Villa Albertine’s Oui Design! Festival Brings the Best of French Craftsmanship to NYCxDESIGN
New York, April 15, 2025 – Villa Albertine’s Oui Design! festival returns for its third edition from May 15–21, 2025, celebrating the artistry and innovation of French design and craftsmanship across New York City. The festival, held in conjunction with NYCxDESIGN, offers open studios, designer talks, exhibitions, and exclusive events that showcase the enduring influence of French savoir-faire on the global design landscape.
On May 15, the festival begins for the first time with a daylong pop-up exhibition (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) at Villa Albertine’s historic Payne Whitney Mansion. Brooklyn-based French creative director Aurore Vullierme will transform the mansion’s reception rooms into immersive gallery spaces where visitors can meet expert artisans, explore their work, and experience the finest of French craft.
“Oui Design! is a testament to France’s deep-rooted commitment to artistry and innovation,” explains Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France and Director of Villa Albertine. “By bringing these extraordinary designers and artisans to New York, we foster creative exchange and highlight the lasting impact of French craftsmanship.”
A Spotlight on Expert Artisans
This year’s festival highlights a distinguished group of artisans and designers, including:
- Célina Blundell – Expert in interior decoration and artistic wall treatments
- Cécile Gray – Designer of gold wire sculptural jewelry
- Pierre-Yves Morel – Expert in painted marble techniques
- Julien Vermeulen – Specialist in feather artistry
- Mathilde Martin – Ceramic artist known for sculptural works
Joining them are three Villa Albertine residents supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation:
- Alice Riehl – Paris-based artist specializing in large-scale porcelain installations
- Julia Debord-Dany – Designer exploring material innovation and design research
- Fanny Serouart – Product designer focused on color, materials, and finishes in luxury craftsmanship
French Design Takes Center Stage in NYC
Building on its success, Oui Design! 2025 expands its footprint by forging deeper connections between the French and American design communities. A curated selection of premier French design destinations will participate, including The Invisible Collection, Pierre Yovanovitch Gallery, Prelle, Par Excellence, Galerie Philia, D&D Building (showrooms: Ateliers de France x Véronique Cotrel, Saint-Louis, Perre Frey), Maison Gérard, Twenty First Gallery, Le Studio Anthost, ICFF – Wanted Design, Combray Textile & Design, Ralph Pucci International, Royère Gallery, Atelier Barrois, ETĒLINE, Business France, Amélie du Chalard Gallery, Genius Loci, Todd Merrill Studio, Galerie Gabriel, and Emily Marant. Additional Oui Design! partners include Lang Lang – No.29, Magen H Gallery, Petrossian, Matière Première, Field Studies Flora, Bang & Olufsen, Hartis Paris, Jouffre, TPK Fine Art, Champagne Laurent-Perrier and ADÈLE Collections.
Since 2023, Villa Albertine has led initiatives to strengthen design and craftsmanship exchanges between France and the U.S., working alongside Manufactures nationales and the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation. Among the initiatives are the restoration of Villa Albertine’s atelier, professional networking opportunities, and tailored residency programs for French designers and craftspeople.
The Debut of Savoir-Faire in English
Coinciding with this year’s festival, the iconic French design magazine’s first-ever English-language edition of Savoir-Faire will debut. The magazine, which features exclusive atelier tours, artist profiles, and interviews curated by Les Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national, preserves and promotes France’s rich design heritage.
For the latest updates, full schedules, and exclusive event access, visit Villa Albertine’s official website and follow us on our Instagram @villa.albertine.