Downtown Design Fair Director Rue Kothari heads to Paris to get some fresh perspective.
I don't know about you, but occasionally I experience enthusiasm fatigue. Being tirelessly positive about everything can get a little, well, tiring at times.
Llandro
It's during these dry spells that you need to pep things up with a strong shot of inspiration.
Verreum
For me, my annual Paris jaunt to capitalise on the international swell that descends on the city, comes at the perfect time. The purpose of my trip is to have real face-to-face interactions with the design people I have been emailing all year.
Seiger
And, how utterly refreshing it is to develop real rapport from those tentative digital conversations, graduating from Whatsapp to what's up? and getting up close and personal with products instead of admiring from afar.
Muubs
It's also a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh perspective, on the trends for the coming year, and how they could be adapted for Middle Eastern buyers.
Kvadrat
I also get to be an erstwhile (and very vocal) advocate for the region, continuing to dispell homogenised views of the Arab world that perpetuate the stereotype that we all take champagne baths and drive Bentleys.
Preciosa
"No, we don't think the gold-plated, diamond-encrusted version of your credenza will work at Downtown Design," I can already hear myself saying.
Lelievre
In the meantime, I shall continue packing my carry-on with almost exclusively black attire (what else does one wear in Paris?) a giant stack of business cards (I still always run out) and some comfortable rainproof shoes (they have weather there apparently) and make my merry way to one of my favourite design cities.
Stay tuned for my report upon my return and follow Downtown Design's Twitter and Instagram accounts for the inside scope.
À bientôt!
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