Issey Miyake

Homme Plissé Issey Miyake (find more here) will launch Immersed in the Wilds of Creativity, a series developed through a Creative Session with the French artist Ronan Bouroullec. The collection explores the translation of creative material into clothing design.

where: 28 rue François 1er, 75008, Paris, France
when: 4-15 September 2024

YVES SALOMON X CHAPO CREATION

French Maison Yves Salomon (find more here) pays tribute to the innovative work of French furniture designer Pierre Chapo through a new collaboration with Chapo Creation (find more here). The series, set to debut during the 2024 edition of Paris Design Week, will feature limited-edition pieces inspired by Chapo’s iconic designs, reimagined with intarsia of recycled wool skins. In addition to unveiling these collaborative creations, Yves Salomon will offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the scenes, showcasing the expertise of its artisans. The Maison will also present an exclusive selection of original Pierre Chapo pieces from the private collection of Yves Salomon and Tamara Taichman.

where: 5 rue de Castiglione, 75001, Paris, France
when: 4-13 September 2024

image courtesy of Yves Salomon

galerie philia x Schumacher

During Paris Design Week, Schumacher (find more here) celebrates Craft Revival, unveiling its new collections and two exclusive artistic collaborations with ceramicist Elsa Foulon and interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret. 

where: Schumacher Showroom, 9 rue Jacob, Paris 6th and Galerie Bérès, 35 rue de Beaune, Paris 7th
when: 5-14 September 2024

image © Studio Brinth

BERENICE CURT ARCHITECTURE, 001TDM

Berenice Curt Architecture (find more here) presents the Testa dei Marmi collection, marking its first foray into collectible design. This collection features statues with intricately crafted marble faces, highlighting the sculptural heritage of marble. The pieces explore the material’s historical significance while incorporating a social dimension, inviting viewers to engage with the cultural and artistic legacy embodied in the marble.

where: 20 rue Clavel, 75019 Paris, France
when: 11-15 September 2024

image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Marie & Alexandre at Signé

During Paris Design Week 2024, contemporary design gallery Signé (find more here) presents an exhibition by French designers duo Marie & Alexandre (find more here). Running from September 5th to October 21st, 2024, the exhibition is an adapted version of their previous summer exhibition at Appartement N°50 in La Cité Radieuse – Marseille.

where: signé, 33 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
when: 5 September – 21 October 2024

Marie & Alexandre’s exhibition in Appartement n°50 at La Cité Radieuse in Marseille | image © signé

Ronan Bouroullec at Galerie KREO

From September 13th to November 16th, 2024, Ronan Bouroullec (find more here) will present a new exhibition at Galerie kreo (find more here), exploring his work for the Saint-Michel Chapel in Brasparts, Brittany. Both the gallery project and the chapel reflect an approach characterized by the reduction of material and formal elements to their essentials, aiming to create objects, atmospheres, and sensations from minimal resources. The materials used—Breton granite with white flecks, forged and hammered steel, and cast silvered glass crafted by Venetian maestros in shades of black, aqua green, and silver garnet—are central to this collection. The exhibition evokes a sense of vibration, balance, and emotional resonance, bridging two distinct worlds.

where: Galerie kreo, 31 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris, France
when: 13 September – 16 November 2024

image © Alexandra de Cossette, courtesy Galerie kreo

DECATHLON x ECAL

During Paris Design Week, DECATHLON (find more here) partners with ECAL (find more here) to unveil two prototypes of electric trekking bikes at the Sortir du cadre exhibition. These concept bikes, created by students from ECAL’s Master of Product Design program, embody a future where sustainability and outdoor activity enjoyment are interconnected. The bikes challenge traditional e-bike design and incorporate upcycled accessories to give DECATHLON products a second life. By rethinking materials and processes, the prototypes reflect a vision of more responsible design. The Galva bike features a minimalist galvanized steel frame that integrates and protects the battery, while the E-venture bike draws inspiration from human anatomy, using a skeletal steel frame covered in recycled textiles.

where: DECATHLON, 26 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
when: 5-14 Septeber 2024

image courtesy of ECAL

MONO Editions

For Paris Design Week in September 2024, MONO Editions (find more here) unveils Platane, its third furniture collection, following Papierre and Liege, which were both launched in 2022. These collections were created by Carpus Studio, a team of architects and designers, who were commissioned by MONO Editions’ founder, Laetitia Ventura, to design elegant, simple, and ergonomic pieces.

Each piece follows a modular design principle, where wooden shapes of standard thickness are combined to form various elements that work together. The construction is visible, relying on tension. Depending on how the wooden panels are arranged, they can be cantilevered, compressed, or layered.

where: 12 rue Guénégaud, 75006 Paris
when: 5 – 10 September 2024

Joyce Wang Studio x Pinton

Joyce Wang Studio (find more here) has unveiled its debut collection of Aubusson rugs and a jacquard tapestry in collaboration with weaving experts PINTON (find more here). The collection, titled Rewild, features five hand-tufted rugs and one jacquard tapestry, inspired by the artistic heritage of the medieval French town of Aubusson. It also reflects Wang’s exploration of natural materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with her unique design approach.

where: Cahiers d’Art 15 Rue du Dragon
when: 6-7 September 2024