Oui Design! 2024 Spotlighting French Savoir-Faire During NYCXDESIGN

Join Villa Albertine for a panel discussion and champagne toast to celebrate the start of Oui Design! The panel will be moderated by design historian and educator Alexa Griffith Winton, in conversation with French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance; current Villa Albertine craft and design resident Jean-Marc Bullet; and New York based multidisciplinary artist Terumi Saito. Together, they will explore the relationship a designer can build with a territory, looking at how they each engage with the specificities of a cultural, social, and natural context, ranging from resources to the traditional know-how, the communities and the spiritual beliefs that characterize it.

About the Speakers:

Alexa Griffith Winton is a design historian and writer specializing in the visual and material culture of the last century.  Her research engages issues of craft in the industrial and computer ages, the role of technology in modern domestic design, and the theorization of the domestic interior. She is currently Manager, Content + Curriculum at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where she co-curated with Susan Brown the exhibition “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes” in 2023.

Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance is a French designer working across a wide range of materials and disciplines, ranging from architecture to furniture, interiors to bespoke, limited edition collections, to create a unified body of work with a narrative deeply rooted in nature. Installed in Portugal since 2018, Noé has launched an auto-edited project in Lisbon named Made in Situ, whose practices are rooted in a “territory, its craftspeople and its systemic connections to nature,” by fostering a series of cross-disciplinary exchanges. 

Jean-Marc Bullet is a French industrial design-artist based in Martinique, where he teaches design at the Campus Caraïbéen des Arts. Just graduated from the ENSCI- Les Ateliers, École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle in Paris, he founded the agency Bullet&Associés in 2012. Interested in the link between his Afro-Caribbean identity and his craft, he researches the ways in which objects can be understood as an expression of the social bonds between humans and their environment. He will be in New York until June to take part in the 2024 Villa Albertine Residency, presented in partnership with Industry City + WantedDesign and ENSCI- Les Ateliers, and supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation. His research project is focused on building a dialogue with NYC designers from the African diaspora around the meaning of black design, providing him with the source material for a podcast series on the links between cultural heritage, personal history, and design practices.

Terumi Saito (b. 1993, Japan) is a New York based multidisciplinary artist working on fiber art and sculpture. Known for her backstrap weaving sculptures that utilize iconic jute ropes, she adopts in her labor-intensive weaving process one of the earliest weaving techniques coming from Asia and Central and South America. Saito’s artistic endeavors are centered on a dual mission: preserving endangered traditional techniques and shedding new light on them through a contemporary lens.

Combray Design is pleased to welcome you to their brand-new studio in Dumbo to discover their latest collection.

Inspired by dancing bodies, nature and architecture, Combray’s new collection features a series of large embroidered panels and armchairs upholstered by Ateliers Jouffre, alongside various samples showing the diversity of the applications of hand embroidery.

The collection is sponsored by Rogers & Goffigon, who offered their most exquisite wools, sheers and blend textiles to create a soft and elegant collection that will inspire you to embellish your high-end decoration projects.

Book your appointment to discover the space and discuss your custom projects with Combray’s team!

Discover French designer Laurence Carr‘s original collection at the Keilhauer NYC Showroom. This exhibition of sustainably-designed vessels pushes nature-forward luxury into mainstream consumption, bridging circularity, art, and elegance. 

At its core, Studio Laurence embodies the fusion of mindful luxury and sustainability, with an aim to design artful objects in harmony with nature, championing finite resources while elevating contemporary aesthetics. French interior and product designer Laurence Carr, renowned for advocating the circular economy, ensures Studio Laurence’s offerings champion sustainability without compromising artistry.

Crafted from Nature’s Legacy’s innovative zero-waste biomaterials—Stonecast®, Naturescast®, and Nucast®—the Capsule Collection by Studio Laurence blends durability with elegance. Influenced by the philosophy of the circular economy, their work draws inspiration from the organic and dynamic shapes found in nature. These influences drive their dedication to creating vessels like “Feather,” merging natural-crushed limestone and recycled Agro Forest Debris, embodying their commitment to sustainable luxury.

