Artistic pairings inside the design world date again so far as milk and ambrosia. In modern instances, well-known duos corresponding to Rem Koolhaas and Miuccia Prada, William Soffield and Tom Ford, and Daniel Romualdez and Tory Burch come to thoughts. In Houston, worldwide design luminary Nina Magon and BeDesign CEO Adrian Dueñas have cast a bond past their working relationship. Oftentimes, the 2 journey overseas to curate the very best collections of what’s au courant within the highest inside design markets on the planet. What’s extra? They bring about them dwelling to Houston.
Dueñas and Magon just lately returned from worldwide design truthful Maison et Objet in Paris, France. The duo share their favourite new developments, collections (together with one thing for Star Wars followers), and ones-to-watch solely with CultureMap. Additionally they talk about their unique, invite-only roles inside the truthful, and Magon presents an replace on her recently-announced rebranding.
CultureMap: What’s the objective of the present? Is it extra of a commerce truthful, or can most of the people attend?
Adrian Dueñas: Maison et Objet, the biannual Paris-based inside design truthful, has been a world trendsetter for over 20 years. Held every January and September, it transforms Paris right into a design hub the place professionals and lovers alike discover the newest in furnishings and ornamental objects. Whereas drawing a global crowd of trade professionals, the truthful stays open to all guests, complemented by citywide design occasions and exhibitions.
CM: You’re each invited friends of the present; how does that work? What are your roles there?
Nina Magon: I’m happy to announce that I’ll proceed my position as the USA ambassador at Maison et Objet for an additional 12 months. This place permits me to symbolize the U.S. design group on a global stage and to focus on the distinctive expertise current inside our trade. This 12 months’s ambassadorship is especially vital, because it supplies a possibility to bridge the hole between world design occasions and the colourful American design market.
Collaborating with Adrian Dueñas from BeDesign, we goal to supply a nuanced perspective that integrates design creativity with market insights. Our strategy to illustration is strategic; I’ll present the designer’s inventive viewpoint, whereas Adrian will contribute important purchaser insights. Collectively, we search to create a complete understanding of the design panorama — from inspiration to implementation. Our focus is on delivering worthwhile evaluation that assists each exhibitors and design professionals in figuring out rising developments and alternatives. I stay up for persevering with to advocate for our design group on this worldwide platform, fostering connections and advancing the dialog round design innovation.
CM: What had been your favourite issues from the present and why did they stand out to you?
AD: Among the many standout discoveries at Maison et Objet Paris 2025 was an progressive Belgian model referred to as Warmth Sail that contains a revolutionary out of doors umbrella design. This modern piece incorporates subtle temperature in management know-how, providing a outstanding answer for out of doors consolation. We’re excited to announce this assortment will probably be coming quickly to BeDesign.
Cielo’s newest lavatory assortment was equally spectacular, presenting contemporary ideas that redefine modern lavatory design.
Moreover, Elitis continues to excel with their French wallcoverings. Their newest collections showcase distinctive textures, designs, and flexibility that may remodel any area into one thing extraordinary.
NM:Ladenac Milano Candles: The show and fragrances take you on a visible and sensory journey. The model’s distinctive character transports you to the sweetness and heat of the Mediterranean.
Lladro Star Wars Assortment: The Lladró Star Wars assortment enchants lovers with its beautiful craftsmanship and complicated detailing, superbly merging superb porcelain artistry with iconic characters and scenes from the beloved franchise. Every meticulously hand-painted piece captures the essence of its character, evoking nostalgia and a deep connection to the Star Wars universe. This assortment transcends mere collectibles, serving as cherished artistic endeavors that commemorate the enduring legacy of a cultural phenomenon, making it vital for collectors and admirers alike.
Imperfetto Lab: Imperfetto Lab captivates audiences with its progressive strategy to design that embraces the fantastic thing about imperfection. Each bit is a testomony to artisanal craftsmanship, highlighting distinctive textures and finishes that mirror the individuality of each the supplies and the inventive course of. This assortment challenges standard notions of perfection, inviting viewers to understand the uncooked, unrefined qualities that evoke a way of authenticity and heat. By merging artwork and performance, Imperfetto Lab creates putting, one-of-a-kind objects that resonate with those that worth originality and the story behind every creation, making it a compelling addition to any design fanatic’s assortment.”
CM: Had been there any attention-grabbing dinners or occasions that you simply attended which can be price a point out?
NM: We had the privilege of attending an beautiful and intimate dinner hosted by Maison et Objet in Paris, devoted to celebrating ladies in design. This unique gathering introduced collectively distinguished designers from across the globe, emphasizing the theme of breaking the glass ceiling and selling the very important contributions of girls within the design trade. The occasion served as a outstanding platform for fostering connections and galvanizing dialogue amongst influential figures within the subject.
CM: Nina, your latest social media posts show that you simply’re within the means of a rebrand. What can folks anticipate from these adjustments?
NM: This rebranding marks a major milestone in our evolution, showcasing outstanding progress as we enterprise into numerous verticals of design. Our growth spans world design, yacht and aviation design, property growth, and our personal progressive initiatives, all aimed toward crafting a model that embodies range, inclusion, expertise, and dedication. This thrilling transformation invitations a wealth of alternatives and contemporary views, positioning us on the forefront of the design trade and celebrating the myriad of inventive voices that contribute to our imaginative and prescient.
These are positively thrilling instances within the Houston design world, particularly the popularity our hometown designers proceed to obtain on the worldwide stage. It is going to be thrilling to look at these developments trickle into city over the subsequent few months — hold an eye fixed out!
