We catch up with French Outdoor Furniture brand, Ego Paris who are headed off to the Milan Salone 09 too.
We ask them what they've been up to in preparation and hear their predictions for the future of design...
What have you been working on recently? Would you be able to give us any sneak previews of new projects you might be showing at Milan this year?
Recently, we have been working on our Tandem table and more especially on our modular tables (Duo and Quattro) which can “open” themselves to turn from a coffee table into a dinner table. And you will be able to see them at Milan this year.
What does exhibiting at the Salone del Mobile mean for you? How would you describe the positives (and maybe negatives?) of the experience?
The Salone del Mobile is probably the most prestigious one in the field of furniture. It is obviously a very good opportunity for us to show our products and make our brand, and quality of our production known and recognised by the professional market. For us, it is really the place to be!
We're sorry, it has to be asked - How do you think the current economic situation will affect the climate in the design world, and particularly this year's Milan Salone? Do you foresee any positive or negative knock on effects or adaptations that might happen as a result?
The economic situation may affect our sales, as for the other design companies. But we stay confident and are counting on our reputation for the quality of products we offer. Anyway, at least we will have the opportunity to make us more known, and if there is no positive repercussion this year, it would be benefit the next one or in the near future for sure. I also think that in the current economic context, only the companies which want to be innovative will be successful and be durable. That is why we put so much energy into developing different products and trying to look forward. It is the same regarding our quality services, and quality in our products; our goal is to be excellent and innovative.
Do you have any predictions for trends in design this year?
We can see different type of trends in this time… We've already noticed a wish to be closer to the nature in these last years. But this trend is still current. We can see it in the materials, and also in the shapes; they are very organic sometimes. Technology is also very present in the research. In the materials too; very sophisticated, and in the products themselves. We are also faced with the effort of multifunctionality. Furniture have to fill several functions (For example; a table which can be adjusted to get both a coffee table and a dinner table, or to get a 6 person table to become a 12 seater table)
The way of life is changing too, and designers are thinking about new products to follow and give answers to social phenomenons, to this quest for freedom and simplicity we are faced with nowadays. For example, “Finger food” is the current trend; aperitif buffets are becoming an everyday occurrence and people are trying to make life even easier by creating new reflexes in support of a new style of living. Our Kama modular table is indeed an illustration of this. Finally, I think outdoor furniture is in more daring colours now - more and more the colours we used to see on indoor furniture. This is a real innovation. This way, people can recreate an indoor atmosphere outside.
Is there anything you're especially looking forward to at this year's Salone? Can you let us in on the stands you'll be checking out for yourself/selves or new names to watch?
We would like to meet professionals, and see the reaction they have when they discover our products. We hope to be recognised for what we do by the leaders in our market, and generate profits in the future.
And of course, its not all work! Where do you think this year's best Salone party will be?
This is our first participation, so we are not really informed regarding parties coming. If we get any good information, we will warn you for sure. On the other hand, if you have some, please let us know. Just for you to know… on our stand Ego Paris, from 5 pm every day, you will be able to sample a French turquoise cocktail made with “Hpnotiq”.