As Studio Laurence continues to innovate and reimagine, they strive to expand their reach, weaving conscious consumerism into mainstream design. Laurence Carr works on upcoming collaborations with manufacturers, each a testament to their dedication to mindful craftsmanship and a greener future.

Located in TriBeCa, the New York showroom of Mathieu Lustrerie invites you to see “Unchained Nature”, a light sculpture by M. Regis Mathieu, along with select chandeliers by French master artisans who are bringing 18th century craftsmanship to the 21st century.

The showroom will be open to the public until Tuesday, May 21 (except for Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th).

For the first time, Studio Gohard, under the artistic direction of its newly appointed creative director, Axel Huynh, opens its doors and invites the Spaceless Gallery to exhibit French renowned and emerging artist designers Aurélie Hoegy and aurèce vettier during New York Design Week.

A living heritage company and family-owned for more than 60 years, Ateliers Gohard has been passionately creating exceptional finishes within the high luxury interior decoration world worldwide. On the occasion of NYCxDESIGN Week, Ateliers Gohard opens a new chapter, launching its Studio and interior design brand under the visionary direction of designer Axel Huynh. Former Jean-Paul Gaultier Model, Creative Director, Scenographer, and Emotion Distiller, Axel Huynh’s creative inspiration knows no boundaries. With major signatures of iconic Parisian powerhouses such as Hotel Mona Bismarck, the American Center of Arts in Paris, and La Galerie Bourbon, the autodidact designer leaves a mark on Design & Lifestyle with his singular style. Acclaimed by Architectural Digest for his latest design project for Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank and her unique Left Bank Parisian home.

The inspirations of the designer are endless… Travels, Bauhaus Architecture, and Mineral Vibrations. Axel Huynh’s style is firmly contemporary yet minimal, bringing together the excellence of French and international craft combined with a resolutely avant-garde and functional vision of the modern habitat.

From art curation to sourcing for interior designers and private collectors, the Spaceless Gallery is a nomadic art gallery with a global presence in Paris, New York, and Miami. Recent exhibition collaborations include partnerships with prestigious entities such as Bergdorf Goodman, the Invisible Collection in New York, Gilles & Boissier, and Veronese in Paris. Rather than confining itself to conventional gallery spaces, the Spaceless Gallery strives to contextualize art in diverse environments, curating exhibitions that engage with their surroundings. It is with great excitement that the Spaceless Gallery will inaugurate Ateliers Gohard’s gallery space, drawing on Art, Design, Minimalism, and great talent.

Aurélie Hoegy captivates with her skillful manipulation of rattan, a material typically overlooked, to produce extraordinary pieces that serve both form and function. Through her innovative approach, she transforms this humble material into something truly exceptional, seamlessly blending natural fibers with contemporary design to achieve a harmonious fusion. Her work is collected among important public and private collections such as the Centre Pompidou and will be exhibited for the first time in New York at l’Ateliers Gohard.

aurèce vettier’s ‘Prothèses d’Arbres’ series offers a glimpse into a futuristic realm where craftsmanship meets AI and nature. vettier explores the convergence of nature and technology with unparalleled poetry. Collaborating with Ateliers Gohard, vettier has made for the NYCxDESIGN Week exquisite sculptures infused with the finest guild craftsmanship.

This exhibition marks a pivotal moment as these recognized French artists make their debut in New York, celebrating the imaginative intersection of art, craftsmanship, and innovation at Ateliers Gohard.

This exhibition has been supported by Oui Design!, a program of Villa Albertine, Albertine Foundation and Mobilier National, with the support of Institut français.

To celebrate Oui Design!, Maison Gerard has invited leading French artisans and designers Atelier d’Offard and Pierre Gonalons (represented by Ronit Anderson), Saint-Louis, and Atelier Viollet to create a presentation highlighting each of their respective areas:  wallcoverings, crystal, and furniture.

