Among the most compelling presentations was Ark Kollekt’s eleventh collection, a thoughtful installation that resonated with the show’s thematic essence. Drawing inspiration from Danish architect Kay Fisker’s pavilion at the seminal 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the collection cast a reflective gaze back at the roots of modernism while advancing new dialogues in design.
At the heart of the curation stood a special edition Artek Small Paimio Armchair 42, created in collaboration with Ark Kollekt. This reimagining of Alvar Aalto’s iconic form became a kind of anchor for the show—bridging Nordic design heritage with contemporary reinterpretations. Surrounding the chair, pieces in glass, silver, and stone explored the tension between permanence and reinvention, showcasing how traditional materials can speak anew through the lens of innovation.
MATTER and SHAPE 2025 distinguished itself not just as an exhibition but as a cultural event—placing design in direct conversation with the ethos of fashion, architecture, and contemporary art. Its choice of venue—the historically charged Jardin des Tuileries—felt deliberate, echoing a past of grandeur while staging the future of design in the heart of one of the world's most aesthetically influential cities.
