The iconic Paris mansion where The Intouchables was filmed was once again the coveted Design Miami Paris location, now in its second consecutive year. And the exquisite Hôtel de Maisons is located right near 56Paris' agency in the historic 7th district.
Design Miami Paris: A premier international design fair
In many ways, it seems like destiny. Last year, Design Miami, the contemporary design fair held adjacent to important Art Basel in Miami and Basel—and starting next year, Los Angeles—touched down in Paris. And for its inaugural French edition, it chose the most fitting of venues.
Tucked into the historic 7th arrondissement (district) in the heart of the charming Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin neighborhood, near the Musée d’Orsay and the 56Paris office, the elegant edifice at 51 rue de l’Université is a jewel.
Throughout the five-day fair(Oct. 16–20), the finest modern and contemporary design was showcased in the stunning 18th-century building. The Design Miami Paris location includes a monumental porte cochère (carriage gate), cobbled courtyard, gilded ceilings, elegant woodwork, grand staircase and crystal chandeliers. It welcomed a tight roster of gallerists from New York, Milan, London and elsewhere as well as a lion’s share from Paris. Many, in fact, come from the chic, surrounding Saint Germain area.
Best Design at Large Presentation Award went to Galerie Downtown-Laffanour for a Jean Prouvé house. One of the renowned architect’s legendary post-war prefabricated houses, it’s designed to be assembled and dismantled easily. Here, it was situated in the vast garden.
The well-heeled crowd sipped champagne during a VIP Preview day in that same garden. Collectors eyed works from giants such as François-Xavier Lalanne and Jean Touré. And anyone who stopped by during the jam-packed Paris Art Week could share the same sensation. The show is also the dynamic interplay of objects and architectural backdrop.