Maison Gerard will also feature works by the French Art Deco masters Maison Jansen, Maison Leleu, Albert Cheuret and André Arbus—the very designers upon whom the gallery established its reputation some 50 years ago; in addition to French masterpieces of the mid-century and today including works in shimmering glass by Kiko Lopez; delicate embroidered upholstery by Miguel Cisterna; ceramics and sculptures by Eric Astoul, Guy Bareff, Jean Girel, and Basque sculptor Zigor. The luxurious furnishings of Aline Hazarian, Franck Evennou, Jean-Luc Le Mounier, Emma Donnersberg and Marc Bankowsky will be displayed as well.

Magen H Gallery is pleased to present timeless pieces by Pierre Sabatier, Philoloas Tloupas, Pierre Chapo, Pierre Jeanneret, and Chaneac, among others. Join them during the Greenwich Village Spring Gallery Walk to discover some revolutionary and significant designs across sculpture, decorative arts, architecture, and ceramics.

“The notion of Movement is at the center of my creative process. It expresses the presence and personality of my designs, be they furniture or sculptures. I am taking this opportunity to illustrate how movement brings to life the pieces I imagine; it is their genesis.”

Vincent Corbière.

“Meditations on Movement” will unveil a curated selection of Vincent Corbière’s latest pieces, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in his artistic vision. Highlighting his adept use of materials like wood and metal, the exhibition promises a journey through the evolution of Vincent’s craftsmanship, with each piece telling a captivating story inspired by literature, art, history, travel, and music. His traditional techniques and thematic inspirations set him apart in the realm of collectible design.

Meet French designer Julien Sebban from Uchronia while immersing yourself in the world of exquisite silk upholstery fabrics. Prelle, the renowned silk weaver from Lyon, and Parisian multidisciplinary design collective Uchronia are joining forces to collaborate on a new textile collection. Join them to explore the dynamic interplay between Uchronia’s vibrant pop art universe and PRELLE’s 18th century heritage.

Spanning over 275 years, Prelle’s legacy of excellence continues to push its creativity and innovation into the future thanks to this new partnership with Uchronia. It’s an exciting fusion of alternate worlds, blending tradition and modernity.

The showroom will also exhibit new furniture pieces upholstered by Pierre Atelier, a custom upholstery and wall covering atelier based in Brooklyn mastering modern design with traditional European techniques.

On the occasion of the upcoming edition of Oui Design! as part of NYCxDESIGN, Demisch Danant is proud to welcome back acclaimed French designer, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance who will present for the second consecutive year a selection of works from Made In Situ, his Paris and Lisbon-based project that advocates for a practice rooted in a given territory, exploring its materials, artisans, craftsmanship and cultural vernacular.

A dynamic examination of the exchange between person and place, Made In Situ is a series of cross-disciplinary works in conversation with nature, feeling, and materiality. For five years, Duchaufour-Lawrance has been living and working between Lisbon and Paris, developing these poetically site-specific collections alongside local artisans and craftspeople. His collections serve as testaments to time spent truly discovering a place, its people, and their history. Inscribed and contextualized, the creations that make up its collections are considered and, hence, more conscious. Each of them does not just tell the story of a place and its inhabitants, it expresses what unites them.

After a first standalone Made In Situ exhibition in New York in the fall of 2022 alongside two presentations in Paris at and during Design Miami/ Paris this past October, Demisch Danant and Duchaufour-Lawrance come together again for this showcase, bound by a shared admiration for narrative-driven design and material-forward conception. Highly respected for their meticulous curation of innovative twentieth-century design, Demisch Danant’s presentation of Made In Situ speaks to their respect for the artistry and perspective of Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, a rare contemporary amongst their roster of historical greats.

On view at Demisch Danant, Made In Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance will present works from the collections Azulejos, Bronze & Beeswax, and Chêne & Liège.

