Studio Palatin, photographed by Max Wallner
For over three decades, Maison&Objet has been a leading authority in design, art and the ever-evolving world of lifestyle trends. As it steps into its 30th year, the fair is rolling out a reimagined strategy, responding to consumer needs with a fresh approach across its January and September editions. This new direction brings Maison&Objet closer to its goal of becoming an unmissable destination for designers, curators and aficionados seeking novelty and innovation across the art of living. This January, the fair will also introduce an inspirational new theme, ‘Sur/Reality’, which promises a creative journey through dreamlike landscapes and unexpected realms of design.
“We’re amplifying the distinct strength of each of our two editions to take an even more specialist approach,” explains Mélanie Leroy, Managing Director of SAFI: Maison&Objet, MOM and Paris Design Week. “By refining our ‘in’, ‘off’ and ‘online’ propositions, we’re offering a more effective choice to every participant in the design, decoration and lifestyle community according to their needs.”
A New Strategy
In response to the shifting needs of its global audience, Maison&Objet is transforming its January and September editions into two distinct experiences, each with a unique identity tailored to specific market demands. The January edition will showcase limited-edition collectible designs, refined hospitality concepts and a curated selection of high-end fashion and homeware, catering to the premium sector. Meanwhile, September’s edition will focus on emerging designers, fresh international talents and an invigorated focus on lifestyle concepts and innovations in the culinary sector. In addition to the fair’s in-person events, Maison&Objet continues its commitment to year-round engagement through its online platform, MOM, providing exhibitors and attendees a constant pulse on design trends, innovations and new business opportunities.
The January Edition will focus on collectible design and premium hospitality; dedicated to exceptional residential and hospitality projects with unique, limited-edition pieces that cater to the premium hospitality market. A highlight of this edition will be the ‘What’s New in Hospitality’ showcase, a first for Maison&Objet, offering insights and specially designed installations aimed at hotel and restaurant professionals. The space will serve as a unique setting for select exhibitors, presenting one-of-a-kind products and providing a dedicated platform to address the art of hospitality and entertaining.
Additionally, Maison&Objet’s January fair will expand its fashion and lifestyle offerings such as homeware, responding to a growing demand among international buyers for timeless, sustainable and creative pieces. By fostering a blend of high-quality home and fashion products, Maison&Objet aims to support new growth opportunities for brands looking to establish a stronger lifestyle concept.
The September fair, by contrast, will elevate the voices of new designers and emerging brands, positioning itself as a beacon for fresh talent in the global design scene. The Rising Talents Awards and Paris Design Week Factory will return, providing a stage for young creatives and innovative startups. This autumn event promises to deliver unique, trendsetting pieces that bring fresh perspectives to the design landscape, especially for brands looking to break into international markets. Maison&Objet’s commitment to unearthing and nurturing emerging designers also shines through the Future On Stage programme, which experienced a remarkable 30% increase in applicants this year, further solidifying September’s role as a dynamic space for discovery and inspiration.
Women&Design
Adding to the excitement is Maison&Objet’s newly announced Women&Design network, which will launch in September. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to elevate the contributions of women in the design and lifestyle sectors, facilitating global connections and highlighting the creativity and impact of female designers. “This new direction is a response to the expectations of our customers, buyers, specifiers and brands. In a changing world and a turbulent economic climate, I wanted to establish an ongoing dialogue with them through surveys, interviews and polls to analyse their needs in even greater detail, both in France and internationally,” adds Leroy.
‘Sur/Reality’ – the theme for January 2025
In a world that often feels complex and chaotic, Maison&Objet’s January 2025 edition will be themed ‘Sur/Reality’. Inspired by surrealism, the theme seeks to ignite creativity through designs that embrace fantasy, humour and the unexpected. Drawing from the legacy of surrealist giants like Magritte and Dalí, ‘Sur/Reality’ will explore new landscapes where the lines between reality and imagination blur. “We wanted to take a much more contemporary approach to Surrealism,” say Charlotte Cazals and Brune Ouakrat of Peclers Paris, the curators of the theme. “This capacity to reintroduce a fantastic element and shake up the established order is an extremely rich and fertile starting point for imagining new forms of reality.”
The ‘Sur/Reality’ theme will be brought to life through whimsical installations, dreamlike set designs and a myriad of innovative products that push the boundaries of conventional design. The approach celebrates the surrealist tradition of creativity, playing with digital and AI possibilities to create unexpected forms and experiences, from surprising furniture shapes to poetic décor items. This theme invites visitors to reconnect with their creativity and explore a realm of surreal designs that appeal as much to emotion and imagination as to practicality.
Celebrating Faye Toogood as Designer of the Year
A key highlight for January will be a tribute to Faye Toogood, an influential figure known for merging art with the everyday. Named Designer of the Year 2025 by Maison&Objet, Toogood’s eclectic works in fashion and design have consistently pushed the boundaries of ordinary aesthetics, blending the poetic with the avant-garde. Her pieces will be showcased in a dedicated space, offering attendees a look into her process and creative vision. Maison&Objet continues to remain at the forefront of the design world, encouraging visitors to discover, dream and delight in the art of living.
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