+ 5 Talks
The Design Conversations is becoming a new highlight of Paris Design Week this year. Held at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, this conference series brings together designers, historians, curators, institutions, journalists and leading figures from the creative industries to reflect on the major challenges shaping contemporary design. For this inaugural edition, the theme "What narratives should French design embrace today?" explores how French design builds its identity, showcases its craftsmanship and expertise, and envisions its future.
+ Exceptional Screening
At 1:00 pm, come along and watch a special screening of "Andrée Putman, la grande dame du design", in the presence of Saléha Gherdane, director, and Olivia Putman, Artistic Director of Andrée Putman Studio.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Wednesday september 16, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Access to the conferences is free, subject to prior registration. Each conference is limited to 100 participants. Registrations are recorded within the limit of available spots.
wednesday 16 septembre — 12:00 pm-12:45 pm
The Right to Beauty: What Role Can Design Play in Paris?
From intention to implementation: how does Paris plan to give design a greater role in shaping its public spaces?
Urban furniture, signage, areas for relaxation, playgrounds and the place of children in the city: what commissioning models should be developed, and what role should designers and architects play? How can the “right to beauty”, championed by Emmanuel Grégoire, be translated into projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, ecological transition, accessibility and attractiveness? Recently appointed General Delegate for Aesthetics and Design for the City of Paris, Lily Munson will outline this new ambition, how it connects with existing initiatives, and the projects to come. The discussion will be enriched by insights from Ramy Fischler, designer of the new contre-terrasses along the Champs-Élysées, and Bina Baitel, designer of the Monument des Championnes et des Champions.
Bina Baitel, Designer
Lily Munson, General Delegate for Aesthetics and Design for the City of Paris
Ramy Fischler, Designer
wednesday 16 septembre — 1:00 pm
EXCLUSIVE SCREENING
"Andrée Putman, la grande dame du design" directed by Saléha Gherdane.
Introduction by Aurélie Laure et Olivia Putman.
Saléha Gherdane, director
Olivia Putman, Artistic Director – Andrée Putman Studio
wednesday 16 septembre — 2:15-3:00 pm
A FRENCH HISTORY OF DESIGN
At the crossroads of industrial heritage, artisanal excellence and contemporary innovation, French design stands at a pivotal moment as the cultural and creative industries evolve. How can institutions, networks and public and private stakeholders work together to shape a compelling and influential narrative for French design, both in France and internationally?
Stéphane Laurent, Art Historian and Researcher (online)
Aurélie Voltz, Director – National Design Gallery
Ludovic Guillot, Director of Artistic Creation and Cultural Industries – Institut Français
Emmanuel Thouan, Director – DiCi Design, President – APCI
Moderator: Nathalie Degardin, Journalist
wednesday 16 septembre — 3:15-4:00 pm
DESIGN TERRITORIES, TERRITORIES BY DESIGN
Regional workshops, local creative ecosystems, design projects and residencies in cities and rural areas alike—design has become a catalyst for transformation. How are local authorities, institutions, businesses and citizens embracing its potential?
Caroline Naphegyi, Director – France Vitrine pour un.e designer
Chloé Rotrou, Designer - La 27e Région
Nicolas Verschaeve, Designer and Academic Coordinator, Designing Forest Worlds – ENSAD
Moderator: Anne Eveillard, Journalist
wednesday 16 septembre — 4:15-5:00 pm
THE HIDDEN SIDE OF COLLECTIBLE DESIGN
A field of experimentation, a rethinking of production models, or a retreat into a market of unique pieces for a privileged few? What does the growing prominence of collectible design reveal about today's design market? Does it signal a deliberate blurring of the boundaries between design and art? And what are the implications for the relationships between galleries, designers and collectors?
Clélie Debehault, Co-founder – Collectible
François Leblanc di Cicilia, Curator
Julien Strypsteen et Eric-Sébastien Faure-Lagorce, Co-founders – SINOPLE
Moderator: Olivier Waché, Journalist
wednesday 16 septembre — 5:15-6:00 pm Closing Session
NEW NARRATIVES AND THE STAGING OF DESIGN
Where will the next narratives of design emerge? In objects, certainly, but also through institutions, museums, territories, digital worlds and the living environment. Open to new disciplines and new sources of inspiration, design is constantly reinventing itself—both where we least expect it and where it has always belonged. Ultimately, this is a way of reaffirming its essential role: giving form to the transformations shaping society.
Alice Gandin, Director – Museum of Hunting and Nature
Harry Nuriev, Designer and Founder – Crosby Studios; Maison&Objet Designer of the Year 2026
Emmanuel Tibloux, Director – École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)
Moderator: Nathalie Degardin, Journalist
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
Ville de Paris
Galerie Joseph
Mobilier National
Centre des Monuments Nationaux
RATP