Three Layer Cake

Maison & Objet Fall 2007:  The Things

Having Maison & Objet twice a year limits, in many cases, the possibility of seeing many new things from show to show.  Much of what you see is repetitive, especially if you visit many fairs.  However cognizant visitors may be of the impossibility of introducing new items twice a year, there is always an expectation of something new.  This pressure also reaches exhibitors, who feel compelled to introduce, at a minimum, new colors to their ranges.  Some companies, even small, invest thousands of dollars in trend seminars to know the motifs and colors they should incorporate into their lines.  So while there were a few new items/concepts in this Fair, as compared to what has already been seen over the past year, most of what was exciting at this year's fair was really just...nice.  (intro photo:  Marimekko pillows).  A few concepts to remember:  crystals of all sizes, lighting fixtures of wood and of ceramics/porcelain, paper, faux animal hair,  flexible resin, nature images, food imagery, natural (bio) materials, the time (big clocks!)...

It is worth it to visit the Maison & Objet website under the "Exhibition News" Trend Paths menu item to see what three trend agencies have indicated are the trends for the next season, whose theme is Us(e):  Scrap, Alternative, and Artsy-Craftsy.  While there has been a sustained focus on "artsy craftsy" and "scrap" in both the U.S. and European design markets for some time, these two styles are climbing to the forefront.  

Herve' Matejewski is a designer who will always introduce new items at each Fair.  The new entry in his line this season is a series of plafonier with little friends...  Here is pictured the dinosaur collection. 

 David Emery with fibre optics.  This lighting trend peeked its way through 100% Lighting in 2006.

Wood and nature.  Showroom Finland is quite clever in its design of this hanging decoration.

Fish Design uses flexible resin for many of its pieces.  From afar, it is amazingly deceptive! (looks like hard plastic!) 

Colect of Belgium (products with A label) show the emerging tendency to mix materials within one product. 

Sentou Galerie was not alone in presenting globe hanging lighting made of wood. 

Moa shows, but with a different pattern...

Jaanus Orgusaar - (from Estonia) also shows skill in producing a wooden lamp.

Carla Tennenbaum's paper chair appeared in Elizabeth Leriche's trend path on SCRAP

Sentou Galerie mirrors.  For the fun of it. 

TVE Phone Home.  Thorsten Van Elten made his first appearance at Maison & Objet. 

Danish company Casalinga produced these sweet little plates.

Umbra also uses flexible resin as a covering for one of its stools.  (NB flexible resin is on the up and up) 

The stool looks as though it's covered in wet paint.

Kedo Taiwan was full of lots of neat products (look out Alessi and Magis!).  Here, clothes hangers! 

  Marre Moerel designed this unique plate

Domestic (France) isn't all about wall vinyl, they also produce an entertaining collection of plates! 

 Frederique Morrel never ceases to amaze with the range of items she and her friends find to re-use.

Aquamass and the zebra print tub.  I have been saying to myself that animal prints are in for the past two years...  This year might be the year you start to see it! 

Crystals are in, on every surface, from tiny gilttery ones to big huge ones (hanging lamps).  By D'Argentat 

 More crystals at Bagnaresi

LOVE is in...   Maison de Vacances

Say it with words...  (exhibitor unknown)

Like the Hairy Look? It's a hit this season...   Maison de Vacances makes a pillow, Bleu Nature makes these lampshades!!!

 Another big clock...  Another recurring theme...  producer unknown (another 'said I'd remember)

 The Lung Ashtray by Finding Cheska.