Korean design searching at Maison&Objet

Last autumn, a diverse array of Korean consumer goods converged in Paris. Ranging from sleek travel essentials to textiles where the past and present coexist, the common thread in the wide spectrum of design is to illuminate the everyday.

The number of talented Korean designers aspiring to enter the international market is steadily growing. This, coupled with the active support of local design-oriented public institutions and their systematic frameworks, is creating a synergistic effect. As a result, it is becoming increasingly common to encounter Korean designers at significant global design events like Maison&Objet in Paris.

Last September, according to data released by the organizers immediately following Maison&Objet FW, Korea boasted the highest participation rate among Asian countries, with 39 brands. A prime venue to discover a wide range of K-design products was the ‘Smart Gift’ section, prominent booths curated by leading institutions and strategically positioned at the main entrance of Hall 2.

Among the colourful products that harmonized with the〈DESIGN KOREA〉booth organized by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, which applied Korean five cardinal colours through an up-to-date lens, Life&COLLECT, a design collective co-founded by Doo-ri Youn and Haze Park, aims to elevate the aesthetic of everyday life. Their ‘Home Totem Rug’ series, in partnership with motion graphic studio Particlefield—renowned for their visual works on K-pop stars—playfully reinterpreted traditional Korean totem motifs on Persian carpets, blending digital expression with cultural heritage. The unexpected juxtaposition of red beans, salt, Korean chili pepper, and the mythical Hechi will spark inspiration from the tip of your toes.

Another standout was the ‘Pluffy Time Clock’, collaborating with artist So-i Hong, challenging conventional notions of form and function. Its soft, irregular shape invited tactile interaction, transforming a simple clock into a delightful objet.

At first glance, ‘R TRUNK’ by RAWROW might appear to be ordinary luggage. However, a closer inspection revealed a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to ingenious design. Designed by RAWROW, a tripwear brand synonymous with minimalist aesthetics and functional excellence, the R TRUNK embodies the essence of contemporary travel.

Their philosophy is simple, “How can we carry and move a multitude of belongings with ease?” The R TRUNK results from this singular focus on luggage design. The luggage’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several key factors. It employs Lisof®, an ultra-low-noise wheel boasting exceptional bearing technology by Hinomoto, ensuring durability and smooth operation. The body is the first in Korea to utilize SORPLAS™, an original, high-quality, flame-retardant recycled polycarbonate resin developed by Sony. 

This innovative material significantly reduces environmental impact while maximizing performance, ensuring superior resistance and durability against external factors. The TT Handle™ is notably longer than conventional ones, enabling conveniently hanging bags, clothing, or umbrellas. Optional colourful silicone grips add a personal touch. A discreet storage compartment is concealed beneath the handle, while a built-in scale even allows for on-the-go weight checks.

An official from RAWROW remarked, “Since launching in 2011, our products have consistently been loved by consumers. We have also been honoured to receive prestigious accolades such as the iF Design Award. Building on successful collaborations with great names like NASA and BMW, we are excited to unveil novelties in partnership with a world-class designer next year.”

In addition to these established brands, Mobile Island’s ‘Lighthouse Portable Mood Light’—a MoMA Design Store NYC selection since last year—; Vergum Making, a lifestyle brand by design studio Vergum that revived Korean cultural heritage; and Unix’s hair care devices particularly appealed to K-beauty enthusiasts.

An official from the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, a stalwart of the Korean design industry for over half a century, emphasised, “Design Korea, now in its third year at Maison&Objet, has carefully curated 25 brands of everyday consumer goods from kitchenware and small appliances to stationery and furniture. This year’s exhibition attracted buyers from over 560 companies and more than 5,000 visitors, resulting in successful placements in renowned art galleries and shops worldwide.”

The booth〈SEOUL, MY SOUL〉co-organized by the Seoul Design Foundation and the Seoul Business Agency, presented 27 brands that epitomise the capital city’s vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity. A standout exhibit was Ublo, a ventilation window system for fixed glazing, featuring perforated insulated glass panels that open and close with a lid. Conceived by architect duo and co-founders Na-ree Kim and Robert-Jan van Santen, Ublo’s name is inspired by the French word ‘Hublot’, meaning porthole. 

Kim explained, “Ublo ensures safe ventilation without compromising views or security. The 148mm in diameter circular opening can be seamlessly integrated into multiple materials, including glass and non-glass surfaces such as polycarbonate, wood, and steel.” The ‘Craft Edition’ of Ublo was particularly captivating. In collaboration with ten Korean artists, this series of lids reimagined the window as an art objet.

Each unique piece is crafted using various techniques and materials, including ceramics, wood, leather, and metal. For instance, ‘The Moon’, crafted by Yeun-hee Ryu using copper, evoked the soft glow of the lunar surface, and Jun-su Kim’s ‘Mountain Fragments’ captured the nature of a mountain ridge in vegetable-tanned leather.