Maison&Objet is restructuring its January and September editions to focus on premium curation and emerging design, while also launching the Women&Design initiative.
As Maison&Objet celebrates its 30th anniversary, the prestigious design and lifestyle trade fair is making waves with a bold new strategy. The organization has announced plans to reshape its January and September editions, offering more specialized events to better cater to the evolving needs of its global audience.
This new direction comes at a time of major changes in consumer behavior and the design industry, with Maison&Objet aiming to enhance its relevance and reach through focused content, innovative programs, and the launch of Women&Design by Maison&Objet, a groundbreaking initiative that will spotlight women in the design world.
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Redefining January and September Editions
Maison&Objet’s January and September events have long been key dates on the design calendar, but the organizers are now amplifying the distinct strengths of each edition. Mélanie Leroy, Managing Director of Maison&Objet, MOM, and Paris Design Week, emphasizes the importance of this strategic reorganization:
“We’re amplifying the distinct strength of each of our two editions to take an even more specialist approach,” she explained during the press conference at the fair. “By refining our ‘in’, ‘off’, and ‘online’ propositions, we’re offering a more effective choice to every participant in the design, decoration, and lifestyle community according to their needs.”
The January edition will focus on premium curation, limited-edition designs, and bespoke solutions for residential and hospitality projects. A special highlight will be the launch of a Collectible Design section, where a carefully curated selection of unique furniture pieces will be showcased. Additionally, a new event, What’s New? In Hospitality, will cater to the booming demand for innovative interior architecture and design in the hospitality sector, providing industry professionals with insights and concrete solutions to meet their needs.
In contrast, the September edition will put a spotlight on emerging design and young talent, creating a platform for new ideas and innovation. September’s Paris Design Week Factory and the Future On Stage springboard program have already garnered significant attention, with applications increasing by 30% this year.
“September is intensifying its role as a revealer of the emerging and innovative creative scene. This edition is essential for young start-ups, designers, and brands just starting out, ensuring they come across the best commercial opportunities,” Leroy said.
A Response to Industry Changes
The decision to differentiate the two editions was made after extensive consultations with key industry players, a process that Leroy highlights as central to the new strategy.
“This new direction is a response to the expectations of our customers, buyers, specifiers, and brands,” she said. “In a changing world and a turbulent economic climate, I wanted to establish an ongoing dialogue with them through surveys, interviews, and polls to analyze their needs in even greater detail.”
With 95% of Maison&Objet participants attending to discover new products, trends, and business partners, the strategy aims to enhance the return on investment for both buyers and exhibitors. By tailoring each edition to specific market segments, the fair hopes to provide a more focused and productive experience for its audience.
Women&Design: A New Platform for Female Designers
One of the most exciting aspects of Maison&Objet’s new strategy is the launch of Women&Design by Maison&Objet. This initiative seeks to spotlight the contributions of women in the design, decoration, and lifestyle industries, providing a platform for dialogue and recognition.
“Ensuring that women are represented at the international level in the design and art of living sector is essential,” explains Leroy. The program will officially launch in September, with leading female figures in design, such as Émilie Viargues, CEO of Christofle, and interior designer Daphné Desjeux, taking center stage. One of the key events of Women&Design will be held on March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Rights Day.
The initiative marks a significant step toward fostering gender equality in an industry traditionally dominated by male voices. By bringing women to the forefront, Maison&Objet hopes to inspire a new generation of designers while addressing gender disparities in the sector.
Innovation at the Forefront
Innovation remains a core pillar of Maison&Objet’s new strategy. Both the January and September editions will focus on showcasing cutting-edge trends, emerging technologies, and new products. The fair will continue to be a leader in trendsetting and talent scouting, providing a global platform for designers to connect with buyers, brands, and industry leaders.
“We want to be at the forefront of all innovations, in both editions, to provide new customers with new brands and new trends,” Leroy stated.
Maison&Objet’s digital platform, MOM (Maison&Objet and More), plays a key role in this vision, offering a year-round marketplace for buyers and brands to connect, launch collections, and continue their exchanges beyond the physical trade fair.
Maison&Objet’s new direction represents a significant evolution in the world of design trade shows. By specializing its two editions and launching initiatives like Women&Design, the event is responding to market demands and shaping the future of design and lifestyle.
“My goal, and the goal of all my teams, is to be a strong business partner for our customers, to show and make the last trends in lifestyle and decoration.”
The upcoming editions promise to deliver just that, with a mix of creativity, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting the design community at every level.
