The world’s leading collectible design galleries have converged in the French capital this October for the inaugural edition of the Design Miami/ Paris fair. Running until October 22, 2023 at L’Hôtel de Maisons, an 18th-century mansion in Paris’ vibrant 7th arrondissement, the fair gathering 26 Parisian and international galleries coincides with Paris+ by Art Basel that returns for its second outing. As a capital of museum-quality design, Paris is home to many of the respected galleries, partners and brands that already have a long history of collaboration with Design Miami/ and have played an integral role in the scholarship and evolution of this market, such as Galerie Downtown François Laffanour, Galerie Jacques Lacoste, Galerie Kreo, Galerie Mitterrand, Galerie Patrick Seguin and Jousse Entreprise. I sit down with Grela Orihuela, Senior Vice President of Fairs, Design Miami/, to discuss the Parisian edition of the highly-anticipated contemporary and historic design fair.
After Miami and Basel, why did Design Miami/ decide to launch a fair in Paris? Why now?
The decision to launch a fair in Paris felt like a very natural step for our CEO, Jen Roberts. Paris is home to many of the world’s leading collectible design galleries, who have also been loyal exhibitors at our Miami and Basel fairs over the years. Bringing Design Miami/ to Paris marks our strong commitment to the city – an international cultural hub – and to our long-term collaborators, many of whom are based in Paris or connected to the city in some way.
How are you giving Design Miami/ a French touch and build bridges with France’s cultural industries, as you’re running at the same time as Paris+ by Art Basel?
Paris is celebrated across the world as the cultural epicenter of creativity, art, fashion, architecture and, of course, design. We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute to this iconic international design landmark, and we look forward to reflecting this rich cultural heritage within our programming. Of course, we are also very pleased to continue to activate alongside our sister fair, Art Basel, which returns with Paris+ this October.
What are some of the highlights of this year’s Design Miami/ Paris?
There are many to mention! I will share one historic and one contemporary highlight with you. On the historic side, Galleria Rossella Colombari will present “Géométrie”, a selection of historical, 20th-century Italian designs with geometric and radical shapes. For contemporary, Salon 94 Design will present a solo presentation of Max Lamb’s soft sofa sculptures. The upholstered works are uniquely handmade in his studio in London, and feature upholstery fabric that responds to the gilded details of the interior of the building.
Which are the three most interesting galleries to watch at Design Miami/ Paris?
It feels impossible to narrow it down to three galleries, as all the galleries exhibiting in Paris will be bringing something unique to our programming, allowing audiences to access iconic and thought-provoking design from the historic to the contemporary. I am especially looking forward to seeing how the galleries will present pieces in dialog with our location at L’Hôtel de Maisons. The 18th-century mansion serves as such a beautiful canvas. Galerie Scène Ouverte is bringing a presentation of contemporary marble, ceramics and tapestry, deliberately curated in beautiful contrast to the refined elegance of the historic building. Meanwhile, Ketabi Bourdet Design offers a recreation of a smoking room, demonstrating how post-modern furniture can coexist with classic architecture and rich decor. We are also excited to platform US-based galleries in Paris. A historic highlight from the US comes from Moderne Gallery, based in Philadelphia, which brings a collection of standout furniture and lighting by George Nakashima, known today as the father of the American craft movement. I have no doubt our October opening will surprise and inspire our audiences.
