Under the theme “Past Reveals Future”, Maison&Objet constructs a new narrative for contemporary living: a vision that explores heritage and craftsmanship through innovative design processes, adapting to the evolution of forms and functions. Guiding this journey is Harry Nuriev, elected Designer of the Year by the exhibition – a key figure in today’s design landscape, perfectly in tune with the values driving this year’s event. Harry Nuriev’s approach blurs the lines between craftsmanship and contemporary design, riding the wave of a creative manifesto he calls “Transformism”.
«Transformism is a way of seeing, feeling, and acting», his manifesto reads. «We live in a world saturated with objects, data, and ideas. Today, the real challenge isn’t invention, but perception. It’s not a time for innovation, but for sensibility, empathy, and an honest response to what already exists». He continues: «My creative process doesn’t start with a blank canvas, but with the world as it is. To transform means to give a second life without erasing the origin, to amplify its essence, and to restore meaning to what has been forgotten». Nuriev thus proposes a singular vision of the world he inhabits: a universe populated by objects, fueled by data, and animated by a constant flow of ideas. Balancing collectible design and contemporary art, his creations – whether products or interiors – resonate with the collective unconscious, designed to be accessible, recognizable, and always future-oriented.
With over 30 projects annually across retail, fashion, hospitality, and international cultural institutions, Nuriev divides his time between Paris and New York, where he founded Crosby Studios in 2014. «Two distinct yet complementary energies fuel my creative vision every day», says the designer. «New York shaped me as a designer of objects and spaces thanks to its cultural diversity and unique intensity. Paris pushed me to deepen my emotional connection with the world, to transform the tangible into a visual and spiritual narrative, into art. Coming to France opened a new door for me, a space for experimentation».
Harry Nuriev’s collaborations extend globally, connecting fashion, design, and some of the most prestigious cultural institutions: Balenciaga, H&M, Fusalp, Nike, Delta Air Lines, Dover Street Market, Gucci, Baccarat, Valentino, Westwing, Art Basel, the Louvre, and Mobilier National. «In my creative process, I don’t differentiate between working for Art Basel or another brand. What matters are the people behind the brands and the conversations that can emerge».
Photo © Luc Bertrand
At Maison&Objet, the designer makes a return: «The first time I visited Maison&Objet, I had just founded Crosby Studios. I left the fair full of inspiration and new contacts, and immediately felt a strong affinity with its inclusive and community-based approach. What struck me most was the sense of community that Maison&Objet manages to create around the event. Artisans, curators, studios, brands: everyone meets and contributes to an extraordinary collective energy. Unexpected conversations arise everywhere at every edition». Here, he will present a totally immersive and ad hoc scenography to offer a new experience of design inspiration.
