Text and images: Anne Ditmeyer
Inspired by his travels and friends Guillaume Deroy made his long time dream a reality last summer when he opened Nordik Market, a concept shop devoted to Scandinavian design. Coming from a background in fashion, Deroy is able to use his eye to create a Scandinavian universe in the heart of the Marais made up up vintage furniture from the 50s & 60s, as well as newer, original creations that you can't find elsewhere in France.
More on: Nordik Market
Images: Merci
Text: Anne S. Ditmeyer
In recent years in the design community, bikes have been far more than a means to get from point A to B, but part of a style lifestyle. With more choices and accessories than ever, one's bike can be a means of expression. Put a bike into context, and depending on where you live – Copenhagen or Amsterdam – a bike is a necessity of life. But now, in other places of the world, such as Tokyo, there's a movement to live life at a different pace, with an emphasis on quality of life, known as SLOW BIKE.
The timing of Merci's installation, MY BIKE: Transportation Dans la Ville, on January 18 through February 18, is noteworthy, as this past week was the latest edition of the mega design trade show, Maison Objet. Design is not limited to what is in one's home, but rather extends to the world outside (and beyond the expo center).
More on: My Bike on at Merci
Text + images: Anne S. Ditmeyer, Prêt à Voyager
The first time I ever came into contact with the work of Jean-Paul Goude was through his publicity campaign for Galeries Lafayette that has dotted Parisian metro stations for the past decade. Now, through March 2012, Goudemalion is a retrospective of his work and fantasy worlds taking place at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
The exhibition charts his 40-year career, from childhood drawings to his contemporary vision has taken the form of fashion, photography, illustration, theatrical sequences, films, events and advertising. In the review of his work, is his ability to create thought provoking and eye catching imagery before the era of Photoshop is noteworthy. Glimpses inside his sketchbooks appear throughout the rooms, as a reminder that at the core of all creation is a concept and an idea. An introduction to the retrospective states: “Goude has always succeed in capturing the spirit of his age and then giving it a lasting form.”
Text & Images: Anne Ditmeyer, Prêt à Voyager
One of my favorite parts of events like Paris Design Week is discovering new venues. One of these discoveries was Le Lieu Design. Located at located at 74, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in the 12th arrondissement, not far from Bastille, you'd never know it was there unless you were specifically looking for it.
Enter into a large courtyard with an industrial feel. To the right, peek inside the office of architects, and to the left, enter Le Lieu de Design. The space was created to help designers gain visibility for their work and increase exploration in working with new and eco-friendly materials, all while helping increase public awareness of design related issues. The exhibits which last anywhere for one week to a few months are a blend of textile, product, fashion, architectural, industrial and eco-design.
Text: Anne Ditmeyer
Images: Nuit Blanche
"Nuit Blanche" literally translates to "white night," but what it really means is sleepless night, and Saturday, October 1, marks the 10th anniversary that Paris celebrates their official Nuit Blanche with art installations, performances, concerts and videos around the city. The event, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in October, has picked up steam and spread to a handful of cities around Europe, and beyond. The goal is to give Parisians and visitors alike a new excuse to explore the city, while taking contemporary art outside of a museum and into and onto unlikely contexts, making the art accessible to all. The ephemeral quality makes the night extra special, as the event runs from 7pm on October 1st, and ends at 7am the next morning. This year's Paris Nuit Blanche is focused around the four major neighborhoods of Hôtel de Ville, La Nouvelle Athênes–Saint-Georges, Montmartre–Anvers, and Batignolles–Pigalle, as well as reaching out around Paris.
While much of the enjoyment of the night comes from the unexpected while happening upon various locations, having some idea of what is going on can be a great way to make the most of your night. The full program (which will be handed out at various points around the city Saturday night) is available for download on the official website. Each installation is listed by neighborhood with a brief explanation, along with a bit of information about the creator. Within each neighborhood, there are a few major installations by artists invited by the Mairie de Paris, and a handful of smaller associated projects (additionally, some local shops, restaurants and galleries may chose to independently share their own version of a sleepless night). There is also free application is available for iPhones and Androids which is quite handy for planning ahead or getting your bearings on Saturday night. Around the city banner signs have already appeared in the featured neighborhoods to help further contextualize the evening's events.
Mathieu Miljavac is a taxidermist residing in Paris with an upcoming expo featuring his work.
1. What initially inspired you to move here or visit?
When I was 18, I moved here to start literature studies. I didn’t realize when I arrived that it would become my home.
2. Earliest Paris memory?
Going to the Printemps department store with my grandmother when I was 10. She used to buy hats there all the time!
