2010 French Design Forum & Exhibition

Candel holder from the 'United Crystal Woods' collection for Baccarat by Marcel Wanders

2010 French Design Forum & Exhibition

23rd March ‘10

The French Ambassador’s Residence
Kensington, London

On the 23rd of March, the Trade Department of the French Embassy in London presented the second annual French Design Forum and Exhibition with great success.

This year the event was held at the French Ambassador’s Residence in the Kensington area of London, and it included an exhibition of work from 22 of France’s most acclaimed manufacturers, artisans and craftsmen. The exhibition, organized by Annick Lacocqueire and Sandra Pini of UbiFrance, was shown in the historic salon rooms in a museum-like installation curated by Rabih Hage. It gave visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the high-end French interior design industry from the designers and manufacturers themselves.

DeTnk teamed up with the Trade Department of the French Embassy to hold a panel discussion as part of the Forum. The discussion was chaired by Max Fraser and focused on the interesting topic: ‘Commande de Prestige’ (Prestigious Commissions). The panel included Gerard Laize, Tom Dixon, Patrick Jouin, Paul Cocksedge, and Rabih Hage.

Highlights from this discussion included a presentation of Paul Cocksedge’s KISS as well as an interesting talk by Tom Dixon, in which he commented on the issue of publicity stunts, branding, and how hard it is for designers to get their names out in the world.

We will soon have a full video of the Forum on DeTnk.TV, so keep checking back on DeTnk for your inside look at the event.

Below is a full list of the exhibitors from this year’s Forum, along with images of some highlight pieces.

Akalys www.akalys.com

Atelier le Penher www.atelier-lepenher.com

Baccarat www.baccarat.com

Bassaisteguy Masson www.bassaisteguy-masson.fr

Bleu Nature www.bleunature.com

Christofle Orfevrerie www.christofle.com

Collinet Sieges www.collinet-sieges.fr

Desio www.desio.com

Ego Paris www.egoparis.com

Fermob www.fermob.com