In Praise of the Hand – Artistry & Design – is an event hosted by SWADOH at the Karen Pearse showroom in New York City. This distinctive gathering aims to illuminate the talents of multiple renowned French creators and artisans. Through their work, they ingeniously blend traditional and contemporary techniques to interpret materials and textures in captivating ways offering a fresh perspective on French craftsmanship.

Join French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for a private tour of his exhibition at Demisch Danant gallery and discover his new project Made in Situ.

A dynamic examination of the exchange between person and place, Made In Situ is a series of cross-disciplinary works in conversation with nature, feeling, and materiality. For five years, Duchaufour-Lawrance has been living and working between Lisbon and Paris, developing these poetically site-specific collections alongside local artisans and craftspeople. His collections serve as testaments to time spent truly discovering a place, its people, and their history. Inscribed and contextualized, the creations that make up its collections are considered and, hence, more conscious. Each of them does not just tell the story of a place and its inhabitants, it expresses what unites them.

After a first standalone Made In Situ exhibition in New York in the fall of 2022 alongside two presentations in Paris at and during Design Miami/ Paris this past October, Demisch Danant and Duchaufour-Lawrance come together again for this showcase, bound by a shared admiration for narrative-driven design and material-forward conception. Highly respected for their meticulous curation of innovative twentieth-century design, Demisch Danant’s presentation of Made In Situ speaks to their respect for the artistry and perspective of Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, a rare contemporary amongst their roster of historical greats.

On view at Demisch Danant, Made In Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance will present works from the collections Azulejos, Bronze & Beeswax, and Chêne & Liège.

From live craft demonstrations to an inspiring exhibition, complemented by a cocktail reception and DJ party, immerse yourself in the dialogue between tradition, innovation, and sustainability in design and savoir-faire!

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Second day: An Afternoon of Exquisite Handmade Craft and Design

Join SWADOH at the Karen Pearse showroom for a delightful conclusion to their event, featuring live demonstrations by their creators: Lucie Touré, Céline Wright, Emilie Grière from MU Studio, and Solenne Jolivet. Experience the artistry firsthand and engage with the creators behind the craft.

As we wrap up our last day, enjoy a taste of France with a French aperitif at 5:00pm.

This exhibition has been supported by Oui Design!, a program of Villa Albertine, Albertine Foundation and Mobilier National, with the support of Institut français.

Les Ateliers Courbet is a New York-based design gallery noted for its distinct curatorial focus dedicated to the ongoing craftsmanship mastery and design legacies carried-on by the contemporary artisans and centuries-old manufactures it represents. The tour, hosted by gallery director Amelia Critzer, will highlight French design and craftsmanship, featuring designers from emerging to established careers, and will delve into traditional French craftsmanship, including the work of the esteemed Ateliers Saint Jacques.

While the gallery’s exhibitions program highlights the time-honored techniques behind an objet d’art, its adjoining salons reveal a permanent display of timeless design pieces – bringing together contemporary creations and sought-after pieces culled from the archives. In conjunction, the gallery cultivates the longstanding dialogue between revered ateliers and artists.

Established in 2013 by Melanie Courbet, the gallery was born from the desire to share a deep appreciation for master-craftsmen’s ethos and works of art that embody artisanal dexterity and cultural heritage. Rooted in Courbet’s extensive travels and collaborations with artists, designers and artisans around the world, the gallery is a paean to the painstaking work of today’s rarefied master-craftsmen.

Since its opening, Les Ateliers Courbet has garnered international recognition from a clientele of private collectors, interior designers and institutions alike. Today, the gallery represents over 50 traditional crafts passed on by long lineages of esteemed artisans from around the world, including marquetry, woodcraft, ceramic and glasswork, weaving and metalsmithing.

