Welcome to a unique journey through the City of Lights, where we’ll go beyond the familiar tourist traps and delve into the secret spaces cherished by a renowned designer. Join us as India Mahdavi, the Iranian-French architect and designer, guides us through her beloved Paris, revealing hidden treasures that embody the city’s true essence.
Prepare to be charmed by the city’s rich history, artistic spirit, and the unique vision of a design icon. Let’s embark on this adventure together!
A Palette of Inspiration: The Artistic Journey of India Mahdavi
India Mahdavi’s artistic journey is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of diverse cultures and experiences. Born in Tehran in 1962, her life has been a symphony of colors and influences, shaping her unique artistic perspective. The vibrant iconography of Persian art, ingrained in her heritage, serves as the foundation of her artistic vocabulary. From her early childhood in Massachusetts, where cartoon characters sparked her imagination, to her years in Germany and the French Riviera, her surroundings constantly nourished her creative spirit.
Mahdavi’s passion for design blossomed in Paris, where she honed her skills at the prestigious École des Beaux Arts. After further studies in furniture design at Parsons School of Design in New York and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts, she returned to France, where she served as the artistic director of Christian Liaigre’s minimalist design brand. This experience proved to be a turning point, leading her to establish her own studio in Paris in 1999.
This marked the beginning of a deeply personal connection between Mahdavi and the city, a relationship reflected in her innovative designs that celebrate Parisian style and culture.
A World of Whimsy: Uncovering Hidden Gems in Paris
Let’s now delve into the heart of Mahdavi’s Paris, where she unveils a collection of her favorite spots that embody the city’s artistic soul:
1. A Playground for Artists: Ketabi Bourdet
Nestled in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, within walking distance of other cultural gems like the Eugène Delacroix Museum, lies Ketabi Bourdet, a vibrant gallery showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists. This dynamic space, according to Mahdavi, is “a young, dynamic gallery presenting work from emerging artists like Inès Longevial and Audrey Guttman, as well as 1980s’ design pieces courtesy of pioneering names such as Philippe Starck, Garouste & Bonetti, and Paolo Pallucco.”
Ketabi Bourdet embraces a diverse range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to printed art, ceramics, and furniture, offering a platform for creativity in all its forms. It’s a place where boundaries blur, and the collision of artistic expression defines the contemporary art scene. This gallery serves as both a physical space and an online boutique, making its collection accessible to a wider audience.
2. Design Inspiration at Galerie Kreo:
Moving along the vibrant rue Dauphine in the 6th arrondissement, we arrive at Galerie Kreo, a renowned space that has become a cornerstone of the contemporary design landscape. This is a place where Mahdavi finds constant inspiration, explaining, “Galerie kreo represents designers such as Ronan Bouroullec, Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, and many more.”
Originally an agency focused on industrial design projects in collaboration with prominent figures like François Bauchet, Marc Newson, and Pierre Charpin, Galerie Kreo transformed into a gallery space in 1999, showcasing the best of contemporary design. Founded by Clémence and Didier Krzentowski, the gallery’s “Furniture & Objects (1960-2000)” exhibition marked a pivotal moment in its trajectory, establishing it as a force in the design world.
3. Mahdavi’s Creative Universe on Rue Las Cases:
Stepping into the 7th arrondissement, we enter Mahdavi’s own creative universe, which unfolds on the charming Rue Las Cases. Here, her design vision spills out onto the street, encompassing a collection of spaces that reflect her artistic sensibilities.
“Les Petits Objets at 19 rue Las Cases and the showroom at 3 rue Las Cases are part of my ecosystem alongside the Project Room, the Tiny Room, and the Studio,” she shares. “These spaces are dedicated to showcasing my collection of furniture, iconic objects, and unique pieces from collaborations with anyone from historical houses of craftsmanship to cutting-edge, young designers from all over the world.”
4. A Cabinet of Curiosities: La Maison Deyrolle:
Departing from the elegance of the 7th arrondissement, we journey to a place where history meets natural beauty. La Maison Deyrolle, nestled between the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Maillol, is a taxidermy museum, but unlike most, it also allows visitors to purchase the fascinating specimens on display.
For Mahdavi, “La Maison Deyrolle holds a unique charm and historical significance since its establishment in 1831. Visiting it is like time traveling and stepping into a cabinet of curiosities, with a collection of taxidermy ranging from majestic mammals to butterflies.” This fascinating space is a natural history lover’s paradise, a testament to the planet’s diverse and captivating species.
Beyond taxidermy, La Maison Deyrolle offers an array of nature-inspired treasures, including artworks, books, prints, and lifestyle items, making it a treasure trove for those who appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Mahdavi finds inspiration in the butterfly boxes displayed within the store, even using them to showcase samples for her design projects.
5. Chez Georges: A Parisian Bistro With Timeless Charm:
Our Parisian odyssey continues at Chez Georges, a classic Parisian bistro that captures the essence of old-world charm and delicious cuisine. With its timeless decor and traditional French fare, Chez Georges feels like stepping back in time. As Guardian food critic Jay Rayner aptly stated in 2013, “inside it is always 1946.”
Mahdavi echoes this sentiment, describing it as “an institution that I appreciate as much for its classic French bistro decor as for its traditional cuisine. It’s delicious and generous like home-cooked meals, and we are wonderfully welcomed by Jean-Gabriel, its owner.”
6. Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen: A Treasure Trove of Vintage Finds
No journey through Paris is complete without a visit to a flea market, and for Mahdavi, the iconic Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen is a must-see. This sprawling market, located just outside of Paris, boasts over 5 million visitors annually and is considered the world’s largest vintage and second-hand market.
With its history dating back to the Middle Ages, Les Puces, as it’s affectionately known, sprawls over 7 hectares, encompassing 12 covered markets, five shopping streets, and countless vendors showcasing their wares on the sidewalks. It’s a town unto itself, offering a fascinating journey through time and a treasure trove of unique finds.
For Mahdavi, “it is a place where I find inspiration, offering a wide range of vintage clothing, furniture, art, and collectibles. There is something for everyone, from high-end antiques to little souvenirs. It’s a fantastic escape, very nice to enjoy lunch on a Sunday.”
Beyond the Obvious: A Unique Parisian Perspective
As you embark on your own Parisian adventure, remember that the city’s true beauty often lies in its hidden corners, its unconventional experiences, and the passionate perspectives of those who call it home. India Mahdavi’s journey through her favorite Parisian spots invites us to see the City of Lights through a new lens, one that embraces creativity, history, and the art of living well.
So, step off the beaten path, embrace the unexpected, and discover the magic of Paris hidden in plain sight!
