Clara Halter
I always find products to admire at the Maison & Objet trade fair in Paris, France, but rarely do I see something that makes me feel so emotional. I did at the Pierre Frey stand.
The source of my visceral response was a new printed linen fabric in a pattern called La Paix. Designed by Clara Halter, it is a repeat of the word Peace in 19 different languages, each set on its own line. Notations printed on the salvage reveal which language appears on that line and provides a phonetic guide to pronunciation.
Each exhibitor at Maison & Objet filled their stand at the fair with the most compelling and trend-forward products they have to offer. The goal is commerce: to sell these products to new customers and to old friends. It is refreshing that in the process of determining what they would display and offer at this event, Pierre Frey made room for a wall covered in a fabric that runs the risk of being appreciated more than purchased.
I hope that this fabric is a runaway success. It deserves to be. Not only does it come in trend-right colors (naturals together or Black and White) and a hot material (linen was shown as the next big thing in upholstery fabric, table linens, sheets, toss pillows and more), but it also comes with an important, universal message that could not be more perfect for this moment in time.