BEST OF MAISON et OBJET Fall 2016 | PARIS

Design addicts worldwide had earmarked September 2 - 6, 2016 on their calendars for the second Maison&Objet PARIS event of the year. For its duration, Parisian and international design took over the halls of the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte and drew attendees thirsting for designers' latest takes on what can add visual happiness to people's lives. To note, although visitors were smaller in numbers this year due to the sad problems that France has faced as of late, those who did show up were determined to support the design world and therefore help propagate the importance of imagination even in very difficult times.

As the name suggests, Maison&Objet is a design fair dedicated more to objects than furniture, where objects of every shape and size joyfully take center stage.

Designer of the Year for the September 2016, MAISON&OBJET PARIS was named Ilse Crawford who handlef the scenography of the Designers’ Studio, in Hall 8. Photo © EDUCOS. — Designer of the Year for the September 2016, MAISON&OBJET PARIS was named **Ilse Crawford** who handlef the scenography of the **Designers’ Studio**, in Hall 8. Photo © EDUCOS.

We were excited to see renowned British designer, Ilse Crawford, receive the Designer of the Year award who, along with her design studio, Studioilse, took over the scenography of the Designer's Studio in Hall 8 creating within it a world straight out of her own imagination, featuring some of the incredible items signed by Studioilse. We couldn't help but notice the Studioilse-designed Perching Stools for Artifort, the Touch Benches for ZANAT and the charming WO84 Table Lamps designed for Wästberg.

In general, Maison&Objet Paris 2016 highlighted a juxtaposition of techniques and materials. From the technologically advanced Modular Alphabet of Light by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) for Artemide, to the wooden Sculptural Chair by Kristina Dam Studio, which didn’t require a single tool for its assembly. And from the marble collection by Greek designer Spiros Soulis for Iktinos Marmaron, to OCTAEVO's Perforated Paper Vases, every item celebrated innovation and timelessness.

Design was featured from all across the world, this year, as is often the case, saw Scandinavian design’s many various representations at Maison&Objet, proving once again its strong presence in the international scene.

Meanwhile, Paris Design Week (Sept. 3 - Sept. 10, 2016) with its 300 participants and plethora of events and exhibitions held throughout the city occurred concurrently to Maison&Objet, giving design seekers even more reasons to fully immerse themselves in this celebration of Parisian and international design. We left Paris with our own imaginations teeming with a visual celebration… and can only venture to guess what our destination will be come January 20 - 24, 2017 when the Maison&Objet PARIS design festivities revisit the city...

Be sure to also visit:
Maison&Objet ASIA in Singapore on March 7-10, 2017.
Maison&Objet AMERICAS in Miami Beach on May 10-13, 2017.