Design Trend: Wild

For this January edition, Maison&Objet presented its inspirations spaces around the theme « Wild » with a scenography designed by François Bernard.

Between threat of disappearance and hope for revival, nature takes over, expressing itself in all its first states, from the wild to the sacred. Confronted with a world formatted by technology, urbanization and excessive domestication, the imaginary gets wilder off the beaten tracks, and finds refuge in the innocence of an essential, preserved landscape, untouched. Contemporary creation convenes wild spirits. We return to the forest to reset. Forms and materials reconnect with elements to be in line with Mother Earth. The wild poetic gleans the elementary, the raw, the misshapen, the corroded, the burnt, the scarified. We reinject some nature into the urban space, in search of new wastelands. As shamans, designers call upon the magic of spirits and supernatural forces.

The inspirations spaces was completed by a Bookstore in partnership with the 107 Rivoli and a coffee shop that offered some hot drinks devised by Marc Brétillot like a delicious coffee with cardamom, angelica roots and coal . All of this part was presented in a scenography by Elizabeth Leriche.

Playground by Ai Weiwei

Yesterday, I walked to the Bon Marché Rive Gauche to see the new exhibition of Ai Weiwei named « Er Xi » ( playground). It presents some exclusive pieces of the Chinese artist made especially for the department store. I am surprised (not in the good way) that the first exhibition in France of this major contempory artist takes place here and not in some Museums. The works exposed are poetic with a lot of references to the Chinese culture. It’s beautiful but perhaps a little bit too wise. I like when Ai weiwei is iconoclast and make a criticism of our modern world. I will let you meditate with one of his quote : » I call on people to be ‘obsessed citizens,’ forever questioning and asking for accountability. That’s the only chance we have today of a healthy and happy life. » 

 

Till the 20th of Febuary at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: 24, rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

Very Honored

  

I was walking in the posh neigborhood of the Palais de L’Élysée when I remembered that a new coffeeshop has opened not so far. Honor is a tiny place hidden in a building yard. The concept, created by the fashion brand Comme des Garçons, is a kiosk total black chic look with just 2 tables to sit hidden behind the counter. I suppose that during summer there will be more outside. The place offers a good coffee, not my favorite one. It’s their own blend roasted by Coutume café. But it’s bit too sour for me. The baristas are so kind and have a such great sense of hospitality. You can also order something to eat like sandwishes or a piece of cake.

  

Honor: 54, rue du faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008 Paris

The man who fell on Earth

David Bowie is dead. His music accompanies me since my childhood. His transformations had fascinated me but also have inspired me. Bye Bye King Bee, Thin White Duke, Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack, Aladdin Sane, David Jones. Today, you left Earth to return to the stars.

Inspiration Mix #29

Inspiration Mix #28

Inspiration Mix #27

Inspiration Mix #26

Warhol Unlimited

On the occasion of the first presentation in Europe of the « Shadows » serie in its entirety, the Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris devotes a special exhibition to Andy Warhol. With over 200 pieces, it highlights the serial dimension of the artwork of the artist, a key aspect of his work, and his ability to rethink the principles of the exhibition. It includes of course the classics like the series of « Mao », « Jackie » or « Electric Chairs ». But what interested me most were the videos which are rarely seen. There are however real gems like the « Screen Tests ».

Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris: 11, Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
Till the 7th of February 2016

St Germain… Not on the left Bank

There was over 10 years that some expected it. He accompanied our lounge cocktails for years with his hit « So Flute ». Ludovic Navarre aka St Germain is back with a new album of 8 titles with some « Afrobeat » vibes. I had the opportunity to see him in Belgrade, I admit that I was not disappointed. It was a real pleasure! A pinch of Africa in Serbia! It was the first time that the DJ was in the country and his fans were there.