Maison & Objets Americas brings Paris to our backyard.
Did someone say Paris? Yes, the acclaimed Maison & Objets Design Fair for the Interior Design trade set sail this month for it’s debut in Miami . Previously M & O was only held in Paris. It was exciting to be able to get a taste of this incredible event right here in Miami.
Florida Chapter members and friends gathered inside the exhibit hall, ready to be awed and inspired. We were not disappointed.
Above, First row: President Caroline Rogow, Members Susan Heller, Lynn Sciarrone, Beverly Stewart, friend Ellie Caimano, and Member Marsha Koch. Back row: Members Vicki Kirsner, Elizabeth Zecca and friend Karla.
There was so much to see we all scattered like kids in a toy store. It was incredible. Though much smaller than the one in Paris, we were thrilled to be able to see developing trends, artisans and exhibitors from all over the world.
Trussardi greeted us as we entered the exhibit hall. This Italian Fashion House now has it’s own furniture line called Trussardi Casa.
The creativity was dazzling and inspiring. The light fixture below is nothing more than a piece of parchment paper crinkled up by the hand of a talented Junior Fritz Jacquet who creases and molds sheets of paper and cardboard into stunning works of art all without the aid of cutting or pasting!
Look at what artist Corinne Campenio did with her art. You have heard of “wearable art”? This art is “sittable”.
Furniture was a big part of Maison & Objets. The vendors came from all over the world. It was a sort of mini world tour. Perhaps because of being in the midst of planning for Take a Seat, the fabulous chair designs were particularly fascinating.
This colorful chair reminds us of a carnival, maybe that’s because it was crafted in South America by award winning Colombian designer Ramon Laserna!
It is made from string.
It was interesting to see how many different type of materials could be used to fabricate a chair. This was not the only furry one. How do you dress up a powder puff chair? Add crystal legs!
I think I remember lacing pieces of leather together when I was a Girl Scout. What a creative way to design a chair.
In fact this could be done on an old chair frame as a way to recycle it, perfect for an entry into Take a Seat!
Sleek, natural, and organic but elegant, this pair pleases the eye as well as the seat.
The chairs below, looking a little like a Jeff Koons sculpture, seem to be in direct contrast to the one above, but they are equally as amazing. The Bibendum Chair by Toni Grilo combines engineering with design.
The Line Chair also designed by Toni Grilo for Rulic, the Portuguese contemporary furniture brand, is brilliant in gold.
Speaking of organic, this outdoor chair feels very earthy. It would blend right into the scenery of any garden. Opiary fabricates everything from recycled materials here in the United States.
These polished brass and satin chairs from Koket make a strong statement. They take inspiration from French Art Deco.
No matter what style is your preference, Maison & Objets had something for everyone like the brightly colored pieces below by Fermob, the French ourdoor furniture manufacturer.
Here is a different approach to an upholstered back chair. The frame itself is covered. American Designer Barry Dixon has also incorporated that style into his collection. A simple shape is accentuated by covering it with fabric and outlining it with welt.
Remnants of fabrics are put artfully put together to cover this pair of side chairs.
This dramatic couple outshines most with their bright gold finish. It felt like some of the designs were more works of art than a functional piece of furniture like this couple.
What came first, the shelf or the bar stool? Maybe an old chair with broken legs can be repurposed?
The variety of chairs was such fun to see. Some were sleek and elegant, or natural and organic, others were whimsical like the one below wearing toe shoes!
What is so wonderful about going to a show like Maison & Objets is being able to experience the talents of designers and artists from all over the world. From the most sophisticated to the most unpretentious, each stood out in it’s own way. Every aisle had a new surprise.
This is just a small glimpse into what was shown at Maison & Objets Americas. In addition to furniture there was lighting, textiles, home fashions, rugs, art, accessories, outdoor furniture, bathroom fixtures, and more. The Summit offered presentations by successful designers and experts who shared their stories and ideas with their audience.
Plans are already in the works for next year. Hope to see you there!
(Also attending from Florida: Sylvia Wallace and Leah Keitz, from New York, Susan Slotkis. Sorry to have missed the other fellow IFDA Florida members and those that traveled from afar.)
