Unmissable highlights of the most anticipated design event in Paris.

"Hong Kong and its creative energy punctuate the 1st arrondissement, starting from the Maison Tai Ping showroom at Place des Victoires."

This statement from Paris Design Week's press kit says it all – Hong Kong is having a major moment at this year's edition, proving once again why the city remains Asia's creative powerhouse on the global stage. 

Now in its 15th edition, this year's PDW transforms Paris's most iconic landmarks into cutting-edge art spaces, where East meets West in the most unexpected ways. From heritage monuments getting contemporary makeovers to installations that challenge how we think about democracy and culture, these five showcases are done with serious substance behind the style.

1. Hong Kong Walk On

Stanley Wong and Tai Ping Carpets bring their collaboration "The Hong Kong Walk On l" carpet to the heart of Paris with the "Hong Kong Walk On" exhibition. The carpet features 64 distinct shades of red, white, and blue, woven together in 628 unique color combinations using Grade A New Zealand wool and Chinese silk yarns.

The showcase turns the Maison Tai Ping showroom at Place des Victoires into a display of blue, white, and red - colors that speak to both French heritage and Hong Kong symbolism. While these hues may immediately recall the tricolor, Wong's work reveals deeper meanings: in Hong Kong culture, these shades represent luck, prosperity, and positive energy, creating a beautiful cultural dialogue between East and West.

Location: Maison Tai Ping, Place des Victoires, 75001 Paris

2. Stoneflow Sofa by Bean Buro

Hong Kong-based studio Bean Buro brings their celebrated Stoneflow Sofa to Galerie Joseph, marking the piece's Parisian debut following acclaimed presentations in Milan and Hong Kong. This sculptural seating design represents a masterful collaboration between French designer Lorène Faure and Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, blending European sensibilities with subtle Japanese aesthetics. The sofa's flowing forms take inspiration from water-worn river stones, creating both a striking visual statement and an unexpectedly comfortable sitting experience. Manufactured by DECCA, the piece exemplifies Bean Buro's design philosophy of merging organic beauty with contemporary functionality. The exhibition runs throughout the week with a special celebratory evening planned for Saturday, offering visitors the chance to experience this award-winning design in an intimate gallery setting.

Location: Galerie Joseph, 84 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

3. Coraux de la Liberté by Aude Franjou

Textile artist Aude Franjou transforms the iconic Colonne de Juillet at Place de la Bastille with an extraordinary installation that breathes new life into this historic monument. Her "Corals of Freedom" features hand-woven linen sculptures that cascade from floor to ceiling, creating organic forms reminiscent of underwater coral gardens.

The installation's color journey from pristine white to deep red creates a powerful visual metaphor for cycles of death and rebirth. This marks the first time the July Column has hosted a contemporary artwork of such magnitude, demonstrating how modern creativity can honor and enhance our architectural heritage.

Location: Colonne de Juillet, Place de la Bastille, 75004 Paris

4. 577 Chairs by Studio 5.5

Designers Claire Renard and Jean-Sébastien Blanc from studio 5.5 create a powerful statement about democracy with their monumental hemicycle installation. Featuring 577 reclaimed chairs – matching the exact number of seats in France's National Assembly – this participatory artwork transforms discarded furniture into a symbol of citizen voices. Each chair bears a word related to freedom and democracy, from "mixité" to "république," creating a thought-provoking meditation on civic engagement. Set within the courtyard of the National Archives Museum, home to the original Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, the installation challenges viewers to reflect on the state of democratic participation in our contemporary world.

Location: Musée des Archives Nationales, 75003 Paris

5. Le Labyrinthe by Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau

Designer Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau takes over the magnificent Hôtel de la Marine with "The Labyrinth," an immersive installation that weaves together contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and French cultural heritage. This deeply personal project unfolds across three distinct spaces – the Cour d'Honneur, state rooms, and loggia – creating a poetic journey that celebrates French savoir-faire. The installation demonstrates how contemporary creators can engage respectfully and meaningfully with historic spaces, creating dialogue between past and present through thoughtful design intervention.

Location: Hôtel de la Marine, 2 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

Cover photo courtesy of Maison&Objet