To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Maison &Objet is looking to future trends in consumer behaviour being driven by Generations Y and Z. The theme “(Re)Generation” will run throughout 2020, guided by international style and innovation consulting firm NellyRodi. January’s edition will decipher the desires and expectations of an “engaged generation” that has grown up in a world of crises affecting the economy, the environment, identities and migration; whilst the September fair will turn the spotlight on what the “augmented generation” wants – a generation raised on a diet of social media and the internet.
“Faced with multiple global crises, today’s twenty- and thirty-somethings are keen to pull together to change the world and, spurred on by the likes of Greta Thunberg, they don’t hesitate to become actively engaged” explains Vincent Grégoire, trend hunter at NellyRodi. “It is a generation that is deeply concerned about making a meaningful difference, which is in itself injecting new values into everyone’s way of living.” These well-informed consumers dream of getting back to nature, adopting vegan materials, bringing the outdoors in. Led by their ethics, they advocate fair, responsible and virtuous trade.
In a similar vein, these community-minded individuals champion small regional productions, and a return to handcrafted wares that are underpinned by solid social and human foundations. With sustainability another factor that tops their priority list, this engaged generation also flies the flag for exchanging items and buying second hand, turning upcycling into a veritable lifestyle. “In their eyes, everything can be turned into something beautiful”, adds Grégoire.
Designer of the Year, Michael Anastassiades
When Michael Anastassiades launched his eponymous lighting brand in 2007, the first fair at which he presented his new designs was Maison&Objet. Now, he is coming back as Designer of the Year. In the interval, he has become one of the most prolific lighting designers working today. While best known for his lighting, he has designed with the same rigor and clarity in all fields including furniture, accessories, and a range of products for well-known brands and organizations around the world.
This January, Michael wants to offer an experience. For the very first time, all 16 of his Mobile Chandeliers, will be showcased together: in the dark space, the lights, propelled by motors, will move as if planets. Once more, Anastassiades is working simultaneously with the qualities and conditions of darkness and light.
For more, visit https://www.maison-objet.com/en
