The Monaco Yacht Show is hosted at Port Hercules every year at the end of September. One of, if not the, most important dates in the super yachting calendar. It is a big gathering of all the super yachts up for sale as well as manufacturers, suppliers, designers and shipyards etc. As you might imagine, it is a pretty glamorous affair. Thanks to my job in superyacht construction I have been lucky enough to attend for the last few years.
The Parvis Piscine tent holds most of the furniture and furnishings companies and so, is my favourite tent. Compared to the enormous international design fairs like Maison & Objet or Decorex, the Monaco Yacht Show interior exhibitors are relatively few. However, it is a great opportunity to see what innovative and new designs these bespoke companies are producing.
Some stand outs for me this year included:
Humming Bird from the Nectar Collection at Marine Leather
Marine Leather initially caught my eye for their colourful and relaxed looking stand. They use many techniques to add texture and interest to their leather. These include braiding, stamping, embroidery to create a 3D effect, laser cutting and pleating. The Nectar collection (above) features digitally printed designs in vibrant eye-popping colours.
Straw Marquetry and Fine Furniture at Jallu Ebénistes
For some years I have been in awe of the fine craftsmanship of the luxury furniture makers at Jallu Ebénistes . Their creations meld innovative finishes with traditional techniques. This straw marquetry wall panel was made at their workshop in Brittany. Difficult to master and very labour intensive, the final result, I think you’ll agree, is stunning.
Vaudaux – The Art of Covering
Swiss company Vaudaux makes bespoke luxury boxes, accessories and leather goods. At the Swiss Thinking stand they were covering garden ornaments in leather. The bright coloured animals certainly added some fun to proceedings. It also gave us an opportunity to see their expertise in process.
Roche Bobois x Marcel Wanders
French furniture giant Roche Bobois exhibited items from their new Globe Trotter Collection by Marcel Wanders. This collection is designed to feel as if it comes from far-flung destinations. Therefore, it would certainly be at home on a yacht with an exciting itinerary. More colours and patterns which makes me wonder if the curated maximalist trend going to be seen in the design of some new yachts. Now, that would be exciting.
P & L Studio, Paris
Exhibiting in Monaco for the first time were Cyrielle Leclère and Natacha Pons of P & L Studio. Based in Paris the designers produce decorative wall panels and bespoke finishing for furniture, among other things. Using embroidery, crocheting, beading and sequins each piece can be unique. The textured, glamorous finish on this chair would look great on the backs of dining chairs.
Olympia 3 Seat Sofa. Image via indian-ocean.co.uk
Also championing texture was outdoor furniture manufacturer Indian Ocean. The elegant Olympia Collection has an tactile rope and powder coated frame. The honeycomb pattern adds a bit of geometrical fun. It also comes in black.