3. Best neighbourhood you've ever lived in?
Where I am living now, the 2nd. It is one of the many small villages of Paris. Everyone gets to know each other. And everything is at a walking distance.
4. What's the best meal you've eaten in Paris?
A very simple “frisée aux lardons” at Chez Georges rue du Mail, that reminded me of the ones we used to make in the countryside when I was a kid.
5. Sexiest moment you've had in Paris?
When my boyfriend sent me a letter to ask me if we could date!
More on: 20 Questions
Images + Text: Anne Ditmeyer, Prêt à Voyager
Each year at Maison + Objet, the premiere design trade show in France, there are rooms devoted to tendences, or trends, that work to showcase various designers in different ways. This year the one that struck me most was called Obsessions Privées, or Private Obsessions, curated by Elizabeth Leriche and focusing on collections we all keep in some way, shape or form. The facade of the mini "exhibit" was covered in silhouetted figures holding their own obsessions – with a sense of humor – ranging from toilet paper to a Princess Diane plate or even a noose. Inside the rooms actual collections ranged from vases to teapots, shoes, toasters, an 11 year old's jean collection, and a collection of plastic bags and cleaning brushes. It was a good reminder that we all have our own obsessions and things that make us tick. Even if you're not a designer yourself, I think it's interesting to think about the way your own obsessions could become the next big thing – it's all how you look at it (and display it).
Melissa Unger is the founder of Seymour , an initiative dedicated to cultivating creativity and imagination. Melissa is also a freelance consultant and frequently interviews contemporary artists for artnet.
1. What initially inspired you to move here or visit?
I was stuck in a rut in New York City. I needed to clear my head. My mother is French so I had spent some time here growing up; it seemed a lovely place for a temporary escape. I planned on staying 3 months. I just celebrated my 7th year here. Paris is a hard habit to kick.
2. Earliest Paris memory?
The day after my arrival, taking a morning bath instead of a shower; I wasn’t in a rush, there was no one waiting for me anywhere. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.
3. Best neighbourhood you've ever lived in?
The 10th! I LOVE living on the Canal St. Martin! It’s like a village within the city.
4. What's the best meal you've eaten in Paris?
I’m not much of a foodie, but Hotel du Nord, just below my apartment is my favorite restaurant. The vibe is great. I’m creature of habit; I always get the salade Chinoise craquante to start. If I ask nicely (flirt shamelessly) the bartender makes me a not-on-the menu Negroni.
More on: 20 Questions
Text: Anne Ditmeyer, Prêt à Voyager
This September 12-18 the first ever Paris Design Week comes to town. With over 100 locations open to the public, six routes have been created featuring a different neighborhood each day: Austerlitz, Bastille/Republique, Champs-Elysées/Etoile, Les Halles/Le Marais, Madeleine/Opera and Saint Germain. Inspired by what's happening in other major cities, the event is designed have the same spirit as Maison Objet (the trade only show, held September 9-13 at Paris Nord Villepoint), but in an urban context, geared both towards trade events, as well as involving the general public. Throughout the neighborhoods showrooms, art galleries, institutions and restaurants will open their doors to inspiration. The ultimate goal: to attract 8,000 international designers and creative businesses and help put everyone in touch within a creative environment.
A few of our favorite picks in each neighborhood:
Austerlitz: Check out the brand new Cité de la Mode et du Design, working to promote and commericialize the works of designers, editors and creative brands. At NOW! LE OFF be sure to check out the fantastical scenes by Frédérique Morel34, quai d'Austerlitz, 75013
Bastille: Don't miss the recently remodeled glass-domed Sentou showroom intended to welcome professionals, architects and international distributors of Sentou, which will house an exhibition during Paris Design Week. Sentou's 3rd location is located at 14, rue Moreau, 75012
More on: Paris Design Week 2011
Text: Christine Stinson
Image: AChP
“I have no argument with the beauty of historic and antique furniture, but copying the past is an indication of a decadent society...”
Le Corbusier, Knoll, Eames, Jacobsen, Jeanneret, Prouvé and Perriand. The reputation of Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), the Parisian-born photographer, architect, furniture designer and urbanist, resides easily alongside the heavyweight 20th century designers. Notably Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé, although throughout a 66-year career she may not have benefitted from much intense scrutiny outside her native France.
Working within design collectives in the 1920's and 30's - as an architect, designer and professional photographer - she adapted studio photography to the demands of the design studios she worked for, as well as to more daring interior design challenges including murals and wall art.
Her work, religiously catalogued and archived throughout a prolific career has now been revisited and exhibited to maximum effect in the richly curated exposition Charlotte Perriand: De la photographie au Design at the Petit Palais.
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