While pursuing its mission with exhibitions, institutional collaborations and publications, the gallery further supports its ateliers with the Editions Courbet – a series of editioned pieces created by guest artists and hand-crafted by the gallery’s master-craftsmen. Each artist is invited to design a collection inspired by the craftsmanship expertise of one atelier. As a tribute to the artisans’ culture of excellence and humility, each Editions Courbet collection will be named after their respective fabricators.

Gallery hours

Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm

Combray invites you to discover their new collection in a unique scenography which combines design, textiles and dance.

Combray’s new collection is inspired by dancing bodies, nature and architecture. With the support of the wonderful textile house Rogers & Goffigon, the collection showcases different embroidery techniques and materials combining soft velvet and wool appliqués. Two armchairs upholstered by Ateliers Jouffre will be activated by dancers against a unique backdrop composed of five large ajouré and embroidered panels. Following the dance performance, which will be recorded, guests are welcome to stay for drinks and engaging conversations.

From May 19 to May 21, explore The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), North America’s leading fair for contemporary furnishing design, in conjunction with WANTED, an outstanding international platform for emerging designers. Combined, these two platforms will present a curated selection of 450 brands exhibiting the world’s most creative and design-driven furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath products, textiles, flooring, and more. 

Learn more about the French Exhibits and lineup of talks here.

From May 19 to May 21, explore The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), North America’s leading fair for contemporary furnishing design, in conjunction with WANTED, an outstanding international platform for emerging designers. Combined, these two platforms will present a curated selection of 450 brands exhibiting the world’s most creative and design-driven furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath products, textiles, flooring, and more. 

Learn more about the French Exhibits and lineup of talks here.

On May 20th, discover Pierre Yovanovitch’s latest collection, designed in collaboration with French fashion designer Christian Louboutin, with a special tour guided by Vice President Francesca Falzone Mastrella.

Drawing on a decade-long friendship and creative partnership, Pierre Yovanovitch called on designer Christian Louboutin to collaborate on a collection of chairs inspired by female icons. The collection, which is a joint creative undertaking between the two designers, incorporates the work of a selection of best-in-class, historic French artisans to meticulously craft each piece. There are nine limited edition works which are inspired by strong female characters and allegories, from Nefertari and Metropolissa to Dita (von Teese). As a nod to Christian Louboutin’s renowned Nudes shoe collection, the collaboration also features an open edition “Simply Nude” series of five female-inspired silhouettes. The result is an imaginative ode to feminine beauty as told through French craftsmanship.

The exhibition will be on view from May 3rd – May 24th; Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier New York is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm. For more information, please visit: pierreyovanovitch.com.

“Flâneries” is an immersive artistic project that transcends cultural boundaries, bringing together the rich tapestry of French and New York influences through the medium of ceramic art. This exhibition stands as a testament to the creative prowess of our Philia artists—Lisa Allegra, Elisa Uberti, Elsa Foulon, Leontine Furcy, and Pia Chevalier—who have delved into the intersection of nature, urbanity, and the feminine essence, expressing their interpretations through the versatile medium of ceramics.

Charles Zana and Yann Nury have the pleasure to welcome you at The Residence, located in Soho, New York on the 12th floor of an industrial building. Discover the space, which has become a true creative laboratory for the chef, through a private tour led by Yann Nury himself. Designed as a living space for gastronomy, the professional kitchen opens onto a vast living room. All the furniture has been carefully chosen to fit perfectly into this new setting, echoing the history of the location and occupying the space that welcomes guests in a warm, contemporary mood.

RALPH PUCCI presents a new exhibition featuring Xavier Lust, Rebecca Moses, Chris Lehrecke, August Lehrecke, and French photographer Antoine Bootz.

Visit the sculpture studio and explore works by iconic French artists including Alexandre Logé, Andrée Putman, Elizabeth Garouste, Eric Schmitt, Hervé Van der Straeten, India Mahdavi, Jérôme Abel Seguin, Olivier Gagnère, Patrick Naggar, Paul Mathieu, Philippe Anthonioz and Sébastien Léon.

