Hundreds of designers and editors returned from the Paris “shows” with renewed energy and inspiration for the upcoming season. The personal sound bites below reflect the “best of” moments from this year’s trip, and hopefully serve as an accurate distillation of the countless introductions, events and experiences that took place during Maison&Objet and Paris Deco Off last month.
"Roche Bobois' Armand chair designed by Didier Versavel—I adored this mashup of a Jean Paul Gaultier's kilt plaid fabric with cane-backed chairs. Lori Weitzner's new collection of handmade wall coverings, particularly Zoe, made in the north of Thailand, was beautifully crafted. And, I loved seeing Rubelli's re-released heritage patterns, especially the curvaceous Vague print. I am fascinated by fresh interpretations of archival textiles."—Pamela Jaccarino, EIC of LUXE Interiors + Design.
"My favorite product would have to be my new hand painted dinnerware pattern by Marie Daage—Charlotte. I am really excited that it will be available in an array of colors and mixes with my other design Thomas. Since I am crazy for tabletop I really thought these placements from La Gallina Matta were tops. The Baroque shapes and vivid colors would add a lot of style to any table. I was also fascinated by the 18th century reproduction wallpapers and fabrics form Antoinette Poisson. All the papers are hand colored and it’s truly an amazing collection."—Michael Devine, interior designer and principal of Michael Devine Home.
"Liberty Fabrics is re-launching and I loved seeing them (and meeting the sweet girls at the booth). They are looking for a showroom in the states and I can't wait to be able to buy their gorgeous fabrics once they are up and running. As far as I am concerned, the Danes do everything right and I was more than smitten with the children's furniture from Denmark's Sebra. As the mother of two young kids I was swooning over their chic cribs that convert all the way to twin beds. I will just have to dream because they aren't available for purchase in the states. German tabletop company, Hering Berlin, showed one of the prettiest chandeliers I've seen in ages. It was simple, yet shimmery and very chic. I already have in mind the client I hope to sell it to."—Bella Mancini, interior designer and principal of Bella Mancini Design
"Pierre Frey's new collaboration with Vincent Darré unearthed this charming Janine Janet 1942 print from the archives entitled ZOO. Dedar's stunning new velvets include the Coup de Foudre jacquard, hand woven on wire looms, and the subtlely textured Romeo & Giulietta Chiné silk in eye popping brights. Jim Thompson's new wallcovering line includes Pagoda and Palms, a free form watercolor version of a toile resembling a tiled delft wall. There is also a coordinating fabric."—Stacey Bewkes, founder of Quintessence blog.
"The new Mark Alexander textiles were dreamy—particularly the slate-colored satins in the Town Collection. The tones remind me of the beautiful weathered wood doorways of Paris. The new Perseus bed at Vispring was absolutely gorgeous—it paired blush velvet with Macassar Ebony, and had a strong, sexy curve. It looked like the kind of piece that had been handed down through generations, but still felt utterly contemporary. I covet! Fendi Casa also showed a petite bar stool upholstered in a midnight blue that was very chic."—Alisa Carroll, EIC of SFC&G.
"Blackbody (manufactures of small scaled trumpet shaped LED light fixtures) showed a vast ceiling covered in randomly hung mini lights with four enormous chandelier forms of the same fixtures dropping through. Stunning. Wild Spirit furniture was a favorite. The company is out of Belgium and we’ve worked with them a bit already. Seeing their line all together was exciting and inspiring. Love their shapes!"—Alan Tanksley, interior designer and principal of Alan Tanksley Inc.
"For their elegance—linens by Patrizia D. For their quirk—Kuka stool by Ceren Basgoze and Faith Basgoze of Lab Tasarim. And, for my future dinner party—My China! Ca'd'Oro tabletop from Sieger by Furstenberg."—Arianne Nardo, EIC of Interiors Magazine.
"Nason Moretti’s stunning glassware and barware, nice to mix all the colors rather than just clear glass on the table. Klaar Prims’ super chic vases and bowls. Mad et Len—LOVED the black metal containers, old fashioned typeset and the candles smell amazing."—Rachel Laxer, interior designer and principal of Rachel Laxer Interiors.
When it came to events, the American Party in Paris hosted by Ainsworth-Noah, De Sousa Hughes, George Cameron Nash, Hines & Company, Holly Hunt, Jerry Pair, Jim Thompson, John Brooks Inc., Kelly Forslund Inc., Kneedler | Fauchére, Thomas Lavin and Webster & Company seemed to take the cake. Almost all of the polled designers said it was the best event of the week.
Hotel de Ville, venue of the American Party in Paris
“The American Party in Paris at the Hotel de Ville was a big deal,” said interior designer Louis Navarrete. “There are Parisians that never get in, let alone receive an invite to a party. It shows how highly the French value their decorative arts and our community of designers in the U.S.”
“The piece de resistance of events was The American Party in Paris,” said Jaccarino. “You can't get much better than the architectural marvel that is L'Hotel de Ville. Talk about sumptuous décor! And, the crowd was fabulous.”
Another favorite was the Antiques Diva brunch at Un Singe Un Hiver at the Paris Flea Market put on by Andrew Joseph PR.
Andrew Joseph and Toma Clark Haines
“I loved the brunch given by Andrew Joseph and The Antiques Diva,” said Mancini. “The setting couldn't have been more beautiful, the company fantastic, and the champagne was flowing at 10:00 a.m. What could be bad about that?”
For some, the best moments had nothing to do with sourcing new products or thinking about clients, but simply enjoying their time in the city and the beauty around them.
Guests of the Antiques Diva Breakfast
“For me just getting lost in the Marais (which I always do) was thrilling,” said Mancini. “I stumbled upon shops and cafes I didn't know and imagined I was a local.”
”The most memorable moment from this fair was walking along the left bank and discovering so many ‘gems’ of stores and resources to use in my work so it is truly a bespoke home,” said Laxer.
“My most memorable moment was Susanna Salk's and my weekend stay at Timothy Corrigan's gorgeous Château du Grand-Lucé in the Loire,” said Bewkes. “Here the ever-gracious Timothy is shielding me from the rain post shoot.”
“Stepping out onto the hotel terrace at night with the Place Pantheon lit up in front of us, an evening stroll with friends through little cobblestoned alleys after a wonderful little dinner (and a lot of wine),” said Carroll.
“It had to be walking the flea market with Alan Tanksley, Jay Jeffers and Michael Purdy and a late lunch at Philip Starck’s ma cocotte,” said interior designer Philip Gorrivan.
“One of the most memorable moments was taking in the ‘Cartier, Style and History’ exhibition at the Grand Palais,” said Jaccarino. “Let's just say it was good to be the maharaja and if you saw his necklace (above) you know what I mean!”
“For the most merriment and on-the-scene action, Editor at Large is my Valentine,” said Nardo. “Interviewing the inimitable Roger Thomas about the late Maya Romanoff was a highlight, as was being hosted by the outstanding Loro Piana family.”
Antiques Diva Breakfast photos by José Manuel Alorda
