At Home In Paris: The French Capital Through The Eyes Of Franck Millot
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Founded in 1995, MAISON&OBJET has provided a macrocosm within which to survey the evolution of the design world. The biannual trade fair brings together thousands of brands that elucidate consumer trends, the market, and the future of design across industAt Home In Paris: The French Capital Through The Eyes Of Franck Millot
Founded in 1995, MAISON&OBJET has provided a macrocosm within which to survey the evolution of the design world. The biannual trade fair brings together thousands of brands that elucidate consumer trends, the market, and the future of design across industries. The event draws more than 90,000 visitors a year, both French and international, to Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, just outside of Paris.This fall edition, running from September 7 to 11, is guided by the theme “virtuous” — a means of bringing the ethics of design to the fore, highlighting the impact of quality and fair practices, whether at the level of production, distribution or consumption. Beyond this, the trend forecasting agency Nelly Rodi will be taking over the Inspirations Space and sharing its vision by way of its bookshop curation. An overhaul of the fair’s structure provides a new Objet Hub layout for its seven subcategories, from home linens to fashion accessories. The What’s New? sector spotlights distinctive items, deploying innovative materials and craftsmanship.We spoke with Franck Millot, the director of partnerships and special events at MAISON&OBJET and also director of Paris Design Week (September 6 to 15), about where to purchase the best French crafts outside the fair (and his favorite iconic French lyricist).How long have you been living in Paris?Thirty years.What are your “can’t leave without seeing this” recommendations for the city?If you had just one spot to visit, I would recommend Deyrolle [which sells taxidermy and curiosities]. I’d specifically recommend the exhibition produced by Frederique Morrel in the gallery space.What is the most overrated thing people advise visitors to check out when they’re in town?La Place du Tertre [in Montmartre], a cliche of Paris only devoted to tourists.What restaurants or cafes would you recommend?The restaurant in Le Roch Hotel, which was designed by Sarah Lavoine.Where would you head for the best shopping?Fleux, one of the best concept stores in Paris, or Empreintes, a place dedicated to selling pieces handmade by French craftsmen in their workshops.What’s an authentic item you could only buy locally?Wallpaper custom-made by Bien Fait.Is there a designer whose work really embodies the spirit of contemporary Paris design?Matali Crasset, who is one of the most talented French designers.In what neighborhood would you recommend people stay when they visit?Le Haut Marais, the area just south of Place de la Republique. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon: it has galleries, shops, restaurants, museums…What exhibitions would you recommend checking out?Head to Declercq Passementiers for an exceptional installation that mixes lighting and traditional trimmings.Where are the best places to buy art?Gallery S. Bensimon will be presenting a selection of Lebanese artists — Carlo Massoud, Marc Dibeh, Carla Baz, Anastasia Nysten, Caramel Studio and Paola Sakr, selected for the Rising Talents Awards — during Paris Design Week.What is the ideal spot to see live music?Ground Control [a pop-up venue on Rue du Charolais owned by SNCF, the French national railway company].This interview appears in the September issue of BlouinShop and Art+Auction.http://www.blouinartinfo.com/Founder: Louise Blouin Read more