French savoir-faire / The renewal of French know-how

Pierre Gonalons

Designer and Interior architect

Pierre Gonalons is a product and interior designer based in Paris. Born and raised in Lyon with an Italian culture background, he has early developed French heritage and art history awareness. Camondo school alumni – 2002, Pierre Gonalons very quickly established his singular vision of design and space, he founded his creative studio when he was 23 and his first creations were shown the following year.He defends a minimal design mixed with references to the decorative arts and pop culture. His creations are setting between simplicity and spectacular and revealing a subtle work of interpretation about the subjects he remains faithful and which are his signature. He focuses on the expression of the material and the craftsmanship which he considers to be a major source of inspiration. Beyond the simple function, the object must convey a contemporary meaning and a sincere message. Pierre Gonalons founded ASCETE in 2004 for which he designs collections of lighting, furniture and objects. He has been collaborating in product design with prestigious houses, such as Lalique, Chloé, Nina Ricci, Pernod, Weston and has signed since 2016 its first private interiors.

Ruben Jochimek

CEO Matière Grise

Aymeric Duthoit

President Duvivier Canapés

Marie Godfrain

Journalist

Marie Godfrain is an independent journalist specializing in design, decor, craft, and architecture. Each week, she writes for M, le magazine and works for IDEAT and Le Quotidien de l'Art. Passionate about design since she was a teenager, Marie conveys this passion through the magazines she works with, as well as at ENSCI, where she teaches courses on design history. She has just published a biography of ceramic artist Frederick Gautier with Actes Sud. Through her work, she shows us that design goes well beyond just furniture-making: it supports and shapes ongoing societal shifts.