From May 19 to May 21, explore The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), North America’s leading fair for contemporary furnishing design, in conjunction with WANTED, an outstanding international platform for emerging designers. Combined, these two platforms will present a curated selection of 450 brands exhibiting the world’s most creative and design-driven furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath products, textiles, flooring, and more. 

Learn more about the French Exhibits and lineup of talks here.

Invisible Collection is the leading online gallery for discovering beautiful designs from the world’s most renowned talents. Our online platform, alongside galleries in Paris, London, New York, and LA, provides access to a unique and curated inventory of bespoke creations, entirely crafted by exceptional artisans, the guardians of a savoir-faire, deeply rooted in the heritage of Arts Décoratifs. By showcasing a new generation of talents who carry forward the legacy of historic French masters, we have established a distinctive French aesthetic that resonates with design enthusiasts worldwide.

Our role in championing the unique savoir-faire that sets France apart has brought us closer to Mobilier national and Chanel’s Métiers d’art de la decoration. Mobilier national, a public institution specializing in the conservation, restoration, and curation of historic and modern state furniture, has entrusted us with a selection of their contemporary design collections. Chanel’s Métiers d’art – the specialty creators housed at le19M, collaborate with us to introduce their fantastic creations to our international clientele. Like our other galleries around the globe, our space in New York’s Upper East Side has acted as home to the best of French design, showcasing renowned AD 100 honorees such as Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Laura Gonzalez, and Garcé & Dimofski.

For this second edition of Oui Design! / NYCxDESIGN Festival, we are introducing Thierry Lemaire, another AD 100 honoree known for his bold yet sophisticated aesthetic. We are thrilled to present his first solo show in the US, giving the opportunity to design enthusiasts to discover a true master of architecture and interior design, who alongside his many projects, has recently refurbished some of the salons of the Elysée Palace including president Emmanuel Macron’s office. In a setting that looks and feels like a collector’s home, Thierry Lemaire’s designs take center stage. Each piece is defined by strong shapes, a reminder of Lemaire’s architectural background, and bold juxtapositions of materials. The curated pieces comprehensively display his eclectic vocabulary, and the thoughtful integration of form and function.

This exhibition further cements Invisible Collection’s leading role in the luxury design world. The first B-Corp certified company in its industry and the first to offset carbon emissions for transport and delivery, Invisible Collection stands as a community of over 250 artists, decorators, architects, and designers, all brought together on a unique platform, reconciling the old and the new, merging the traditions in decorative arts with innovative digital offerings.

Gallery Hours

Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm

The exhibition will be open to the public starting from May 16th.

The Decoration & Design Building, in collaboration with Villa Albertine, cordially invites you to explore the iconic eighteen-story Midtown building, renowned among design trade professionals from New York and around the world. Serving as a testament to the enduring bond between French and American design communities, the D&D Building proudly dedicates an entire afternoon to celebrating the essence of French design and craftsmanship, marking a fitting conclusion to the Oui Design! festival.

This special event offers attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the creativity, elegance, and innovation synonymous with French design. Starting at noon, a thoughtfully curated program awaits, featuring engaging designer discussions, live demonstrations showcasing artisanal skills, exclusive showroom open houses, and captivating presentations of capsule collections, all highlighting the diverse facets of French design.

The day culminates in a lively cocktail reception hosted by Ateliers de France, Suite 1208 from 6:00-8:00 PM, and we invite you to raise a glass in tribute to the cultural exchange and boundless creativity fostered by Oui Design!

Register online and join us for an afternoon of discovery, inspiration, and celebration as we pay homage to the enduring allure of French design!

The Manufacture nationale de Sèvres is excited to announce its significant return to New York and the United States with Lampes Sèvres, created in collaboration with the French designer and artist Ronan Bouroullec. This unique presentation of luminous objects marks the inaugural collaboration between Bouroullec and the Manufacture, illuminating the Villa Albertine’s Venetian Room from May 15th to May 21st, during Oui Design!