Bienvenue à Paris, Rising Talents Asia!

For the last 22 years, Maison & Objet Paris has been a leading international business platform for high-end design and luxury industry, and has successfully facilitated numerous business partnerships, honoured celebrated and emerging designers as well as curated acclaimed showcases.

Although its Asian counterpart will not be making an appearance in Singapore for the next two years, the truth is:  'If the mountain does not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain'. And so, the previously selected winners of the Talent Awards Asia 2017 will be heading to M&O PARIS, held from September 8- 12, 2017 in Paris Nord Villepinte.

The winners included Lim+Lu (Hong Kong), Jinggoy Buensuceso (the Philippines), Kamaro'an (Taiwan),  Atelier 2+ (Thailand) and ADesign Studio (Australia) - so technically it was more of an Australasia selection - nevertheless they'll all have the opportunity to exhibit their works and meet with the international design communities.

As a preview, we spoke to three of them to get to know more about their designs and aspirations:

 

Kamaro'an (Taiwan)
 

Who are you and did you always want to be a designer?

Kamaro'an is operate by design duo Yun-Fann Chang and Shane Liu, and young indigenous culture worker Tipus Hafay. The name Kamaro’an originates from Pangcah, an indigenous language; it means 'the place to live' . We started this project in 2013, and officially launched in 2015.

We've all designed physical objects but are still very fascinated by the delicate beauty of design and craftsmanship. So for us, having the opportunity to work with Taiwanese indigenous culture, we'll be able to explore natural materials and delicate craftsmanship through simplistic designs.

What are you presenting at M&O and why?

At M&O, we'll be presenting a complete series of products. Apart from our 'Umbrella Sedge Series', we'll also be presenting 'Woven Series'.

Our ideology is to provide culturally related employments in Hualien to welcome youths to come home. Each of our products is crafted by local indigenous weavers. For example, our Woven Series used modern materials like Italian vegetable tanned leather but were all weaved using techniques from tribal traditions.

How would you describe the current design cultures/environment in your country?

It used to be that most Taiwan designers would work in companies like Asus or Foxconn. But in recent years, more and more of them are setting up their own brand and studio. Although Taiwan started off as a high-tech and modern country, the pace of life here is quite casual. Cafes are always crowded with people and weekends are usually about gathering and marketplace. You can also design good products by living a good life. The same goes with consumers' appreciation to design. So I am very optimistic about the future design and cultural environment here in Taiwan.

 

 

Atelier 2+ (Thailand)
 

Who are you and did you always want to be a designer?

Atelier2+ is a creative design-studio based in Bangkok, Thailand founded by us: Worapong Manupipatpong and Ada Chirakranont in 2010. We graduated in Interior Architecture at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in 2009, then received a master's degree from Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design (Sweden) in 2009. Yes, we have always wanted to be designers but sometimes we don't want to limit ourselves to be a designer only. We also interested in architecture, art and craft.

What are you presenting at M&O and why?

For the 'Cane Collection' we collaborate with PODIUM, one of the finest woodcraft company in Thailand. The caned furniture has a unique quality that gives warm and timeless texture to the interior space. It has a long tradition and history back in 17th century when European trade with Asian. We love the historical touch and sense of place when we work with this material and the craftsmanship process. The weaving method has a long tradition since the colonial period in South East Asia. It’s interesting to see how tropical material has been travelled and live through the history on another side of the world. We tried to capture the classic colonial interior and reinterpreted in new contemporary life style.

How would you describe the current design cultures/environment in your country?

We have many young and talented designers who start their own studio/company from Architecture, Interior Design, product design, craft, graphic design and fashion design. Thai design scene is getting very excited past few years. And somehow they inspired each other that make our design scene even more interesting right now. Probably, we are in-between the way to redefine Thai Contemporary Design.

 

 

ADesign Studio (Australia)
 

Who are you and did you always want to be a designer?

I'm Alex Fitzpatrick, and I was born in Canada, and then I lived in Australia and India. I'm trained as an Industrial Designer at the University of Alberta, Canada and set up my practice, AdesignStudio, in Sydney, Australia, focusing on architectural lighting and Luminaire design.

Yes, ever since I can remember I have had an internal desire to create. Now, I channel that creativity towards the scientific and poetic aspects of light with an aim to enhance life with light.

What are you presenting at M&O and why?

As it is my first introduction to Maison&Objet, I chose a selection of fittings to communicate the ideas and stories behind my globless lighting brand. The fittings are highly narrative with a story behind every piece.

Looking to France for inspiration, I wanted to create a limited-edition piece for the Paris show. A colleague mentioned I should investigate the French modernist Pierre Chareau, who designed Glass House, situated in central Paris. I was instantly inspired and started working on a new piece. Paying homage to Chareau's work, I will be presenting a limited-edition Alabaster set of 'LightGarden W2'. The silky Alabaster faces add a poetic sensibility with a soft translucent glow.

How would you describe the current design cultures/environment in your country?

The Australian design environment is very exciting now, both in Australia and internationally. I feel Australians are further defining our place in the world with an increase in companies exporting to the world market and collaborations with international brands.

 

Rising Talents ASIA 2017 will be on show starting today until 12 September at Maison & Objet Paris HALL 7, BOOTH E87.

Click here for more information.