maison&objet spotlights talents at fall fair & paris design week 2024

maison&objet showcases design talents in fall 2024

Maison&Objet Fall 2024 explores forward-thinking and cutting-edge design through its curated talents program on the trade hall floors as well as city streets during Paris Design Week. From September 5 to 9, 2024, the fair showcases around 100 young professionals who are at the forefront of developing their own brands. Then, spanning over four destinations in the French capital – Espace Commines, Galerie Ellia, Galerie Joseph-Froissart, and Galerie Joseph-Turenne – each venue highlights the intersection of creativity and production, offering an immersive experience into the processes shaping the future of design.

(above) Tablea Square by Ali Sha Gallefoss | image © DR
(banner) Aijing Tang Tough Cookie | all images courtesy of Maison&Objet

rising talents from nordic countries

As one of the world’s foremost events for professionals in the lifestyle, interior design and design industries, Maison&Objet takes pride in its responsibility to nurture the next-gen of creators in these fields. As such, each edition spotlights emerging talents through its Rising Talents Awards. The fall 2024 event is no exception and highlights a dynamic range of designers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, each bringing a unique perspective to the design landscape.

‘The Nordic countries as a whole are extremely dynamic and underpinned by a rich history, world-renowned talent, and considerable expertise. Northern Europe has a different relationship with time and natural materials, which are often left in their rawest state. The younger generation is asserting its new language, often close to those of Craft and Collectible Design,’ says Dereen O’Sullivan, head of the Rising Talents Awards at Maison&Objet.

Viper Bench by Lab La Bla | image ©DR

Among the chosen talents of the Rising Talents Awards 2024are studio Christian + Jade, introducing a collection blending natural and recycled materials into tactile furniture and lighting designs. Oslo-based Ali Shah Gallefoss showcases playful, multifunctional objects by combining his fashion background. Lab La Bla from Sweden, emphasizes sustainability with modular furniture and home accessories.

Continuing, the Danish Duo at Studio Frederik Gustav presents architectural-inspired lighting and sculptural furniture. Finnish designer Antrei Hartikainen showcases finely crafted, nature-inspired furniture, while Icelandic Studio Flétta repurposes materials into eco-friendly pieces. Ceramist Malin Ida Eriksson from Sweden, awarded the Rising Talent Craft Award, adds her large-scale, sustainable ceramic installations to the mix, combining fine art with craftsmanship.

ceramic sculpture by Malin Ida Eriksson | image ©Lisa Hallgren

future on stage: a spotlight on start-ups

Following the Rising Talent Awards, the Future On Stage competition returns to highlight pioneering start-ups that push the boundaries of design. Each year, three inventive young businesses are given an exhibition space at the show and support from market experts. For the fall 2024 event, Sungai Design from Indonesia presents its high-quality furniture transformed out of river plastic, Konqrit from Argentina offers artistically designed bathtubs, and Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs from France reimagines medical equipment with elegant wooden designs.

These design companies exemplify the forward-thinking spirit that Maison&Objet seeks to promote. Through their various programs, the trade show not only highlights individual talents and young businesses but also contextualizes their work within broader trends, underscoring the fair’s role as a pivotal platform for the design industry.

Additionally, the Paris Design Week Factory forms a special showroom for international designers, promising an inspiring journey marked by novelty. Within three galleries and one event hall beyond the trade fair, visitors in the city encounter emerging talents in collectible design, complemented by workshops and conferences on new design practices. Recent graduates from various countries present their work, with highlights including unique residency projects and historic design collections.

The program also embraces a celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of French-Chinese diplomatic relations, showcasing Chinese talents who blend traditional techniques with futuristic technologies. Moreover, the avant-garde of Craft Design feature young artisans working with materials such as glass, ceramics, metal, wood, and textiles.

Flétta X Ýrúrarí – Pizza Time | image ©DR