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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2020
Event
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e-generation was the theme du jour, dedicated to the millennials who are altering the rules and reshaping consumer responses in both the home and lifestyle sectors. Trends that appeal to this generation such as sustainability, localisation and zero waste were on display with brands such as Arecabio (100% biodegradable eco-friendly tableware), Honeybee Wrap (natural food packaging), Life Without Plastic (sustainable household utensils) , etc. showcasing their ‘green’ products. This ‘engaged generation’ has grown up on a steady diet of social media and the Internet. Having also witnessed a world in crisis, damaged economies, environmental issues and migration problems have made them acutely aware of making a meaningful difference. Hence, sustainability was a big factor this edition, along with fair practices, ethics, virtuous trade, re-cycling, up-cycling and social values. Keeping this subject in mind the Share zone curated by Elisabeth Leriche had natural elements (plant, mineral, earth, fire and water) at the core of her kitchen and tableware selection, with themes like Forest Fever, Sea Shore and Stone Age that showed how materials derived from nature can transform an experience. Alive! Set the tone for the Living zone helmed by François Delclaux, who explored the trade show’s innovations through the categories of life on earth, through his themes called Mineral Memories, Plant
The MOM Village
Happy 25 Years Maison Objet!
Held this January in Paris, Maison et Objet celebrated its anniversary by looking toward the future, zooming in on the attitudes and expectations of Generation Y and Z. BY NATALIE PEDDER-BAJAJ
Andrien Garcia, one of the Rising French Talents
Symbiosis and Organic Life. L a s t l y, t h e C a r e z o n e b y François Bernard showcased Ritual in the bedroom and bathroom settings through three design themes. Manual, paid tribute to artisanal style and rustic elegance, Contemplative, embraced luxurious minimalism, while Expressionist
was inspired by 1950s modern art and Mediterranean colours loved by the great painters of the era. Ramy Fischler, who was last year’s Designer Of The Year, created a ‘live’ installation of a kitchen, a social hub and a studio. “It’s a ‘behavioural laboratory’ that turns the spotlight on shared
The What’s New zone at the fair
living spaces, almost like a lifesized ideas pad, a kind of living display that examines what the future may hold. Five characters share the co-living space of the future and are exposed to different situations, objects and services that question our relationship with the world of tomorrow. My team and
