The New Wave

Feminine, eco-friendly and timeless-these were some of the prevailing styles and qualities seen at the recent Maison&Objet fair in Paris. We highlight the intriguing work of some of the women-led studios to watch

- Maria Chiara Antonini

As the world eases back into travelling again, international design fairs have also returned with a splash. The Maison&Objet (M&O) fair in Paris made a great comeback this year, with over 2,000 design companies from 60 different countries launching and debuting new products. Held from 18 to 23 January this year, the French trade fair offered a vibrant array of novelties ranging from furnishings and lighting to tableware and accessories to entice designers and house-proud visitors alike.

The leitmotif for this edition of the event was sustainability: designers and manufacturers are becoming more mindful of their environmental impact, and aim to reduce the carbon footprint of their firms by promoting more sustainable methods of production. This eco-conscious approach is evident in the work of the women creators behind four of such design firms. While these studios may originate from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and showcase a diverse mix of styles and material choices, they all tap into a common ecologically minded ethos that aims to minimise waste in their production processes, harness locally derived resources and support homegrown artisans where possible.

Here, the founders of these firms tell us more about their chosen creative path and philosophy, and how they navigate the challenges of their dual roles as both designers and creative entrepreneurs.

Threads of Time

Up-and-coming rug brand Marmi relishes bridging its cross-cultural influences while using ethically sourced materials and supporting local craft traditions