Introducing Palais de Tokyo 2024
Words by Lisa O’Neil
France is having a moment if you haven’t noticed. Infiltrating the global consciousness through sport via the Olympics and Paralympics, we have loved the iconic architecture of Paris in the background of heroic sporting feats. Breaking up the athletics, equestrian events and gymnastics were scenes of cobbled laneways, rows of delicate pastries and impossibly chic Parisienne patrons.
Ah Paris, j’adore.
French furniture is always front of mind for us and recently, our owner of Ligne Roset Perth Michael Fotis travelled to France to see the new collection and hear about its creation from Antoine Roset.
“It was my second time returning to travel since Covid and being in the cultural melting pot of Paris was electric,” Michael said. “Seeing the Ligne Roset showroom with the new collection Palais de Tokyo reignited my love for how this beautiful furniture can transform and uplift a space.”
The art of living is imbedded in every piece, where functionality and comfort are equally considered with unique form, which is a true asset of every Ligne Roset collection. Woven into the expected quality and innovation of Ligne Roset pieces are new touches such as travertine marble, blush pinks and timber aspects on sectional sofas.
Antoine particularly highlighted the exceptional Kobold sofa, a new sectional designed by Erwan Bouroullec, which is multi-functional and works wonderfully in an Australian setting.
“Erwan Bourollec and Michel Roset spoke about how the Kobold sofa has been created to be multi-functional and eco-friendly to be recycled entirely at the end of its life, made from foam, fabric, wood and metal,” Antoine said. “As apartments and villas are much bigger in Australia than Europe, the Kobold will be able to match any large configuration.”
The Kobold has been likened to a small room, providing the possibility of a spare bed, a library and casual dining within one compact unit. It’s a clever space saver indeed for those with limited space, but when it expands to a larger scale, it borders on architectural genius.
Also destined to make a splash in the Australian market is Sebastian Herkner’s Noka, a modular sofa created to be the heart of the home. Inspired by Japanese country houses, the Noka symbolises stability and openness.
Antoine guides us to consider the Sport fabric by Kvadrat for Ligne Roset sofas, made entirely from 100 per cent recycled Ocean-bound PET, a key feature of the recent Palais de Tokyo exhibition.
Beyond the living room, the exquisite dining table range of Camma is expanding to include a round version in solid oak, a luxurious touch to the staggered, voluptuous legs. The sculptural Hashira table, with its four pillar-style legs allowing diners to sit comfortably around it, welcomes a new striking white marble top that contrasts beautifully with its black-stained ash legs.
The Palais de Tokyo collection will also see a complete collection from Pierre Guariche, originally produced in the 1950s and 60s, the first time Ligne Roset has introduced 16 elements from the one designer in its annual collection.
Michael returns to Australia filled with inspiration for incorporating Ligne Roset’s extraordinary creativity into the warmth of Australian architecture and more than a few croissants.
“I’m so looking forward to guests coming into our Perth store to see for themselves the craftsmanship and luxury details threaded through this new collection,” Michael enthused. “And beyond that, come and talk to me about travel, where you’ve been that incites interior inspiration like Paris did for me.”
For more Ligne Roset inspiration, please see our latest collection here and enjoy Michael’s top five travel tips for Paris.
- Where to stay – location, location. This year I chose to stay in a new-to-me hotel, Padam Hotel in the 8th Arrondissement due to its proximity to the Palais de Tokyo. The streets on my stroll to the Ligne Roset exhibition were so picturesque, I had to factor in an extra half hour to photograph and admire the breadth of shopfronts.
- Mode of transport – Stay above ground! I walked everywhere to see all Paris has to offer beyond the beaten track and of course, to provide an appetite for the pastries.
- Foodie musts: La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac – 2 Rue de Chaillot, 8th For amazing pastries, walking distance from Palais de Tokyo. If you love a burger, this is something a little lux! Lobster Paradise, 27 Rue Jean Giraudoux, 8th arr.
- Fashion: Head to Rue Saint Honoré, 1st for a feast of designer fashion, great spots to eat and amazing architecture
- Must visit: Jardin du Luxembourg, 6th arr.(Luxembourg Gardens)was beautiful, a great place to have a leisurely stroll, sit down and enjoy that amazing baguette that you’ve pick up along the way!
Credits:
Story by, Ligne Roset Perth 2024.
