Maison&Objet records growing attendance
Maison&Objet closed its winter edition with a growing attendance, thanks to a strong international audience descending on the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord (Villepinte) in Paris from January 19-23 2023.
Despite the widespread transport strikes and an uncertain economic climate, the trade show projected a positive and friendly atmosphere, supporting the decoration, design and lifestyle community through a buzzing exhibition hall and new digital services that bring an omnichannel solution.
With more than 67,000 visitors, nearly 45% of whom were international, the fourth post-Covid session once again connected a variety of brands, buyers and specifiers in the home decor, design and lifestyle industries. Some countries or regions of the world such as Italy, the Middle East or even Portugal were more present than before the pandemic.
The event also confirmed the show’s appeal to the US market, as illustrated by the attendance of 1,400 Americans. More than 2,300 brands, spread over seven halls, benefitted from a strong traffic dynamic and embodied what has made Maison&Objet Paris famous since its creation: booths with meticulous set designs and innovative collections launched by emerging brands or major names in interior design. As well as icons such as Editions Serge Mouille, Italian companies such as Gervasoni, Meridiani, Martinelli Luce and Alessi returned alongside Pulpo (Germany), Baobab (Belgium) and Lladró (Spain). There were also debuts for new participants like Maison Matisse (France), Mogg (Italy) and Stamuli (Sweden).
Part of the mindset was geared towards ‘Haute Facture’ too, with many French iconic manufactures gathered by the Ameublement Français, including Atelier Alain Ellouz, la Manufacture des Emaux de Longwy and Taillardat. Also back on show were Japanese and Korean brands, always refined and often new to Europe, especially in the Objet section.
Take Care!
The visitor experience was the focus of the Maison&Objet teams, who wanted more than ever to ensure that a trip to the show was more than just a shopping experience. With the theme “Take Care!” and special events such as the Apothem Lounge – envisioned by Designer of the YearRaphael Navot to create a sense of calm – attendees were able to take a break and recharge their batteries in a particularly sophisticated environment where every detail, from the musical ambience to the colours and textures, had been carefully thought out.
And further down the aisles, from elegant lounge chairs for resting to gourmet waffles for indulging, not to mention unusual ping-pong tables to scenic restaurants, the opportunities to recharge one’s batteries – literally and figuratively – were enjoyable for all.
With regards to inspiring and inspired designers, the January edition was not left out with a focus on the next generation embodied by seven Spanish Rising Talents. But also on the United Kingdom with a colourful British Capsule: Laura Bethan Wood and Lee Broom were present along with French talents Elise Fouin, Grégory Lacoua, Victoria Wilmotte and Cédric Breisacher, known for collaborating with brands. The exhibition saw Jean-Charles de Castelbajac introducing new collaborations too, while Philippe Starck launched an eco-friendly collection with Spanish company Andreu World.
The theme was illustrated in many ways, including highlights dedicated to sustainable design. The Confederation of Danish Industries, in association with Laurence Carr – an expert in design and the circular economy – proposed Circularity in Action, a showcase of 11 exemplary houses inaugurated in the presence of Princess Marie of Denmark. Elsewhere, three young winners of the Future On Stage award unveiled new products embodying the commitment to the future of the industry. This horizon was also illustrated by the 500 companies exhibiting for the very first time, to the great pleasure of buyers in permanent search of new suppliers, whose youngest designers of accessories and objects could be found in new areas labelled Spotlight.
A buoyant creativity and know-how were felt in the aisles of the show and then in Paris, where Maison&Objet In the City brought together nearly 100 decorators, interior designers, galleries, major companies and artisans to complete the Parisian experience.
Digital innovations
Even before the next trade show, Maison&Objet set about launching additional digital services for its international community, with three major developments supporting buyers and brands in their commercial transactions and development throughout the year. “If it was in 2016 that Maison&Objet took the digital shift, in 2023, it’s time for the transactional shift,” said Sinziana Marian, Director of Digital Activities for the show.
Starting in Spring 2023, Maison&Objet will offer a marketplace (order taking) through its MOM (Maison&Objet and More) platform to initiate business with new contacts in Europe. In addition, or separately, European brands will also be able to create their own BtoB e-shops on their website, in order to accelerate and streamline sales with their existing customers. Finally, starting with the next edition of Maison&Objet Paris, participants will also have a service to enter and place their trade show orders online. These new services reflect the commitment to develop an omnichannel ecosystem, dedicated to the development of companies in the industry.
What’s next?
Maison&Objet is looking forward to the next edition of the show, which will take place from September 7-11 2023.
Inspired by an increasingly hedonistic spirit and the desire of designers to rejuvenate everyday life in a turbulent external environment, the season will focus on the bold and sometimes surprising signs that are influencing the market. On this occasion, the exhibition will launch a new sector dedicated to wellbeing and beauty, allowing it to understand and broaden the offer of a new category of products that are performing well for the market.
In the meantime, Maison&Objet will unveil the names of the Designer of The Year and the young designers in its Rising Talent programme. After Japan, the Netherlands and Spain, this time the young designers will be French. Running concurrently from September 7-16 2023., Paris Design Week in the town will be similarly optimistic and expressive.
