Right now, Paris is—even more than usual—the place to be. With the kickoff of Maison & Object Paris and Paris Design Week, the creative industry now has the city bustling. For eight days (September 3 through 10), Paris Design Week promises to provide a citywide treasure hunt with 200 venues, 20 represented nationalities, and, courtesy of graphic design studio deValence, a vibrant new visual identity fittingly inspired by hiking trail signage. Navigate the week's array of events and exhibitions with EAL's guide to #PDW16.
Now! Le Off
The Now! Le Off exhibition—the week's headline event—will take place at Les Docks—Cité de la Mode et du Design, featuring the work of more than 100 young designers selected to compete for the Rado Star Prize France. Alongside these new talents, emerging brands will present new concepts on the design market. In addition, The Talks, a conference led by Intramuros Editorial Director Chantal Hamaide, will highlight just how diverse the design practices are—from product designer to art director to teacher. Find the conference schedule here.
Cultural Ambassadors
The Chinese Cultural Center, a newcomer to Paris Design Week, will present a dialogue between paintings by Peruvian-Chinese artist Sun Chan and design pieces by his daughter, Hikoko Chan. Two concept stores of La Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine are also previewing their display designs, which take spectators on a journey from Paris to Beijing.
The Ukrainian Cultural Center will host an exhibition featuring six designers who blur the line between visual arts and design by pulling inspiration from the idea of “taking flight.”
Ensci–Les Ateliers will present an exhibition titled “Made@EU” which will display pieces made during a workshop where students from three European design schools introduced artisans to the potential of new digital technologies.
Celebrating the ’70s
Following Maison & Object’s theme “House of Games,” Minka Skateboards will display its collection of vintage 1970s California boards embellished with laser-cut patterns inspired by textile design.
Tectona will celebrate its upcoming 40th anniversary by hosting 11 designers from 11 countries to share their visions of an artisanal table and chair made partially from teak.
Nightlife
There will be plenty to look forward to in the evenings. A series of gallery openings at Saint-Germain-des-Prés on Friday will set the week in motion, followed by Saturday night parties in Les Halles, Le Marais and Bastille. Finally, Paris Design Week will come to a close with an evening on-stage at Now! Le Off.
Paris Design Week will welcome more than 50 first-time participants, including Hermès, AM.PM., Tai Ping Carpet and Moissonnier. Learn more and check out the full list of participants.
