Creative Pairings in the Design World
Designers have been pairing up for centuries, from milk and ambrosia to the more modern duos like Rem Koolhaas and Miuccia Prada, William Soffield and Tom Ford, and Daniel Romualdez and Tory Burch. In Houston, international design luminary Nina Magon and BeDesign CEO Adrian Dueñas have formed a bond that goes beyond their working relationship. They travel the world, curating the latest design trends and bringing them back to Houston.
Maison et Objet: A Global Trendsetter
Maison et Objet, a biannual design fair in Paris, has been a global trendsetter for over 20 years. Held in January and September, it transforms Paris into a design hub where professionals and enthusiasts alike explore the latest in furniture and decorative objects. While attracting an international crowd of industry professionals, the fair remains open to all visitors, complemented by citywide design events and exhibitions.
Exclusive Roles at the Fair
As invited guests of the show, Dueñas and Magon share their exclusive, invite-only roles within the fair. Dueñas explains, "As BeDesign CEO, I contribute essential buyer insights to our partnership, while Nina brings the designer’s creative viewpoint. Together, we seek to create a comprehensive understanding of the design landscape, from inspiration to implementation."
Favorite Discoveries at the Show
Magon and Dueñas share their favorite new trends, collections, and ones-to-watch exclusively with CultureMap. They discuss the revolutionary outdoor umbrella design by Heat Sail, the fresh concepts in Cielo’s latest bathroom collection, and the exceptional textures and designs in Elitis’s French wallcoverings.
A Special Mention for Star Wars Fans
Magon highlights the Lladro Star Wars collection, which enchants enthusiasts with its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, making it a must-have for collectors and admirers alike.
Rebranding and Expansion
Magon announces her recent rebranding, marking a significant milestone in her evolution. The rebranding showcases her growth into diverse verticals of design, including global design, yacht and aviation design, property development, and her own innovative projects. This exciting transformation invites new opportunities and fresh perspectives, positioning her at the forefront of the design industry and celebrating the numerous creative voices that contribute to her vision.
Conclusion
The Houston design world is filled with exciting times, especially with the recognition our hometown designers continue to receive on the global stage. It will be thrilling to watch these trends trickle into town over the next few months – keep an eye out!
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Maison et Objet?
A: Maison et Objet, a biannual design fair in Paris, has been a global trendsetter for over 20 years. It transforms Paris into a design hub where professionals and enthusiasts alike explore the latest in furniture and decorative objects.
Q: What are your roles at the fair?
A: As invited guests of the show, I (Nina Magon) will continue my role as the United States ambassador at Maison et Objet for another year, while Adrian Dueñas will contribute essential buyer insights to our partnership.
Q: What were your favorite things from the show?
A: We discovered innovative brands like Heat Sail, Cielo, and Elitis, which showcase exceptional designs and attention to detail. We also found unique and exciting collections, such as Lladro’s Star Wars collection and Imperfetto Lab’s innovative approach to design.
