New Attractions Of Paris

Paris is without a doubt one of the most in Vogue capitals when it comes to fashion, especially when it comes to fashion design. This discipline aims to represent a concept, an intention or an idea of certain esthetic qualities, function or even a symbol; all of which will be the main focus point of the 19th edition of “puces du design” at the beginning of next May (this years event has just passed), for which preparations have already began. Now that the date has been set all the ‘fashionistas’ are aware of the event and are digging out their outfits of the year, for the event of the year. As tradition, the ‘rendez-vouz’ will take place at the Loire Bay (or Quai de la Loire), a beautiful area in which I do encourage you to find your Accommodation Paris, in the 19th arrondissement, near the Jaurès and laumière metro, line 5 and 2. Entrance is free for everyone during the 3day design frenzy, from 10a.m to 7p.m, with one evening show until 9.30p.m on the Friday.

Established in 1999 by Fabien Bonillo, the “Puces du Design” has brought together, after 9 years of deliberation and hard work, a selection of highly acclaimed vintage furniture from the 50’s, 60´s, 70’s and 80’s. This event is not a flea market or a car boot sale even though entrance is free; it is an opportunity for the designers to open their doors to the public and to introduce new people into their world.

Newly situated in the Quai de la Loire, at the stretch of Bassin de la Villette, ‘les Puces du Design’ is the ancestor of the vintage trend, and owes its success to the vast selection of expositions belonging to this genre, which will complete to a number of 70 this year, being shown in all four corners of the world. The whole show, people and content, is passionate beyond belief and manages to hold on to its personal touch despite its vast success; making ‘les Puces du Design’ a catalogue full of creations that is amongst one of the most visited shows in the 20th century. The rigorous selection process of what is to be shown in this show guaranties an undisputable quality control that will suite all tastes and pockets. Of course, the aim of this exposition is not to try and compete or undercut its mass produced competitors, but to offer vintage furniture and accessories from 30-50% cheaper than leading stores, and to provide designer brands for up to 3 or 4 times cheaper than in specialist boutiques. The main attraction for the public is to be able to find original pieces from a different era, made with real handmade know-how, at very reasonable prices.

If you missed this years event, then there is still a chance to make it to some of the events as another addition to ‘les Puces du Design’ is an exhibition held at the Paris Museum of Decorative Arts (107 Rivoli st, near the Louvre), shown until the 1st of November 08, dedicated to the colour red with more than 400 items on show. This exhibition will be dedicated to the use of the colour in a symbolic way, focusing on the technique and material of the ‘colour of excellence’. Amongst this theme will be various sub-categories, such as danger red, infernal red, pleasure red, power red, luxury red and timeless red, all within decorative purposes. Staying in Paris apartments or Hotels in Paris, alongside visiting this exhibition may leave you with some truly inspiring ideas that you may wish to borrow.

Finnish design is world renowned thanks to grand masters such as, Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala and Kaj Franck. Also well known are the large enterprises that have helped defuse these designs, such as: Artek, Arabia, Iittala and Marimekko. In the Finnish sector of the exhibition, the Paris Museum of Decorative Arts has chosen to focus upon contemporary Finnish design with the theme of wood as a focal point; being shown from the 29th of Mai until the 31st of August.