Matter and Shape Establishes Itself as Premier Design Event During Paris Fashion Week
As Paris Fashion Week unfolded with major brands presenting their autumn collections, a distinctive design exhibition captured the attention of creatives and industry professionals in the French capital.
Matter and Shape occupied two pavilions in the Jardin des Tuileries from Friday through Monday, featuring 70 carefully selected exhibitors. The diverse lineup brought together established design houses alongside notable fashion brands such as Ann Demeulemeester, renowned filmmaker Luca Guadagnino partnering with Austrian crystal manufacturer Lobmeyr, lifestyle brands including Byredo, Birkenstock 1774, and premium audio company Bang & Olufsen. The emerging fragrance platform Olfactory Signals created an immersive sensory experience, demonstrating the evolving connections between scent, design, and artistic expression.
The exhibition serves as a cultural bridge connecting design with various creative industries. Originally conceived as a digital platform by Matthieu Pinet, the concept evolved into a physical showcase after he joined trade show organizer WSN in 2022 as managing director for Salon de la Lingerie and Interfilière.
Since its inaugural physical edition in 2024, the event’s artistic vision has been guided by Dan Thawley, previously editor-in-chief of A Magazine Curated By. Thawley emphasized that traditional trade show formats are undergoing rapid transformation, with diversity and meaningful dialogue becoming essential elements for future success. This year’s edition focused on the concept of scale, examining relationships between objects, human forms, and spatial environments.
According to Thawley, the goal is to showcase both major corporations and independent creators, presenting industrial design alongside unique collectible pieces. This approach mirrors how people actually curate their living spaces, combining items that might originate from galleries, industrial manufacturers, or even mainstream retailers like Zara Home.
Notable Exhibitions and Collaborations
Ann Demeulemeester created an intimate installation described as a black box experience, where visitors could explore her latest collection developed with Belgian design brand Serax, a partnership that began in 2019. The darkened space gradually revealed objects, tableware, and lighting fixtures, emphasizing texture, contrast, and emotional connection while offering fresh perspectives on her distinctive aesthetic approach.
Paula Gerbase, who assumed the creative director role at Georg Jensen in 2024, presented The Collector, featuring eleven jewelry pieces from the company’s Copenhagen archives. These works were originally created by pioneering female artist-makers who joined the Danish house during the latter half of the twentieth century, including Kim Naver, Nanna Ditzel, and Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe. The presentation included original works by these artists, providing deeper insight into their individual practices and artistic contributions.
Leslie Johnsen, an American fashion industry veteran residing in France, showcased home products from her newly launched Chapelle Industries. The atelier collaborates with European artisans and craft preservation specialists possessing rare traditional skills, creating everything from linens to decorative accessories featuring gold leaf details.
Community and Collaboration Focus
Milan-based designer and artist Conie Vallese, who recently collaborated with Fendi on their Design Miami 2025 project Fonderia Fendi, praised the event’s community atmosphere. She emphasized the importance of the ecosystem and sense of togetherness that Matter and Shape cultivates among participants.
Canadian research studio Bocci participated through a collaboration between founder Omer Arbel, his 22 System components company, and Harry Nuriev’s Paris-based Crosby Studios. Together, they debuted ‘Plug-It,’ a functional art piece incorporating contemporary cultural objects like Hello Kitty candy containers and Bicycle playing cards, reimagined as a dynamic system reflecting how modern spaces are powered and continuously reconfigured.
Market Response and Industry Connections
Exhibitors reported positive reception from attendees, including fashion retailers exploring expansion into lifestyle and home categories. Carlos Tavares, who manages the historic Portuguese jewelry brand Tavares 1922 with his sister Ana, showcased pieces from their ‘Shell’ table collection created using locally sourced beach shells. Through Matter and Shape, the family business established connections with Harvey Nichols and retailers across the United States and Middle East.
The event’s architectural framework was designed by London-New York studio JA Projects, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue throughout both pavilions. Notable attendees included media figures such as Dazed Media co-founder Jefferson Hack and French design pioneer Thierry Lemaire.
Looking forward, organizers plan to continue fostering cultural dialogue and unexpected collaborations, potentially pairing heritage companies with emerging designers or helping new brands break through traditional industry barriers beyond conventional gallery shows or major events like Salone del Mobile in Milan.